Cultural Landscape of Żuławy Wiślane in the Light of the Idea of Sustainable Development

The Heritage Given: Cultural Landscape and Heritage of the Vistula Delta Mennonites as Perceived by the Contemporary Residents of the Region

“…What may be alarming is that, in many documents, cultural heritage is mentioned only in the context of exploiting it in order to develop the tourist industry. Obviously, tourism can contribute to the preservation of objects of historical values; however, it can also pose a threat to them [48]. Considering the above-mentioned and the fact that more than 50% of the respondents agreed that the local authorities should spend some public money on the development of tourism products based on the Vistula delta Mennonites cultural heritage, and almost 75% of them stated that those objects should be placed under protection and preserved, it is not surprising that numerous bottom-up initiatives have been launched.…”

“…All tangible and intangible elements of the Vistula Mennonites cultural heritage that the past has conceded to the local communities create a unique landscape shaped by tightly connected anthropogenic and natural factors. This heritage is a keystone of local identity which plays a significant role in politics, economic development, society and world view [48]. In order to understand how extraordinary the landscape of Żuławy is, when compared to the rest of Poland, it is necessary to look into its rich history and analyse all the factors that have shaped it through the years.…”

“…In Poland, Mennonite congregations found business opportunities, land and religious tolerance. In Żuławy Wiślane, they settled near Gda ńsk ( Żuławy Gda ńskie) and in Żuławy Malborskie and Żuławy Elbl ąskie [48] (Figure 2). As a result of their hard work and hydrotechnical skills, the region became one of the most fertile lands in the country.…”

“…One of the most extraordinary elements of cultural heritage of Żuławy Wiślane is in Stobbes Machandel. It is a juniper vodka that was produced by a Mennonite family, Stobbe, from 1776 to 1945 [48]. Taking the current popularity of food tourism under consideration, Stobbes Machandel could become a vital part of the Vistula delta tourism product.…”

“…Selling handicraft products and souvenirs (16 indications), guided trips (8), agricultural raw materials (7) and transport services (including waterway transport) (7) were also listed by some of the respondents. Such a wide array of potential elements of a tourism product listed by the locals, such as a rich cultural heritage and the proximity of the Vistula Spit sandy beaches, makes it possible to state that the Vistula delta region ( Żuławy Wiślane) has sufficient potential to develop a community-based tourism product [48,53].…”