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Transition and environmental protection: Attitude of the local community towards the problem of municipal waste disposal – Case study of Makarska littoral.

Conditions of political modernization in Croatia, in 1990’s were not suitable for a quick and successful transition, especially not for the development of ecological conscience and ecological behavior. The environment is one of the most important resources of a society, and also one of the key elements of national and local identities. We have conducted empirical qualitative research (case study) to find the Attitude of the local community towards the problem of municipal waste disposal. Case study of Makarska littoral pointed some Key Findings: The municipal waste disposal Donja gora was opened in 1976 on private land, against the will of the land owners. That was a typical way of decision-making in a totalitarian system ; Since 1981, the location of Donja gora falls within the boundaries of the protected area (Biokovo Nature Park) ; All of these years, the appropriate authorities did not take any steps necessary to change this situation (to close the waste disposal) ; Even worse, the waste disposal Donja gora had never been issued a valid operational license, for it did not did not comply to necessary conditions. Among the protestors in Podgora, all elements of NIMBY syndrome were detected. Protestors were very well organized in their activities and chose good timing for the beginning of protest (it started during the National Elections Campaign in 2003). They used public arenas, mostly TV and newspapers, for promotion of their positions and interests. Authorities of the local self-government of Makarska littoral used the cost-benefit approach to solving of this social problem. They also expected strong assistance from the Croatian Government and the County of Split-Dalmatia. Public opinion survey conducted in Makarska showed strong indifference of citizens regarding the environmental protection problems. They were almost completely inactive regarding the activities and participation in civil society organizations. Key social actors in the case of Donja gora had conflicting attitudes about the causes, consequences and solutions of this social problem.

transition; local community; municipal waste; the NIMBY syndrome; Croatia

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