Identity Matters for Development: Austrian and Romanian Experiences
Identity Matters for Development: Austrian and Romanian Experiences

Summary/Abstract: Two research teams from the Faculty of Geography of Babeş-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca and the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Institute of Urban and Regional Research conducted a research project looking for sustainable development strategies in the rural areas of both countries. The surveyed Romanian villages are: Viscri/Deutch-Weißkirch, Rimetea/Torockó, and Marginea. The Austrian counterparts were all located in the federal province of Carinthia: Tröpolach-Nassfeld, Kötschach-Mauthen, and Weißensee. We used the results of interviews and focus groups with locals,entrepreneurs, NGO representatives, and members of the local administration to underline the relationship between leadership, successful tourism, culture and heritage commodification and protection,the role of local identity and future sustainable development perspectives. The question of transferring these development models to other settlements in both countries and elsewhere was also answered.

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