SUSTENABILITATE LOCALĂ ȘI RE-TERITORIALIZARE. REVIZITAREA PROIECTULUI DE ORAȘ BALNEAR
LOCAL SUSTAINABILITY AND RE-TERRITORIALISATION. REVISITING THE BALNEAL RESORT PROJECT

Summary/Abstract: The goal of the PhD thesis in progress is to underlie a study methodology adapted to the context of the Romanian balneal towns’ heritage, in order to realize afterwards a series of strategies for the reactivation of the sea resorts or the thermal regions. In this paper and in connection with the research being realized, we propose a ‘territorialist’ approach as support for the scientific purposes, presenting briefly its implications. Thus, we choose as starting point the research done by the Italian territorialist school (Alberto Magnaghi, Vittorio Gregotti, Paola Vigano), which criticizes the contemporary concepts of global sustainability an strict ecology. In return, we should promote a local self-sustainability, a superior quality endeavour regarding the complex reinforcement and development of territorial connections starting from local resources. To this end, we will support the idea that a balneal town should function within a regional ecosystem, without being isolated inside, but being generated by its territory or even regenerated by a bio-region. Also, we will analyze the role of local actors within the urban and territorial planning and the way in which punctual interventions adapted to the local context can add to salvaging and turning to good account the existing patrimony. The concept of sustainability raises difficulties and specific problems, which make a re-territorialisation approach necessary. This approach starts from a local culture capable of cultivating the identity of the water towns. The concepts of urban and territorial identity or the concept of regional ecosystem presented in this paper can be the theoretical basis of a diagnostic methodology and future reactivation strategies dedicated to the balneal towns. In the spirit of sustainable development that valorises the balneal heritage of these special towns, we believe that the perspective of territorial cohesion and identity consolidation represents an adequate mission for future development strategies.

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