1. Concept of a Region
Case Study 1: The European Union – A Functional Region
Theories and Perspectives Applied to Regionalization:
- Core-Periphery Model (Friedmann, 1966) – Highlights spatial inequalities in development.
- Spatial Interaction Model – Explains movement and interaction between regions.
- Regional Development Strategies Model – Examines approaches to regional planning.
Models/Theories/Laws Applied:
- Growth Centre Model (Perroux, 1955) – Explains how economic development concentrates in key centers.
- Thiessen Polygon Method – Used for defining regional boundaries.
- Urban-Rural Continuum Model – Studies the transition between urban and rural areas.
Recent Data:
- EU GDP Contribution: Germany, France, and Italy account for over 50% of the EU’s GDP.
- Trade and Mobility: Schengen Agreement facilitates free movement across member states.
- Policy Initiatives: EU Cohesion Policy aims to reduce regional disparities.
Spatial Variation:
- Western Europe: Strong industrial and financial hubs.
- Eastern Europe: Emerging economies with regional disparities.
Temporal Variation:
- Historical Trends: Economic integration strengthening since 1957 (Treaty of Rome).
- Future Projections: Expected rise in digital and green transformation strategies.
Source:
- European Union Regional Policy Report
Insight:
The EU exemplifies a functional region, where economic and political integration drive regional development.
Case Study 2: The Amazon Basin – A Natural Region
Theories and Perspectives Applied to Regionalization:
- Isolated State Model (Von Thünen, 1826) – Explains agricultural land use patterns.
- Thiessen Polygon Method – Used for defining regional boundaries.
- Environmental Determinism Theory – Geographic conditions shape human activities.
Models/Theories/Laws Applied:
- Growth Pole Model (Boudeville, 1966) – Examines how development is concentrated around specific centers.
- Spatial Interaction Model – Explains movement and interaction between ecosystems.
- Industrial Location Models (Weber, Losch) – Analyze economic activities in rural vs. urban landscapes.
Recent Data:
- Amazon Rainforest Coverage: Over 5.5 million square kilometers spanning multiple countries.
- Biodiversity: Home to 10% of the world’s known species.
- Deforestation Impact: Loss of 22% of forest cover due to agriculture and logging.
Spatial Variation:
- Core Forest Areas: High biodiversity with dense tropical vegetation.
- Peripheral Regions: Agricultural expansion and urban encroachment.
Temporal Variation:
- Historical Trends: Environmental degradation accelerating since 1980s.
- Future Projections: Expected rise in conservation policies and carbon sequestration programs.
Source:
- Amazon Conservation Report – UNEP
Insight:
The Amazon Basin represents a natural region, defined by ecological and climatic characteristics.
