Urban–Rural Interactions in Latvian Changing Policy and Practice Context

Abstract

This article aims at a better comprehension of urban-rural interactions as a spatial concept and its utilization for spatial and regional policies. Based on literature review and on interviews with planners and experts, the article explores how the concept of urban-rural interactions is defined, characterized and structured. The understanding of urban and rural, how they are connected provides a basis for capturing complexities and development of urban-rural interactions. The study, reviews urban-rural policies and practises in Latvia. Contemporary built-up areas and lifestyles are influenced by imprints of past urban-rural interactions. Aspects of contextuality, cross-sectorality and informality have to be taken into consideration when urban-rural interactions are applied to the policy field. The article introduces a typology to capture both the diversity and particularity of places in terms of urban-rural connectivity. An insight is given how the current Latvian local government territorial structure can contribute to building target-oriented urban-rural partnerships.

Latvia. Human Development Report 2017/2018. Creation of Public Good and Safeguarding Common-Pool Resources

“…The countryside is a value that also contributes to city dwellers' quality of life, as well as generating profit from city dwellers' and leisure activities in rural areas, and thus it is vital for the development of the rural economy (Baldock et al, 2001, cited according to Cimdiņš, 2015). Responsible rural development policies and a dialogue with local and regional communities are needed to strike a balance between regional growth, social and environmental changes, and the preservation of rural and urban identities (Kūle, 2014).…”

Kir – Kent Ayrimi Görünümleri̇ni̇n Havsa Örneği̇nde İncelenmesi̇

“…Pocol [32] kentsel ve kırsal alan nüfusunu yaş ve cinsiyet gibi demografik verilerle karşılaştırmıştır. Benzer bir şekilde, Küle [20] demografik verileri göç verileriyle birlikte ele almıştır. Saeedi ve Mighani [14] kırsal alanın üretim yapısından yola çıkarak kent ile kır arasındaki etkileşimi gözleme dayalı olarak incelemişlerdir.…”

Quality Analysis and Integrated Assessment of Residential Environment of Developing Suburban Settlements

“…This goal has been also included in European Spatial Development Plan, the Territorial Agenda 2020, the European Community Strategic Guidelines on Cohesion and etc. Urban-rural interaction is characterized as visible and invisible human, capital, goods, information and technology flows, which include administrational and legal, financial and culture linkages between both territories (Kūle 2010) and the aim of which is cohesive spatial development and territorial socio-economic growth. The conceptual model of urban-rural interaction has been reflected in Fig.…”

“…Scientist emphasizes the positive role of interaction in the promotion of balanced spatial development and effective administration of both territories by characterizing different interaction elements and forms, for instance, resident migration. (Rondinelli and Ruddle 1978;Unwin 1989;Gaile 1992;Tacoli 1997;Douglass 1998;Adell 1999;Snoxell 2005;Smith 2009;Kūle 2010) Material and nonmaterial flows between urban and rural areas are the basis of interaction's implementation -from urban to rural areas or vice versaresidents of the two territories commute, goods, and services are transported as well as different resources, which are an important element for the economics of particular country or region. Direction of flow or intensity characterizes the relationships of those territories.…”