Roma Inner Migration Tradition Between Social Inclusion and the Protection of Natural Resources

Abstract

Using the existing knowledge about the social and cultural characteristics of the Roma in Serbia, possible connection between Roma population and preserving of natural resources was established. This analysis acquired in social and other related studies, as well as the data obtained through the GIS (geographical information system) methodology, was used for determining the spatial distribution of Roma settlements and activities of the Roma community in the space. The Toplica District has one of the high percentages of Roma population and their daily migrations. This article investigates the possibility to raise the level of their economic activity and social integration, while simultaneously preserving natural resources and improving environmental safety. With the specific GIS, and numerical and sociology analysis, we try to address main problems in the District, hoping to find a connection between inner migration of Roma and better preservation of nature.