Environment and development
in coastal regions and in small islands
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Coastal region and small island papers 12

TWO EXAMPLES OF CONFLICT RELATED INITIATIVES IN THE ADRIATIC-BALKAN AREA 

by Philippe MacClenahan 

Introduction

In 1996 UNESCO launched an intersectoral initiative in the Mediterranean entitled ‘Small Historical Coastal Cities’. This has now developed into two sub-regional activity poles, North Africa and the Adriatic Balkans. 

One of the projects from the North African region, Tunisia, will be presented in a separate paper by Mr Boussoffara. This present paper addresses two pilot projects in the Adriatic area, one provides examples of socio-cultural conflict analysis in Omisalj, Croatia; and the second describes the benefits of intra-regional networking in the post-war Adriatic Balkan context. 

Before describing the activities in the Adriatic, the three key components in the Mediterranean Small Historic Coastal Cities project and their inter-relationships are presented to set the operational framework: 

(1) The projects: they provide a framework for selected activities and a development process that includes tasks such as requests for advice/support, baseline assessments, identification of priority actions, strategy design and action plans, implementation of on-the-ground actions, monitoring and evaluation. 

(2) The pilot dimension: this involves using on-the-ground action as part of a learning process; at a local level this addresses appropriation of know-how and communication/sharing of knowledge, and at an international level it aims at drawing, formalising and disseminating the lessons learnt. 

(3) A network: this is a framework for exchange between local and global levels; at a local level it takes the form of partnerships, exchange of experiences/expertise, and increased visibility; at an international level it allows for identification of shared interests, formalisation of lessons learnt, and dissemination of methodologies and practices.

Description of the conflict

Omisalj: locals versus newcomers

The Omisalj pilot project is located on the small island of Krk in Croatia in the North Adriatic. Krk Island is linked to the mainland by a bridge, and the project addresses a case study, which deals with conflicts over values between islanders and newcomers.

An anthropological study carried out as part of the project revealed a split in identity between the two populations, which a local councillor explained in the following terms ‘Natives failed to open up a social space for newcomers, the latter failed in the way they called for space’.

Since the 1960s, the island experienced indeed a twofold process of emigration and immigration: emigration of locals to America and immigration of newcomers associated with the industrial development of the nearby continental area. Emigrants to the USA supplied the everyday needs of the local population by sending money home.  This resulted in some hard, low-income generating activities such as agriculture, being progressively abandoned, impacting on the landscape, and also resulting in an associated loss of identity and belonging. In addition, the highly centralised and collective government policy of 1960 to 1980 took away individual decision-making, leaving most of the population in an expectant state.

With the industrialisation of the nearby continental area in the 1960s, undertaken at central government level, and now the opening of a market economy, a new population is settling on the island. This immigration process has changed the social fabric of the community and the socio-economic balance. The process of modernisation brought about by outsiders has undermined the local ability to manage their own resources. However, at the same time the local population lost contact and interest in its own land and resources.

The conclusion of the study is that in order for any development plan to be sustainable, it must be in tune with a set of social reforms and cultural initiatives, rooted in the social and cultural fabric. A major issue to tackle is therefore to establish some communication between the two populations, so as to determine a common vision and ideas for the common good. In this perspective, participation and consultation must aim at a genuine empowerment of stakeholders.

Kotor: intra-regional pilot project networking in a post-war context

Countries emerging from a lasting war face two major issues: isolation and a high dependency on foreign support. The major impacts of war-related conflicts are isolation of population, institutions and experts from the international scene; and the breaking of former co-operation links with neighbouring countries and regional/international institutions and programmes. In the case of the former Yugoslavia and its federal governments, some federal states that were once part of the country are now newly independent states, and others are still seeking new political status.

In Kotor, Montenegro, a paramount issue has been to break the isolation factor. Pilot project leaders have therefore been invited to take part in several meetings in relation to the Small Historical Coastal Cities Network. This helped in making contacts with the other Adriatic project in Omisalj. At present, further links are developing in the Adriatic region based on personal initiatives, without any impetus from UNESCO, e.g. a member of the Kotor team decided to pay a visit to Omisalj in the summer while he was also investigating opportunities for collaboration with another project in the area, targeting transfer of practices (how to establish a marine protected area).

The second impact of post-war conflict resolution lies in the overarching dependency on donor-driven projects and a lack of screening capacity by local decision-makers in the selection of project tenders. They face the dilemma between delaying development and reconstruction activities (physical and psychological) in order to identify development priorities, and responding/agreeing rapidly to donors’ pressure for specific projects.

Wise practices: lessons learnt and the way forward

(i) Further refinement of wise practice characteristics

As an output to the Omisalj study, a list of 10 indicators of socio-cultural feasibility for sustainable development planning, was developed. These may provide a subset to the ‘wise practices characteristics’. They include:

(ii) Breaking up isolation

The very attendance at international and/or regional meetings is a confidence and skills building process necessary in the earlier stages of ‘reconnection’. The following actions proved very constructive:

The next stage is to work with local pilot project leaders in order to develop confidence and reliance in project design, and prioritisation of actions on the basis of local needs and expectations. Despite isolation, there is often a minimum local/national capacity for project development on which to rely as a platform for initiating activities and co-ordinating projects.

(iii) Ethical dimension of project management

The ethical dimension of post-war conflict resolution via project development by foreign donors and investors is indeed a paramount issue. UNESCO can play a role in helping project leaders identify their development priorities.

 

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