Abstract
The presented paper focuses on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site of Vlkolínec (Slovakia), changes in its cultural landscape and the possibilities of its preservation for future generations. However, it is also a living settlement with residents who have demands for their standard of living. To analyze the development of changes in the landscape of the Vlkolínec protection zone, we used available relevant data such as historical maps and aerial photographs from selected time horizons 1769, 1823, 1949, 2007 and 2017. Overall, we interpreted a total of 13 landscape elements, paying special attention to historical landscape structures. For the land use elements, we focused mainly on determining their area and percentage of the landscape in relation to their changes in the period under review in the context of natural and socio-economic conditions. In order to gain a realistic view of the future development and use of the Vlkolínec area in the context of direct users of the area, we decided to apply a questionnaire survey in 2017. The questionnaire is a written form of a structured interview. We determined a target group of respondents—residents of Vlkolínec and users of this area (holiday cottage owners, foresters, farmers), i.e., we processed the opinions of people directly influencing Vlkolínec and its immediate surroundings—the landscape. The interviews were focused on identifying problems and proposing solutions so as not to disturb the uniqueness of this site, but at the same time to also attract tourism participants. Based on the results of the survey, we evaluated the identified phenomena, structures and values and compared them with the desired state of protection of the landmark. Subsequently, we prepared plans for the preservation and sustainable development of this important site.
Highlights
Mechtild Rössler [1], the Director of UNESCO, states that there are 105 properties on the World Heritage List that are categorized as cultural landscapes so far
We prepared the delimitation of the territory and the development of the settlement of the UNESCO site of Vlkolínec according to the available sources, from data provided by the staff of the Municipal Office in Ružomberok and data obtained from the Regional
Characteristics of the Vlkolínec is located in the northern part of Slovakia and administraThe site Vlkolínec is located in the northern part of 1)
Summary
Mechtild Rössler [1], the Director of UNESCO, states that there are 105 properties on the World Heritage List that are categorized as cultural landscapes so far. More than half of these still have active roles in sustaining the lives of local communities, including indigenous peoples. Rural landscapes have always been a source of life and inspiration They are a living testimony to how humans have coexisted with nature. According to Antrop [2], the historic village as a living space is constantly changing and is a reflection of the life of the population and its activities in the area. It carries its Sustainability 2021, 13, 2227.
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