Social business innovation and re-population in the Alps

Transcription

1 Social business innovation and re-population in the Alps Wolfgang Pfefferkorn, CIPRA International , Falun, Idre, Sweden

2 OVERVIEW (1) CIPRA (2) The Alps (3) Amenity migration trends in the Alps (4) Strategic approaches (Austria) (5) Focus on refugees (6) Examples from the Alps 2

3 CIPRA INTERNATIONAL International Commission for the Protection of the Alps: Commission International pour la Protection des Alpes NGO, founded in 1952 Roof organisation of ca. 100 NGO s in the Alps Head office: Liechtenstein, national representations in all Alpine countries Sustainable living in the Alps Information platform, knowledge provider, transfer organisation, enabler, initiator Co-founder of the Alpine Convention (Treaty) -> political NGO Basic funding: Liechtenstein 30%, projects 70%

4 THE NETWORK

5 CIPRA INTERNATIONAL: THE TEAM

6 THE ALPS

7 THE ALPS 8 countries Highly developed area Alpine Convention area: 14 Mio. inhabitants 60% in an urban context Wider area: 70 Mio. incl. big cities outside

8 MOBILITY TYPES INTO THE ALPS 8

9 RETURN MIGRATION IN THE ALPS 9

10 RETURN MIGRATION IN THE ALPS : Massive de-population in the Western Alps, stable development or slow decline in the Eastern Alps : Re-population in the Western Alps (e.g in the Italian Alps since 2001), shifting further to the Eastern Alps -> «rural renaissance» Parallel in- and out migration patterns -> «alpine gentrification» Problem area in Eastern Austria: main reasons: Low scenic attractiveness, forestry, negative regional image, large-scale land holdings, weak real estate market, missing metropolitan areas, low accessibility, weak basic supply Sources amongst others: Borsdorf, A. (2012): Amenity Migration: a comparative study of the italian Alps and the Chilean Andes, S.1 u S8; Maurizio Dematteis: Mamma li turchi (2010); ČEDE et al (2014) Neue Zuwanderung in die Alpen der Osten ist anders. 10

11 RETURN MIGRATION IN THE ALPS Migration gains in the Alpine Convention Area is domestic (78-93%), ca. 33% from nearby -> no new highlanders Gains are lower than outside the Alps More men than women, men stay shorter Age group is highest (education and young workers) Highly differentiated at municipal level Immigration from abroad comes mainly from: Germany, South-Eastern Europe (Austria) South-Eastern Europe and Africa (Italy) North-Western Europe, Switzerland and Africa (France) Eastern and South-Eastern Europe (Germany) Source: Demographic changes in the Alps. Report on the State of the Alps. ALPINE CONVENTION: Alpine Signals Special Edition 5,

12 RETURN MIGRATION IN THE ALPS Key aspects for return migration: large metropolitan regions nearby, differences in living costs (housing), quality of life (with small children), good IT connections («digital nomads» with 2-3 living/working places), jobs with lower qualification levels are available, local welcome and support services Pioneers: hippies, artists Increasing research topic Sources amongst others: Borsdorf, A. (2012): Amenity Migration: a comparative study of the italian Alps and the Chilean Andes, S.1 u S8; Maurizio Dematteis: Mamma li turchi (2010); ČEDE et al (2014) Neue Zuwanderung in die Alpen der Osten ist anders. 12

13 RETURN MIGRATION IN RURAL U.S. COMMUNITIES Returnees mostly families with children (main motivation) Key factor: private or professional ties from the past Accumulation of savings: low Entrepreneurs, new businesses from urban background (ecommerce, e-learning services keeping contact with urban clients; coffee shops, fitness, spas ), step into family business, take over retiring owners business Self employed Main challenge: housing High engagement in voluntary work, charity work, schools etc. taking over leadership roles Numerically: modest Source: Von Reichart et al: Impacts of Return Migration on Rural U.S. Communities. Rural Sociology 79 (2), 2014, pp ) 13

