Influence of depopulation on cultural heritage of Croatian islands.

The paper discusses the influence of depopulation on cultural heritage of Croatian islands. Comprehensive analysis of relevant statistical data and the existing literature, along with archival and field research indicate that depopulation is the most important demographic process on most of the Croatian Islands. As the number of insular population decreases, the insular identity gradually disappears, along with different elements of tangible and intangible cultural heritage. Since the number of young population on the islands is decreasing (and young population is the foundation of biological vitality and economic sustainability) and that cohort is largely affected by tertiarization of economy and modernization of the entire life, there are fewer possibilities for intergenerational transfer of traditional insular culture. This particularly refers to intangible cultural heritage, such as language (rich vocabulary, including a large number of toponyms), music (Glagolitic folk singing, etc.), skills (related to making fishing and agricultural tools, etc.), customs, etc. However, it is important to note that in modern valorization of insular space, particularly through tourist activities, certain elements of cultural heritage are mostly perceived as cultural fossils deserving special interest, although precisely this cultural tourism can contribute to the presentation and protection as well to optimal economic use of the island cultural heritage.