Potentials of Croatian karst periphery from the point of view of students from the University of Zagreb

Abstract

Lagging behind in economic and demographic development has been one of the fundamental features of Croatian peripheral karst areas for a long time. For that reason, the main research goal of this paper was to analyse attitudes of students from the University of Zagreb regarding the revitalisation potential for Croatian peripheral karst areas. A questionnaire survey was conducted using quota sampling, whereby 490 students were included. Th e willingness of respondents to return or move to peripheral karst areas was examined, as well as the association between the respondents’ stated willingness and connection to these areas by place of birth or origin. Furthermore, economic activities that respondents saw as crucial to the revitalisation processes of karst problem areas were identifi ed. Respondents’ views on the possible future development of peripheral karst areas were also analysed. Th e results point to multi-faceted views of the area. A low level of willingness to return or move to peripheral karst areas on the part of the respondents was determined, whereby respondents, who were linked with peripheral karst areas by birthplace or origin, considered moving or returning to these areas signifi cantly more. Rural tourism and organic agriculture were seen as the most important economic activities in the process of revitalisation. Regional self-government units and central state government were defi ned by respondents as most important actors in the process of revitalisation. Finally, respondents’ predictions about the future of peripheral karst areas were predominantly negative.