Ecological conflicts in Poland |
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| Authors: | W?odzimierz Kurek Robert Faracik Miros?aw Mika |
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| Institution: | (1) Institute of Geography, Jagiellonian University, ul. Grodzka 64, 31-044 Kraków, Poland |
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| Abstract: | Transformation of the political system, observed in Poland for 10 years in connection with economic restructuring and basic
socio-economic reforms to harmonise with European Union structures, is also evident in terms of environmental management.
Pollution has been reduced in many ways but the rise in living standards, linked with the rapid growth of cars and other forms
of consumption, has had a negative effect and environmental conditions have deteriorated in the central areas of large cities.
The growth of waste water and refuse is a considerable problem. More areas are now officially protected and the three levels
of local government established at the beginning of January 1999 (voivodeship, district and community) all have certain defined
environmental protection responsibilities which are cumulatively greater than before. Meanwhile there is a greater awareness
in society of environmental issues, although it does not yet lead to a high level of participation in protection work. However,
there are strongly-expressed opinions on the ecological acceptability of certain economic developments and conflicts are frequently
arising within communities and local governments and also between investors on the one side and ecological organisations and
environmental protection institutions on the other. Most controversial are new roads, power stations (like the Zarnowiec nuclear
project) and reservoirs like the one on the Dunajec river at Czorsztyn. Local communities frequently resist plans for waste
dumps, incinerating plants and other developments which are seen as injurious to health or the quality of life. The planned
reprivatisation of the state-owned forests is also criticised by foresters and ecological movements. Conflicts are likely
to grow as economic development accelerates but better information and greater public understanding of the need for sustainability
should make for consensus.
This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date. |
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| Keywords: | conflict environmental management local government national parks non-governmental organisations pollution sustainability |
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