PERIPHERAL RURAL AREAS IN FACE OF CHALLENGES OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT.

Peripherality is always associated with a certain distance and involves differences in the level of socioeconomic development. Peripheral areas exist on different spatial scales. Persistent developmental disproportions solidify divisions in the country's spatial structure. Sustained differences in the economic potential of individual regions are one of the fundamental problems of the modern economy. The concept of sustainable development calls for equalization of the differences between developed and peripheral regions. The EU is striving to even out differences between regions in the Community through its cohesion policy. This paper gives an assessment of the development potential of peripheral regions using Poland as an example. The GDP value is about 30 % lower than the mean value for the country, and depopulation processes are taking place in some communes. Investment outlays are also lower, however they indicate processes of production property reconstruction, and outlays for R&D activity are also lower. Peripheral regions are distinguished by the richness of their natural environment. They have favorable conditions for the development of agriculture, including organic farming. No disruptions in ecological equilibrium are observed, however, no economic sustainability has been achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]