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Overcoming Socio-Economic Problems in Crisis Areas through Revitalization of Cittaslow Towns. Evidence from North-East Poland

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  • Joanna Zielińska-Szczepkowska

    (Department of Economic Policy, Institute of Economics and Finance, Faculty of Economic Sciences, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 4, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland)

  • Agnieszka Jaszczak

    (Department of Landscape Architecture, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Prawochenskiego 17, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland)

  • Jan Žukovskis

    (Business and Rural Development Research Institute, Faculty of Bioeconomy Development, Academy of Agriculture, Vytautas Magnus University, Universiteto g., 10-404 Akademija, Lithuania)

Abstract

The revitalization of small towns is connected with an attempt to find multidirectional solutions to numerous social, economic and spatial problems. It is possible to remove degraded areas and areas with a high risk of social exclusion through coordinated and skillfully planned activities consisting of corrective interventions within these areas and, indirectly, in the whole structure of a small town. There are many studies on improving the quality of life of inhabitants at risk of exclusion in large cities. At the same time, there is a gap in the analyses of this phenomenon in small towns. In this article, we present the results of our observations on changes in the quality and living conditions of residents as a result of social projects implemented as part of the revitalization of marginalized areas in cities associated with the Cittaslow movement. The starting point is to identify the main socioeconomic problems and relate them to the effects of the revitalization activities carried out under the Supralocal Revitalization Program (SLRP). The study analyzed all projects that were a response to social problems in fourteen cities in the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship (Poland). It was based on a quantitative assessment of the selected socioeconomic indicators and a qualitative assessment based on interviews with local experts. The results of the research indicate a reduction in unemployment in all the cities covered by the study. On the other hand, the results of the expert interview show that it is not directly influenced by the implemented revitalization projects. According to experts, after revitalization, the crime rate decreased insignificantly and the educational and professional involvement of residents from marginalized areas is still low. The results may give rise to the creation of scenarios to deal with the socioeconomic problems of the analyzed examples and recommendations for the revitalization of other Cittaslow towns in the region as well as small towns in Europe and the world.

Suggested Citation

  • Joanna Zielińska-Szczepkowska & Agnieszka Jaszczak & Jan Žukovskis, 2021. "Overcoming Socio-Economic Problems in Crisis Areas through Revitalization of Cittaslow Towns. Evidence from North-East Poland," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(14), pages 1-27, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:14:p:7984-:d:595969
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    1. Miglė Zabielaitė-Skirmantė & Marija Burinskienė & Vida Maliene, 2023. "Influence of Revitalization on the Social and Economic Well-Being of Residents: Case Study of Lithuania," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-25, April.
    2. Agnieszka Jaszczak & Ewelina Pochodyła & Beata Płoszaj-Witkowska, 2022. "Transformation of Green Areas in Central Squares after Revitalization: Evidence from Cittaslow Towns in Northeast Poland," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(4), pages 1-25, March.

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