Problems of Balancing the Urban and Natural Environment on Example of the River Areas of the City of Czestochowa

Abstract

The paradigm of sustainable development gives a new look at urban planning issues regarding shaping the cultural and natural areas of cities. An important element is the new view on the relationship between the river system and the city and its role in the urban biosystem. The river system was and is the main urban-creating factor, determining to a large extent the dynamics of urban development, as well as maintaining their settlement continuity. In the article, the author presents an example of the development and current problems of riverside zones as significant urban-forming elements, affecting directly the concepts of development of the city of Częstochowa. Starting from the mid-nineteenth century, the processes of anthropopression have accelerated rapidly. This phenomenon was related to the development of heavy industry (mining, metallurgy) and the textile and paper industry. Technological processes related to the extraction of raw materials and the production of industrial products resulted in changes in the urban and functional structure of the urban space. As a consequence, there was an increasing degradation of the natural environment and violation of the ecosystem. At the same time, intensive industrialization had a positive impact on the dynamics of the city’s development in the 20th century. Częstochowa has become one of the important industrial and urban centres in Poland. The creation of an area of significant industrial zone and the use of “dirty” technologies led to the degradation of river areas. An attempt to solve problems of biological and cultural regeneration of the riverside zone and river valley areas concerns the reclamation of river areas and revitalization of post-industrial areas. The area of the Warta River is an important link between protected areas - including the valley of the Warta River, as well as natural forest clusters, landscape parks of the Warta river basins (Cracow-Częstochowa Upland, Forests of the village of Herby). Restoration of the riverside zone as a valuable cultural and natural area to the urban organism is an indispensable activity.