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DEMOGRAPHIC FLOWS SPATIAL BEHAVIOUR IN TERRITORIAL MOUNTAIN SYSTEMS IN THE CONTEXT OF SARS-CoV-2 PANDEMIC


Viorel GLIGOR1,2,3, Emanuela-Adina COCIȘ2, Ioan SURDU2, Vasile SURD1,2,4


1. Territorial Identities and Development Research Centre (TIDRC), Faculty of Geography, Cluj-Napoca
2. Centre of Mountain Economy (CE-MONT) of the National Institute for Economic Research “Costin C. Kiriţescu”, Romanian Academy
3. Territorial Identities and Development Research Centre (TIDRC), Faculty of Geography, 5-7 Clinicilor St., Cluj-Napoca, Romania
4. Centre for Research on Settlements and Urbanism, Faculty of Geography,”Babeș-Bolyai”University
E-mail: viorel.gligor@ubbcluj.ro


DOI: https://zenodo.org/doi/10.5281/zenodo.10397298
SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4808133

Abstract

Unreservedly, the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic generates structural and functional mutations in the diffusion of spatial interaction flows, even in the case of mountains that are often considered adaptive and emerging territorial systems to crisis situations. This paper analyzes the spatial behavior of demographic flows from two perspectives: of measures derived from the self-protection instinct of population and of restrictive circulation and social distancing measures adopted by the central authorities. The research methodology consisted in the analytical introspection of the Emergency Ordinances issued by the Romanian Government during 18.03.2020 – present, of the media information, respectively of the Risk Assessment Reports on SARS-CoV-2 contamination communicated by the National Institute for Public Health in Romania. The research results highlight the fact that the Carpathian Mountains have become areas of attractiveness for the population working in the tertiary sector of economic activities. Carrying out the activities on a teleworking basis was the triggering factor that led to the growing interest for purchasing/renting a secondary residence located in the mountain area. At the same time, the mountain quickly became a frequently chosen touristic destination, as an option to spend the annual leave/holidays detrimental to other touristic areas from the country or abroad. The conclusions of the study highlight the natural subsistence offer and the emerging regeneration capacity that the territorial mountain systems generally present. Furthermore, the study brings out the perception of the mountain as a safer place, capable to provide through its natural resources, a more sanitary environment than elsewhere.

Keywords:

pandemic, demographic flows, SARS-CoV-2, secondary residences, rural gentrification

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