POLLUTION OR RELAXATION AND LEISURE IN SIBIU?

Valentina-Mariana Manoiu¹*, Alexandru-Ioan Craciun^2
1Assoc. Prof. Dr., University of Bucharest, ROMANIA, valentina.mariana.manoiu@gmail.com
²PhD Candidate and Environmental Consultant, University of Bucharest and ERM Company, ROMANIA, alexandru-ioan.craciun@erm.com
*Corresponding Author

Abstract

Sibiu City has a strong historical, artistic and cultural identity, rooted far back into the past, as its first official mention was made in the 12th century. In addition to its unique architectural and cultural heritage, Sibiu’s socio-economic and educational systems have become genuine brands over time, which helped promote the city. In 2007, Sibiu was designated the European Capital of Culture, which brought it international fame, economic revitalization and a high tourist flow, with local and foreign investments booming. The city was reborn both aesthetically and culturally, as a result of major building renovation projects completed in the historical centre and the construction of a series of open public spaces and green areas, as well as of a rich and diverse cultural program, all of which attracting numerous local and foreign tourists. Sibiu became one of Romania’s most prosperous cities, with one of the highest foreign investment rates nationally. Sibiu’s economic and tourism boom was however accompanied by certain issues in terms of noise and atmospheric pollution, and the city’s waste management system.
This review aims to examine pollution and relaxation and leisure activities of Sibiu, in an attempt to assess their respective weights. By means of the snowball method, by tracking references for papers featured on the Google Scholar platform, an initial bank of 11 relevant scientific articles was obtained, out of the 15 papers that were initially available. At the same time, by using certain keywords, a specific search protocol and several search filters on the Web of Science platform, a second bank of 11 relevant studies was created out of 98 open access articles. These papers were closely reviewed and analysed.

Fortunately, our paper’s conclusion is that Sibiu was not and is not currently seriously affected by air pollution. Not even long temperature inversion periods have aggravated the state of affairs, as air quality thresholds have not been exceeded. Should no new pollution sources appear, the urban air pollution risk remains low, even though Sibiu is one of Romania’s most prosperous cities, with numerous economic development opportunities, initiatives and activities. Studies have shown that, at certain times of day, in certain crossroads and areas in the city, noise pollution levels exceed thresholds, as cobblestone streets favour high values. There are solutions for such instances that aim to improve traffic conditions in Sibiu and to modernize infrastructure. The city’s waste management system can be improved by assessing the current environmental loads, by introducing bins for biodegradable waste collection, followed by a composting process, and by possibly building an additional wastewater and sewage sludge treatment station.

Sibiu is undoubtedly a city of top-quality relaxation and leisure activities, as it is not affected by critical or alarming pollution levels. It has benefited from a significant economic boost, a better image, a high degree of social cohesion and local pride, and from an all-time high level in cultural and tourism activity (large-scale and well-established events, cultural institutions and tourist attractions, charming green spaces, all of which constantly bring in visitors). Investments in cultural objectives, hotels and infrastructure have increased, and Sibiu has become an important link in internal and international tourism networks. The city makes the best of its relationships with the rest of Europe and is assisted in the process by its close ties with Luxembourg and by its linguistic and, why not, affective ties with Germany. The number of tourists has significantly increased once Sibiu was designated the European Capital of Culture and the trend remains strong. Clearly, Sibiu is pro relaxation and leisure, and against pollution.

Keywords: Sibiu, European Capital of Culture, fame, pollution, relaxation, leisure