14 MOTIVATIONS TO RE-MIGRATE To leave: lack of (high level) working places, social control, conservative gender roles -> female emigration, excluding social climate, lack of education opportunities, external working place (commuting) To stay: working place, small children, parents, social integration, local networks, own property (land, real estate), local supply To return: private relations (children, family, friends), local networks (professional contacts), ties from the past Source: Rosinak&Partner, ÖAR, Bundesanstalt für Bergbauernfragen: Maßnahmenvorschlägen für Entwicklungs- und Anpassungsstrategien für die von Bevölkerungsrückgang bedrohten Regionen; ongoing project 14

15 RETURNEE TYPES IN EASTERN GERMANY Successful emigrant starting new business «at home» Returnee after education Partner follower Family oriented returnee (parents care) Property oriented returnee (inheritance) Senior returnee (retirement) Emotional returnee (homesickness, emotional aspects often more important than economic aspects) Failed emigrants Source: Jain, Schmithals (2009): Motive für die Wanderung von West- nach Ostdeutschland und Rückkehrertypen 15

16 STRATEGIC APPROACHES (AT) ÖROK (Austrian Conference on Spatial Planning): development strategy 2011 New strategic partnership for regions with de-population -> focus > preparation of agenda Different approaches: classical (data, trends, typologies) Motivation oriented approach Experimental approach: language and psychology Language: creates awareness, realities, underlying theories how to use language to strengthen de-population areas? Psychology: how to use emotional aspects as a resource in regional planning? Deal with taboos, learn to let go «the old» and welcome «the new», systemic view Source: Rosinak&Partner, ÖAR, Bundesanstalt für Bergbauernfragen: Maßnahmenvorschlägen für Entwicklungs- und Anpassungsstrategien für die von Bevölkerungsrückgang bedrohten Regionen; ongoing project 16

17 STRATEGIC APPROACHES (AT) First findings and hypotheses: 35% of all Austrian districts affected by de-population No trend reversal areas up to now Many different types: migration rate, birth rate, long term, short term future All these regions have positive foreign migration balance Can be economically strong: industry and tourism Weak when agriculture and forestry dominating -> Different types need different strategies/solutions Source: Rosinak&Partner, ÖAR, Bundesanstalt für Bergbauernfragen: Maßnahmenvorschlägen für Entwicklungs- und Anpassungsstrategien für die von Bevölkerungsrückgang bedrohten Regionen; ongoing project 17

18 STRATEGIC APPROACHES (AT) Debate: shrinking regions, wilderness «orderly withdrawal» as strategic option? Functional areas: keep the minimum level: concentration in small centers plus flexible services: downsizing, bundling, temporary, mobile, volunteers Focus on emigrants as «delocalised inhabitants» and resource: Polo Poschiavo (CH): web platform, newsletter use them as «temporary» returnees: Xmas, Easter, summer holidays Build strong ties with youngsters as long as they are here! Source: Rosinak&Partner, ÖAR, Bundesanstalt für Bergbauernfragen: Maßnahmenvorschlägen für Entwicklungs- und Anpassungsstrategien für die von Bevölkerungsrückgang bedrohten Regionen; ongoing project 18

19 REFUGEE IMMIGRANTION IN AUSTRIA Austrian experiences throughout history: 1950ies (Hungary), 1960ies (Czechoslovakia), 1970ies (Turkey and Yugoslavia), 1990ies (Balkan war) 2014: 1,4 Mio birth outside of AT (Total: 8,5 Mio. -> 18%), 50% coming from Middle/Eastern European States Stabilizing Austrian population: : +5,3%; without immigration: -3,4% Concept of moderate immigration, no interest in brain drain in SE-Europe! Opportunity for rural depopulation ares Source: Rosinak&Partner, ÖAR, Bundesanstalt für Bergbauernfragen: Maßnahmenvorschlägen für Entwicklungs- und Anpassungsstrategien für die von Bevölkerungsrückgang bedrohten Regionen; ongoing project 19

20 REFUGEES 2015, POTENTIALS FOR RURAL AREAS? Exceptional situation, Austria was not prepared ( instead of ) Labour market regulations: no working permissions as employee as long as refugee status, besides: voluntary work, repair, renovation and maintenance work in the public sector, waste management, crossing guards etc.-> pocket money (few /h) Partly in tourism, agriculture, forestry (with permit only) Self employment is allowed High engagement of civil society Conference of Austrian mayors August 2015: guidelines Key aspects: housing, work, language, welcome and social integration into daily life, communication Source: Endl et al (2015): Offenes Handbuch für Gemeinden: Wege aus der Aylquartierkrise (Forum Alpbach) 20

