Ethnographic landscapes as a resource for sustainable development. Case study: Republic of Moldova
Ethnographic landscapes as a resource for sustainable development. Case study: Republic of Moldova

Summary/Abstract: The new research fields and directions in ethnology generate interdisciplinary and correlative approaches, through which is made a link between theory and application, between social, natural, and exact sciences. In this sense, as it is known and the sources confirm, the analysis and research of the ethnographic landscape concept is relatively recent. Also, and the concept of sustainability is relatively new, as its environmental dimension, and especially its economic, social and cultural one. Starting from the actuality and interdisciplinarity of these concepts, their relational circumstances, in this article we analyze the role of ethnographic landscapes for the sustainable development of local communities through the sources which they offer, being generated by elements of material culture and spiritual manifestations. Thus, from an economic point of view, the ethnographic landscapes offer opportunities to strengthen and enhance the value of cultural tourism, to initiate local business and create jobs, develop creative industries, give a rich ethnographic heritage that can help revitalize local economies. From a social point of view, the ethnographic landscapes unite the members of the community, ensure the connection between generations. This heritage object determines to dialogue, keeps communication and collaboration networks, incorporates elements that ensure social inclusion. In terms of culture, the ethnographic landscapes are ethnic marks and reflect identity, authenticity and cultural individuality. They preserve the traditional technical achievements and artistic creation, which are sources of ethnicity and provide cultural goods. Through the environmental dimension, the ethnographic landscapes reveal traditional knowledge, techniques and practices of resource and land use, beliefs and prohibitions associated with the preserving of the balance of nature, etc.

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