Abstract
Research of watermill and small-scale hydroelectric power plant (HPP) landscapes in Latvia according to ecological aspects is a part of a more complex research. The aim of this research is to examine the existing situation of watermill and small-scale HPP landscapes in Latvia by applying the ecological assessment criteria, and then try to formulate a definition of common tendencies of the landscape character. This paper provides a landscape inventory matrix for research in the field studies of landscape identification at the local planning level. The duration of the research was from 2010 to 2012. The research includes 42 territories starting with the three most densely developed areas in Latvia: in Latgale, Kurzeme and Vidzeme uplands distribution ranges. The research results reflect tendencies of the landscape features assessed according to the previously developed criteria of ecological aspects. Santrauka Latvijos vandens malūnų ir mažųjų hidroelektrinių kraštovaizdžio vertinimo ekologiniais aspektais tyrimas yra kompleksinio tyrimo dalis. Tyrimo tikslas yra įvertinti esamą vandens malūnų ir mažųjų hidroelektrinių kraštovaizdžio situaciją ekologiniais aspektais ir išryškinti bendrąsias kraštovaizdžio charakterio tendencijas. Straipsnyje atspindėta kraštovaizdžio inventorizavimo matrica kraštovaizdžiui identifikuoti planavimo lygmeniu. Tyrimas atliktas 2010–2012 metais. Tyrimas apima 42 teritorijas, išsidėsčiusias trijose tankiausiai apgyvendintose Latvijos dalyse: Latgaloje, Kuržemėje ir Vidžemėje. Remiantis anksčiau suformuluotais kriterijais kraštovaizdžiui tirti ekologiškumo aspektais, tyrimo rezultatai atskleidžia tam tikras tendencijas.
Highlights
Until the present moment, the quality of previously cultural and industrial landscapes related to territories of watermills and small-scale hydroelectric power plants (HPPs) in Latvia as evaluated by various aspects has not been very clear
In research of any landscape quality, there is a need to look at different aspects (e. g., aesthetics, technology, public use and, as in this particular study, ecology) for better understanding of landscape structure, functionality, resources, aesthetical, cultural importance, and to analyse the tendencies in these landscapes so that proper decisions can be made in the future according to development strategies in these territories
This research of watermill and small-scale hydroelectric power plant (HPP) landscapes in Latvia according to ecological aspects is a part of a major, more complex research process within the framework of the scientific discipline of landscape architecture
Summary
The quality of previously cultural and industrial landscapes related to territories of watermills and small-scale hydroelectric power plants (HPPs) in Latvia as evaluated by various aspects has not been very clear. This research of watermill and small-scale hydroelectric power plant (HPP) landscapes in Latvia according to ecological aspects is a part of a major, more complex research process within the framework of the scientific discipline of landscape architecture. Several research projects in watermill or small-scale HPP territories in Latvia, alongside the explorations of their landscape architecture, were carried out earlier by the author of this paper (Lazdāne 2011; Lazdāne 2012b). In relation to ecological aspects within the scientific discipline of landscape architecture, several recent research works could be mentioned; for example, Tērauds, Nikodemus, Rasa and Bells (2008); Zigmunde (2010a, 2010b); Dreija (2011); Lakovskis (2011); and Bells and Nikodemus (2000)
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