The Environmental and Social Development of Human Settlements near the Danube

摘要

Problem Statement: The continuous degradation of the living factors in the Gropeni Commune in Braila County, Romania (GC), calls for a social-oriented environmental study, aiming to highlight the main territory development issues. Purpose of the Study: The goal of the study is to provide decision makers at the local and county level and the population in general with the necessary data to formulate correct opinions about the interdependence of natural and social factors for sustainable development. Methods: The scientific approach is based on an inventory and analysis of the spatial and temporal distribution of human pressure indices, aiming firstly to point out stressors depending on the size, importance and extent of the impact on environmental components, and secondly to evaluate the perception of the local rural community on the main categories of the anthropic environment failures that induce discomfort. Findings and Results: Current rural changes are significant, as they are imposed by the spatial and functional development of GC, and of its influence area among the network of rural settlements. Conclusions and Recommendations: The paper proposes prevention and mitigation of natural hazards, as well as conservation and restoration of the environmental conditions, for proper and sustainable use of the natural and social potential.