SAFETY4TMF project at the Annual Conference of the Czech Geographical Society

The Annual Conference of the Czech Geographical Society was held at the J. E. Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem from 2nd to 5th September. The main theme was "Geography for Just Transformations" with a focus on the locations of coal regions in the context of the transition to a low-carbon economy. 

This process involves not only technological and economic changes, but also fundamental social and cultural transformations that are necessary for the successful transition of these regions. Historical experience shows that regions often undergo complex changes that can bring new opportunities and risks.  

In addition to the traditional programme, which included plenary lectures, breakout sessions and excursions, the organising committee also prepared a special programme aimed at public administration staff and organisations focused on regional development. These participants have an important role to play in deciding the spatial distribution of activities, which can have a major impact on the efficient use of territory and resources. The SAFETY4TMF project partners, representatives of the Association of Towns and Municipalities of the Czech Republic and the University of Ostrava, also participated in this panel. It should be emphasised that spoil heaps created in connection with mining are an integral part of the new landscape and it is essential to take them into account when planning the future shape of these areas. 

 Eight panelists - experts from the fields of regional development, geography, urban planning, architecture and zoology - participated in the discussion, which was led by the Ústí Region Transformation Centre and the Ústí Region Regional Development Agency. Later, participants from the professional public also joined the debate. Among the main themes that emerged in the discussion were the lack of active promoters of projects and ideas, the need for better cooperation and coordination between different actors, and the increased interest of municipalities and citizens in co-creating the future shape of the landscape. The acceptance of former mining areas by residents and municipalities as an integral part of the region was also addressed. A key milestone appears to be agreement on a basic concept that would serve as a common basis for different interests and ideas - from rest areas to the creation of lakes, recreational areas or new developments. 

In conclusion, the panellists and other discussants agreed that the transformed territory has enormous potential for the regions, and stressed that it is important to use this potential properly in order to avoid risks that could burden the regions instead of developing them.  

The conference also included a poster session where the SAFETY4TMF project was presented. The conference participants had the opportunity to learn more about tailings issues and the details of the project. The project was also presented in the abstract book entitled "Tailings Safety as a Challenge and Opportunity for Cooperation in the Danube Region", see Sbornik-abstraktu-8-2024.pdf (geography.cz). The participation of project partners in similar events is seen as a great opportunity to bring the issue of tailings to the public and to raise awareness about it.

 https://www.smocr.cz/cs/projekty/safety4tmf/a/safety4tmf-na-vyrocni-konferenci-ceske-geograficke-spolecnosti