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question since 1989 and current and future priorities and problems.
Intentions of
regional authorities
were evaluated on the basis of their publication called Strategie
udržitelného rozvoje Ústeckého kraje 2006-2020 [Sustainable Growth Strategy for
the Ústí Region] (Hrebík et al., 2006), which listed measures and investments
intended to be made in the next 15 years.
10.3 Perception of Living Conditions and Comparisons
10.3.1 Current Conditions of Living
In each of the observed territorial units (with a few exceptions) the respondents
expressed a satisfaction with their living conditions: the figures are 2.17 in the
CR and 2.25 in KV-UL-LB (on a four-grade scale). It is interesting that none of
the surveyed areas in the Ústí Region showed the same trend. Generally speaking,
respondents in peripheral territories (both in the borderland and the inland) were
more satisfied than those living in the industrial, ecologically strained microregion,
where the evaluation was as bad as 2.78.
Despite the obvious differences between particular surveyed areas, it was possi-
ble to indicate several common characteristics in the SWOT analyses (strengths or
weaknesses).
The geographical situation
appeared to be a strength even though most of the
surveyed areas were located outside main development zones (poles and axes, see
the figure/map). The respondents really appreciated both close distances to rivers
(the Labe, the Ohre) and their area's position near the border which results in
opportunities to cooperate with Germany.
The landscape and environment
seemed to be perceived as the greatest assets
in the surveyed areas in the Ústí Region (cf. Raška & Oršulák, 2009). Apart
from the general appreciation of the landscape's high value as well as its natu-
ral and aesthetic potential, there were some specifically mentioned phenomena:
the CHKO Ceské stredohorí (Protected Landscape Area of Central Bohemian
Highland) or the planned CHKO Strední Poohrí (Middle Oh
ˇ
re)aswellassev-
eral attractive localities - such as the volcanic hill of Boren. On the other hand,
the respondents did not fail to mention the air pollution caused by industrial
plants and coal-burning power stations or unresolved environmental issues, such as
wastewater treatment, solid-waste treatment and the needed shift towards gas in
household heating.
The population and employment
were perceived mainly as weaknesses as there
were many negative factors: a continuing decrease in the number of inhabitants, a
low level of education and low qualifications, an insufficient number of job opportu-
nities, an above-average unemployment rate and a high rate of commuting to places
outside the region.
The economy
was mainly characterised in terms of dramatic differences between
traditional industrial or mining areas and other areas that are mainly orientated
on agriculture or possibly crafts. Both “orientations” are currently experiencing a
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