Identification of stagnation reasons in the field of land consolidation in Slovakia compared with the Czech Republic

Abstract

Abstract Causes of different evolution of land consolidation in the Czech Republic (CR) and Slovakia (SR) are documented and analyzed. Land fragmentation, methodical guidelines, legislative measures, financing and implementation of land consolidation projects are compared. Extensive, broad, complex land consolidation (LC) brings direct and indirect economic, environmental, social and landscape benefits for land owners and communities alike. It is a planning and development tool that is crucial for regional development. Authors focus on success of LC projects (measured by numbers of accepted projects relative to the country size) and their historical backgrounds in both neighbouring countries. Comprehensive land consolidation (CLC) and simple land consolidation (SLC) are examined. Approach to LC is similar in both countries. Demand for solving certain problems (e.g. land fragmentation, ownership fragmentation) is higher in Slovakia. Comprehensive land consolidation projects were initiated earlier in Slovakia than in the Czech Republic. But the current situation is significantly worse in Slovakia than in the Czech Republic. Risk of promoting particular interests resulting in an environment with disrupted dynamics of land consolidation is mentioned. Slovakia has a chance to change current dismal situation in the field of land consolidation only with the support of landowners.