Urban Development of Neum - Analysis of the Current State and Study for the Future

Abstract

The article explores the urban development of Neum, Bosnia and Herzegovina's only coastal town, focusing on its strategic role and potential for growth. The research aims to analyze the factors shaping Neum’s urban landscape. It examines the current state of urbanity, identifies crucial issues for future development, and provides solutions and proposals for urban projects based on relevant literature as well as taking inspiration from the case studies of the most successfully developed settlements in Makarska Riviera, Croatia. Neum can be used as an example of decades of poor planning and development that diminished the natural charm of its’ landscape and coast. This paper further elaborates on the issues and possibilities in the urban development of Neum. Due to its attractive location, rich ecosystem, and sea access which have resulted in it being a popular tourist town, Neum is under increasing pressure of interested developers. Promoting adequate urban planning would result in inclusiveness, protection of the local ecosystem and general socio-economic improvement. This paper demonstrates the benefit of proper urban development and coastal/environmental protection, by showcasing settlements used as case studies and the development decisions and rules which shaped these settlements. Additional analysis of contemporary development trends in the region, most of which are having negative effects on cities, is used to better understand the current state of Neum. After identifying crucial issues the city is facing at the moment, proposals are presented to mitigate these issues and reverse course before the urban form of Neum is further damaged. Finally, principles are introduced which aim to create a succinct guide to be used in future policymaking and development of Neum.