The local community’s environmental awareness on the example of Smołdzino “Green Commune”

Abstrakt

Smołdzino Commune, located in north-eastern part of Słupsk County, Pomeranian Voivodeship, belongs to a group of so-called ‘green communes’, i.e. over half of its area is legally protected. This special status entitles the commune to the funds allocated for proecological investments as well as indicates the general direction of its development. Examining the pro-ecological context of the commune development, in 2012 a survey analysing the local community knowledge of respective components of the natural environment within the borders of Smołdzino Commune was conducted. The survey covered 3% of the commune
inhabitants. It should be noted, that ecological awareness of the commune inhabitants depends on the local authorities attitude and activities in the field of environmental protection. However, the local authorities attitude is ambiguous and the environmental investments are insufficient. According to the survey almost half of the respondents could not evaluate the
condition of the respective environmental components. The surveyed failed to notice a relation between the state of the environment and their comfort or standard of living. Almost 25% of those questioned believe that they are not affected by the environmental issues. However, approximately one third of the inhabitants of Smołdzino Commune is interested in the
local environment condition. The above mentioned group is familiar with the environment characteristics and recognises their impact on the standard of living. About 20% of the surveyed emphasise a good condition of air, water, and nature. The commune development is related to its location and unique environmental features.