Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.31953/sz.44.1.25
SIX GENERAL IDENTIFIERS OF THE VELEBIT LITTORAL HILLSIDE AND THE QUESTION OF REVITALISATION
IVAN ROGIĆ
Abstract
The paper is divided into two basic parts. In the first part the six basic identifiers are analysed
with the help of which the existing meaningful framework is formed of the identification of Velebit
littoral hillside in the public consciousness and imagination of contemporary Croatian society. They
are: the supremacy of natural forces; deep poverty; extreme ergonomic (working) pressure; the
technical conservatism of the local society; poor social density; the diffusion of the developmental
subject of the region. When these features are observed mutually bound a semiotic ‘portrait’ of a
region is obtained not only without a valid developmental future but also of a region functionally
incapable of development. Therefore in the second part of the paper the question about the
mainstays of the revitalisation of the region is actualised. The term used is: revitalisation, because
with it, it wishes to point out, with the corresponding practices of revitalisation, how necessary it is
to prepare the local society for active/autonomous development. In this search six basic (possible)
mainstays of revitalisation are analysed. They are: a change in the public’s notion of the subject of
local development; a new cultural strategy in relation to the area; a definition of the new functional
value of the area on a national level; the (re)valorisation of the transport integrity of the area; the
formation of an economic structure relatively independent from the natural base of the area; the
construction of a network of developmental institutions. Each mentioned mainstay rests on kinds of
bundles of special practices which differentiate it substantively. However, it is important, therein,
to recall how with an outlined approach of revitalisation the interpersonal connectivity of socio/
cultural changes is suggested, changes in the economic policy and the policy of the infrastructure,
and in the constructing of the specific network of the developmental institutions. Or, to put it a
different way, it concerns an area where with a classic ‘sectoral’ approach to local development the
expected results will not be achieved.
Keywords
Velebit littoral hillside; revitalisation
Hrčak ID:
192312
URI
Publication date:
15.12.2017.
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