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FOSTERING LOCAL IDENTITY AS A LEVERAGE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Abstract
Fostering local identity is seen as a way of differentiating between communities, which, in the context of an ever increasing globalization, tend to become more and more similar. Elements like landscape and popular culture still contribute to keeping and shaping a distinct local identity. Identifying the role played by local identity in the development of a community has a large economic, social and ecological importance. The presence of certain practices, traditions, customs and other events (promotion of traditional products, practicing a sustainable tourism, etc.) can lead to a more efficient local sustainable development. Identifying the mechanisms by which local identity contributes to the process of sustainable development is the main objective of this research. The subject has been addressed through a case study on Tirgu NeamИ› ethnographic sub-area (located in the North East Region of Romania).We carried out participant observations and interviews with the relevant territorial actors, through which we determined the specific leverages by which the feeling of local identity helps to increase the local cohesion and leads to a better development and promotion of touristic/economic activities in the area. In Tirgu NeamИ› ethnographic sub-area, local identity is still well protected and represented by identity referents (the presence of popular craftsmen, the existence of cattle markets and fairs, the existence of artistic-cultural manifestations like festivals and celebrations regarding the patron saints of churches, etc.) which contribute to the touristic promotion of the area and to the sustainable development of the whole community. In addition to those above, it is worth mentioning other ways of fostering local identity in a community, like manifestations aiming to revitalize forgotten habits and traditions by involving the young (traditional dances, handicraft evening sittings), through local practices of traditional crafts and other aspects related to the sustainable development of the community.
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