21 REFUGEES 2015, POTENTIALS FOR RURAL AREAS? Experiences: refugees do not stay in rural areas for longer period -> ethnic networks easier in urban areas Good examples: refugees organise themselves, coordinate own projects (Alberschwende, Vbg.) Exchange service instead of payment (Tauschbörse), SPES Academy, Upper Austria Magdas Hotel (Cariatas, Vienna) Source: Endl et al (2015): Offenes Handbuch für Gemeinden: Wege aus der Aylquartierkrise (Forum Alpbach) 21

22 3+3 EXAMPLES FROM THE ALPS Cazis Schruns Robidišče Bergün Guarda Peist Dordolla Ostana 22

23 OSTANA, ITALY: FROM 5 TO : 5 inhabitants, 2015: 150 inhabitants, including 6 children Re-migration from the city to rural alpine area in Piemonte Economic crisis Laboratory for new lifestyles: cultures, ages 23

24 OSTANA: PEOPLE & MONEY New infrastructure: assembly hall, post office, bar and restaurant, cultural center, wellness center under construction Special engagement by mayor Giacomo Lombardo Support through UNCEM Private investment is crucial 24

25 ROBIDIŠČE, SLOVENIA Amenity migration on the boarder to Italy From 7 to 36 ( today), 1945: 100 Living space for second home owners, tourists and working commuters to Italy Mobile shop: 3x per week 25

26 ROBIDIŠČE: CONTRIBUTE, EXCHANGE, LEARN Motivations: nature, leisure activities, cheap living space Good IT connection Challenge: accessibility in winter Combining tradition and innovation: footpaths, old stonewalls, eco-farm, local cheese, mini spa and gallery, crowd funding 26

27 DORDOLLA, VALLE AUPA, FRIULI, ITALY Amenity migration - example Rough area, steep slopes Today: 50 inhabitants, 1/3 newcomers, 5 languages An english couple s reasons for moving to Dordolla: A life with people not against them, own vegetables and garden, more time for useful work, and a low cost life Good integration into the village 27

28 DORDOLLA: TRADITIONS AND INNOVATION Re-introduction of traditional agriculture after collapse Rich cultural life, shaped by old inhabitants and newcomers (concerts, theatre, exhibitions, festivals) Bar, local shop Documentation activities by the London newcomer (film, book, exhibition, map Dordolla metro) 28

29 NEW HIGHLANDERS IN THE REGION GRAUBÜNDEN (CH) People from the cities bring innovation, new working opportunities and entrepreneurship to rural areas, independency, 2nd carreer Mountainbike shop in Bergün Cutlery in Guarda 29

30 NEW HIGHLANDER IN THE REGION GRAUBÜNDEN (CH) 30

31 THE SLEDGE MAKER New inhabitants maintain old traditions: The carpenter Kavithas Jeyabalan from Sri Lanka in the Swiss mountains 31

32 INTEGRATION AND COURAGE Refugee, arrival in 1984 From carpenter temporary staff to businnes owner (4 employees) Sledges for maintaining traditions, kitchens etc. for money Integration in society: marriage to local woman, 5 children, member of traditional folklore association 32

33 HOTEL ZIMBA, SCHRUNS (AT) Apprenticeship trainings in tourism for refugees in the region of Vorarlberg Source: Momentaufnahme Ein Dialog zwischen Bevölkerung und Politik zum Asyl- und Flüchtlingswesen in Vorarlberg 33

34 HOTEL ZIMBA, SCHRUNS (AT) Pilot project by chamber of commerce and social help organisation Selected asylum seekers with good language knowledge Legal framework only allow to educate refugees in tourism sector Win-win: motivated trainees, good education 34

35 THE GAISSA (GOATS)-PROJECT (CH) Working opportunity for asylum seekers and refugees in food production & nature protection Kurdish shepard Ali Celik 35

36 THE GAISSA (GOATS)-PROJECT (CH) Initiated by association of school and churches Asylum seekers and refugees learn to make and merchandise goat cheese Landscape is maintained (areas which had not been entertained any more) Threatened goat species is preserved 36

37 Thank you for your attention! Further information is available at: 37