TITLE:
Economic Development of an Area Burdened by the Surface Mining of Brown Coal, with Regard to the Principle of Sustainable Development
AUTHORS:
Petr Vráblík, Jaroslava Vráblíková, Eliška Wildová
KEYWORDS:
Ecological Economics, Sustainable Development, Coal Mining, North Bohemia
JOURNAL NAME:
Modern Economy,
Vol.8 No.12,
December
14,
2017
ABSTRACT: The article deals with an analysis of the economic
development of an area which has been burdened with the surface mining of brown
coal over a long period. It is an area in the northern part of the Czech
Republic (Most Basin). The contribution mainly deals with the economic
perspective, which is closely linked to the region’s social and environmental
conditions. For the purposes of compiling the contribution, it was necessary to
utilize materials relating to sustainable development and prepared statistical analyses
together with the authors’ practical experiences. The model area has an
unemployment rate which is among the highest in the Czech Republic (8.2%);
however, it is the lowest in the last 2 years. The demographic situation
contends with an ageing population and the migration of productive inhabitants
inland in the direction of the capital. At the same time, there is a large
proportion of socially disadvantaged people here. However, the geographic
location enables cross-border cooperation with neighboring Germany and, thanks
partly to updated infrastructure, a better connection is possible. GDP is
currently at the level of CZK 275,214 (EUR 10,089). It has increased compared
to previous years. The region’s potential lies mainly in new recreational
areas, which will be created within the scope of reclamation after mining, and
which will strengthen tourism and the service sector. After mining ends, around
2055, the transition to a renewable energy source will mean a further
investment. Despite the negative image of the area of interest, particularly in
terms of pollution as a result of mining, it is a region with the potential for
sustainable economic development.