Original scientific paper
RURAL METABOLISM
Ivan Cifrić
; Faculty of Philosophy, Zagreb
Abstract
The author believes that rural metabolism can empirically contribute both to a complex perception of rural development and to a sustainable ballance of the social and ecological system on the local level. At the same time, it can paradigmatically inspire re–thinking of the “ecological complex” in the contemporary discourse on sustainable development not only both in rural areas and on the global level. In this discourse important are not only ecological, but also socio–cultural and anthropological aspects.
Rural metabolism has been conceived as a set of socially motivated physical processes in which the natural resources – by means of human work and energy – are being transformed into products, services and organic waste, that goes back into the nature. This process is being accompanied by social rituals and cultural production.
The author points at the fact that during the last few centuries – both in theoretical thinking on development and in practice – the nature has been reduced to a material precondition of development, while the relationship between man and nature has increasingly been mediated by the scientific and technological complex. Only with the globalization of the ecological crisis attempts were made to find out possible applications of the concept of sustainability (and versatility). This concept is especially important in discussions on the development of settlements and protection of ecological systems in Croatia as a post–communist country.
Keywords
socio–ecological metabolism; village; ecological complex; rurality; sustainable development
Hrčak ID:
139507
URI
Publication date:
15.1.2001.
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