SYMBOLS AND IDENTITY OF A REGION: ANALYSIS OF PERCEPTION OF NATURAL SYMBOLS IN AREAS WITH INTENSIVELY CHANGED LANDSCAPE IN CZECHIA
Abstract
This paper deals with the natural potential for territorial identity formation in the Karlovy Vary, Ústí nad Labem and Liberec Regions in Czechia. The main objective is to contribute to the discussion about the importance of nature and landscape (natural symbols) in forming of the sense of belonging to regions on various levels, specifically to assess the differentiation of natural symbolism of the regions in the consciousness of a representative sample of Czech population (the opinion poll realized by Public Opinion Research Centre - CVVM).
The obtained data are compared with the analysis of the inclusion of specific landscape elements in the formation of the spatial and symbolic shape of the regions. Simultaneously, an utilization of natural localities in creating the external image of the region at regional and national levels are monitored, in a positive sense (the use of natural resources to increase interest in the region, compared to the intensity of the nature and landscape conservation by the regional institutions) and also in a negative sense (the impact of nature and landscape damage on the perception of the regions).
It confirms that the natural potential plays an important role in the process territorial identity formation in the studied areas. The data demonstrate territorial differentiation in perceptions of natural heritage and landscape which is positive as well as negative.
However, differentiation in perception of the regions with regards to spatial proximity doesn't show up.