BACKGROUNDS AND CONFERENCE OBJECTIVES

At the beginning of the 21st century European rural landscapes are experiencing significant changes. It is evident that in most European countries continuing processes of urbanization and industrialization throughout the 20th century have led to depopulation and transformation of significant part of rural areas. Decline and change of traditionally dominant agricultural and productive functions and the potential development of countryside as a place of consumption is one of the most important challenges for different rural areas all over Europe. Aim of this conference is to gather scientists dealing with rural areas who will present the results of their past and present work. One of the goals is to determine basic problems of contemporary rural development and special attention will be given to areas exposed to negative geographic processes such as depopulation and agricultural land  abandonment. The exchange of positive and negative experiences related to rural development could help determine basic guidelines for rural areas future development. In addition to geographers, contributions from scientists from related disciplines are also welcome, such as sociology, literature, archival, art and media studies, economics, politics and history.