Heimat, Umwelt und Risiko an der deutschen Nordseeküste (original) (raw)

The GKSS Report “Regional Identity, Environment and Risk on the German North Sea Coast – People’s Perception of the Coastal Region” presents the findings of a population survey carried out in 2008 in 18 communities along the German North Sea coast as well as 4 East and North Frisian Island communities. The investigation focused on the human/ environment relationships, risk perception, and potentials for future developments in the region. Participants were asked to describe their understanding of regional identity (Heimat), nature, and environment, and to name current and future hazards, necessary measures to be taken to counter these as well as development prospects for the region. Results showed, that people living on the North Sea coast have close emotional and spatial ties to their respective region and that nature in fact constitutes Heimat. In people’s perception nature is represented by the sea, the tidal areas of the Wadden Sea, and the waters of the ocean, rendering Heimat a...