The Protected Landscape Approach - Centre for Mediterranean ...

The Protected Landscape Approach: Linking Nature, Culture and Community
Hosttn has managed to exploit for its own development what many other communities in
the Czech Republic and in Central Europe more generally regard as a brake on their develop -
ment. Over the past decade the community has realized a wide range of environmental projects,
including a biological sewage treatment facility, solar collectors, biomass heating plant, a small
juicing factory, and an educational centre, which have contributed to the environment and
quality of life while producing three full-time, three part-time and eight seasonal jobs and
strengthening the local economy.
The projects described here have been developed by the community of Hosttn in partner -
ship with the civic associations noted above, along with the District Government of Uherské
Hradit and the administration of the White Carpathian Landscape Protected Area. More
demanding projects have been developed in cooperation with a number of partners, both
regional and foreign.
Reed-bed wastewater treatment plant
Poor river water quality caused by insufficient treatment is considered one of the largest
environ mental problems for Czech communities. For smaller towns, especially in protected
landscapes, a reed-bed sewage treatment plant is an optimal, low-cost solution to wastewater
treatment. The reed-bed sewage treatment plant in Hosttn has been in constant use since July
1997 and was the first facility of its kind in eastern Moravia. In contrast to conventional sewage
treatment facilities, the reed beds and pond also provide an attractive and valuable biotope that
is home to rare species of birds, insects, reptiles or frogs, including the tree frog. Information
panels explain to visitors the functioning of the natural processes as well as the features of the
biotope.
Energy and the rural landscape
Production of renewable energy and development of community self-sufficient energy policies
is a must for the future of sustainable communities everywhere. In many countries of Europe,
production of biomass for sustainable energy use is emerging as a viable alternative to
agriculture and forest production. In most protected areas forestry together with energy crops
can supply biomass for a broad range of technologies for heating or electricity generation.
Biomass production and the related technologies present new options for cultivation of
abandoned fields, new markets for waste wood from forestry and saw mill operations, and new
employment opportunities for marginal rural landscapes. Solar technologies and new methods
for energy-efficient building construction provide work opportunities for many innovative
small entrepreneurs and skilled workmen.
An important milestone in energy management in Hosttn came in October 2000 when a
732kW central heating plant came into operation. The plant, which is fuelled by waste wood
from nearby forests and sawmills (500–600 tons of woodchips per year), produces heat for 90%
of all homes and buildings in the community connected to the grid. Savings of CO 2 in the
Hosttín biomass heating plant are calculated as 1,500 tons per year.
Heating water with solar energy can also help rural communities to save money, create
employment opportunities, and cope better with the environmental challenge of climate
change. Ten of the 80 homes in Hosttn have been equipped with solar facilities for water
heating since July 1997. The residents took an active part in mounting the solar panels
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