Abstract
Regardless of the fact that the traditional usage of rural landscapes was agricultural, a degradation of landscape values, as well as an onset of natural succession, occur due to contemporary lifestyle. This can lead to negative effects regarding land-use change. This paper focuses on the south-eastern part of Pag island and explores the possibilities for the revitalisation of its neglected areas by envisioning its future development as an olive-growing region. The final goal was to define a planning procedure framework which would enable the creation of a strategic vision to be transformed into a comprehensive spatial development strategy for the research area. This area encompasses the territory between Kaštela in the north-west and the Pag’s bridge in the south-east which administratively belongs to the Zadar County and includes the Town of Pag, and the Kolan and Povljana municipalities. Olive-growing has been recognized as the strategic choice for development because of its tradition in the area and the potential integration with other relatable activities. Based on the SWOT analysis, an appropriate mission, a vision and strategic goals were defined for developing Pag as an olive-growing region. Further landscape planning methods included (1) the Lynch mapping analysis, (2) the Forman and Godron landscape ecology analysis and (3) the landscape pattern analysis. The results were then used together with digital orthophoto imagery to overlay and analyse relevant information. Hand drawings as well as AutoCAD, ArcGIS and image editing computer programmes were used in the process. This analytical phase was then followed by the development of several alternative spatial zonings, diagrams and concepts based on a preferable neighbourhood matrix and the activity sizing table. The planning process resulted in a concept for spatial development of the research area which would enable the implementation of the strategic vision. The main goal of this planning procedure was to preserve and improve the rural landscape of Pag island.
Highlights
Olive-growing and the production of olive oil have been a characteristic activity of mankind throughout history
The challenge to fully implement strategic spatial planning as defined by Albrechts was beyond the limits of this research and we have mainly focused on its first track, constructing a long-term vision which represents the values and significance for the future development of the researched area
In rural areas suffering from an increasing pressure of deagrarianisation resulting in fragmentation of agricultural land due to natural succession, Freeman (2003) emphasises the importance of the strategic approach to spatial planning as future-oriented and recognises the importance of a landscape with mutually dependent anthropogenic and natural elements
Summary
Olive-growing and the production of olive oil have been a characteristic activity of mankind throughout history. Olive trees are widespread across the Mediterranean and are woven into the mythology and history of many countries (Grković, 2005). Olive-growing has a significant meaning within social, economic and environmental context in Croatia. Its revitalisation represents a vast potential for the development and restoration of coastal and island living, as they are areas with adverse economic conditions (Gugić et al, 2010). Olives and olive-growing, as well as traditional production of cheese and lace, are an important characteristic of Pag island. The combination of centuries-long anthropogenic impacts (agriculture, pastures, felling) and adverse climatic conditions (severe winds from the Velebit Canal) has turned
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