| Abstract [eng] |
It is not a phenomen that cities are shrinking especially in the regions. This process has been observed for a long time in North America, Wester European countries and Lithuania is no exception. Shrinking cities are generally described as phasing out cities. Due to the decreasing populiation, businesses are moving to more densely populated areas, educational institutions are closing down, there is a lack of leisure entertainment, community, and a sense of security. As a result, young families, whose children do not have easy access to education and leisure facilities are forced to move to cities with a higher concentration of populiation. Moreover, young people, whose reduced employment, deteriorating financial situation of the household, may choose to emigrate. Under poor conditions, the city`s economy is slowing down, which leads to stagnation and no progress towards devoloping sustainability. Although there are challenges to sustainability, it cannot be said that a shrinking city can be considered a dead city and certain decisions can be made towards redevelopment. Object of the research. Sustainble development of the shrinking city of Telšiai. Obejective of the research. To study the directions of sustainable development of a shrinking city and to evaluate their development. Main findings and results. Various analysis of scientific literature revealed ambiguous definitions of a shrinking city. The main feature of a shrinking city is the constantly decreasing population. An analysis of literature has shown that there may be a variety of shrinking reasons, which affect city`s demographics, economy, geography and physical conditions. In order to make a city attractive, different directions of development are possible. Sustainability is at the heart of urban development. The aim is to develop cities in an economically, ecologically and socially sustainable way, combining the concept of a smart city and applying the practices of the circular economy. In order to assess a sustainable development of the shrinking city, a real example was chosen the city of Telšiai. The statistical analysis of the city Telšiai shows that the city is shrinking, the population is decreasing every year and a negative increase of the population is observed. Based on the result of the calculated integrated sustainable development index, the city of Telšiai should further improve the ecological and social development. Also, the city government should take into account the needs of the population, their leisure time, the promotion of community spirit, the development of various programs. The expert assessment showed that the specialists believe that the priority of Telšiai city should be the development in improving its material well-being. According to experts, there is a lack of business promotion in Telšiai, which could increase the supply of labor and promote employment in the city. Expert assessment showed that social welfare in the city is poorly developed. Social well-being is is of vital importance, since the community spirit created in the city allows the residents to feel safe, encourages the them to organize community actions or events aimed at beautifying the city, improving the environment. The results of the expert assessment showed that the city of Telšiai develops the well-being of the environment quite well, by increasing the length of bicycle paths and improving children`s playgrounds. According to most experts the pollution prevention, noise level and air quality in the city are mainttaning the required standard of the ecological welfare. Summarizing the results it can be stated that the city of Telšiai should take into account the development of all dimensions. Promoting business would not only promote employment and create additional work opportunities, but would also bring financial benefits to the city. Financial opportunities can improve and develop the environment and social well-being in Telšiai. |
