Abstract
Empuriabrava is a cosmopolitan neighborhood located in Costa Brava and one of the world’s largest residential marinas. About sixty-five percent of Empuriabrava’s population are foreign residents from dozens of nationalities. Their profile constitutes an intersection of religions, languages, socio-economic statuses, and migratory histories. Previous research rooted in conflict and contact theories as well as studies based on the superdiversity paradigm underscored the contradictory effect that diversity may have on the sustainable development of local communities. This paper analyzes Empuriabrava’s population daily life and community sustainability. The analysis is based on interviews with local key informants, both natives and immigrants, as well as analysis of statistical and documental sources. The results suggest that while superdiversity provides vast possibilities to empower sustainable development, a perceived lack of local authorities’ involvement diminishes this positive effect. The economic downturn has been observed as enhancing conflict and limiting collaborative initiatives. However, the efficient management of superdiversity in tourism–oriented neighborhoods has been found to be a key asset, which may help to experience rejuvenation instead of decline in the resort life cycle model. In this sense, this paper shows practical sustainability lessons to be learnt from Empuriabrava recent history and present situation.
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Acknowledgements
The research project upon which this paper is based was mainly funded by the Spanish Ministry for Science and Innovation, ref. CSO2009-13909. The authors would like to thank Sarah Ward, Research Assistant in the Disaster Studies program at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, for her assistance in formatting of the manuscript.
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Annex. Summary of Interviews Script
Annex. Summary of Interviews Script
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A.
Economic Dimension
A.1. Main current economic challenges for this town. A.2. (a) Proposals for overcoming the current financial and economic crises and/or local economic conflicts; (b) Good practices already being implemented in the town. A.3. Views about the current: (a) diversification; (b) seasonality; and (c) internationalisation of the local economy.
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B.
Social Dimension
B.1. Main current social and demographic challenges for the social cohesion and integration of this town. B.2. (a) Proposals for overcoming current social conflicts; (b) Good practices already being implemented. B.3. Views about: (a) Migration movements in town (in past, present and future); (b) Human diversity (or super-diversity) in town; (c) Evolution of inter-ethnic and intra-ethnic relations; (d) Languages spoken in town.
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C.
Environmental-Territorial Dimension
C.1. Main current environmental and territorial planning challenges in this town. Advantages and disadvantages of being a small town if compared both to large cities and small rural villages. C.2. (a) Proposals for overcoming current environmental and territorial conflicts; (b) Good practices already being implemented in the town. C.3. Views about the: (a) Relevance of Protected Natural Areas within the boundaries of the municipality and around it; (b) Importance given to adaptation to climate change at local level; (c) Perceptions about the transport infrastructures in town and region.
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D.
Corporate Social Responsability (CSR)
D1. Good practices already being implemented in this town regarding CSR. Particularly on: (a) Eco-labelling; (b) Responsible social investment; and (c) EMAS Environmental Management Systems.
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E.
Cultural Dimension
E.1. Main current cultural and education challenges in this town. E.2. (a) Proposals for overcoming current conflicts regarding culture and education; (b) Good practices already being implemented in town.
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F.
Governance
F.1. Main current challenges for democracy and social participation in this town. F.2. (a) Proposals for overcoming current political conflicts at the local level; (b) Good practices already being implemented in the town. F.3. Views about the: (a) Implementation of Local Agendas 21; (b) Availability/access to local government/administration; (c) Participation in local associations and in elections.
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G.
Global Responsability
G.1. Good practices already being implemented in this town regarding: (a) Official and Non-Official Development Aid; (b) Sustainable Development. G.2. Do you think that this town is sustainable in the mid and long terms? Why
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Wladyka, D., Morén-Alegret, R. (2018). A Sustainable Touristic Place in Times of Crisis? The Case of Empuriabrava—A Superdiverse Mediterranean Resort. In: Leal Filho, W., Marans, R., Callewaert, J. (eds) Handbook of Sustainability and Social Science Research. World Sustainability Series. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-67122-2_15
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