THE COUNTY OF BORSOD-ABAÚJ-ZEMPLÉN: ON THE WAY TO SUSTAINABILITY?

Abstract

The paper evaluates the progress of the County of Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén towards sustainable development using indicators determined on the basis of the three pillars of sustainability (economic development, environmental balance and social progress). The county of Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén is one of the most controversial regions in Hungary: despite its excellent natural and environmental potentials, its role in preserving traditional culture and its role as a umbilical cord, it is in a very difficult situation regarding the economy and social progress: its performance indicators or the indices related to sustainability and measuring human development cannot be claimed to be good. However, the positive changes in the recent period – e.g. in terms of the environmental compliance of the companies, waste emission, use of chemicals in agriculture, institutional development, programmed awareness raising and shaping attitudes in general and higher education – hold out hope. Taking advantage of the absorption capacity of the region, consciously planned development and investment creating jobs, promoting cross-border cooperation, further changes in attitude and training can be used to take successful steps towards sustainable development.