High Landscape Value Research Articles

Combined physiological, metabolomic and response surface approaches to analyze copper stress resistance mechanisms and repair potential of Epipremnum aureum

Phytoremediation is commonly used to remediate copper (Cu) pollution in water bodies. Epipremnum aureum is often used as a restoration plant because of its rapid reproduction, high population density and high landscape value. However, neither its ability to remediate Cu-polluted water nor its mechanism of resistance to Cu stress has been fully clarified. Therefore, the present study revealed the Cu removal ability and resistance mechanism of E. aureum through physiology and metabolomics. And based on the results of this study, the response surface was applied to the application of plant growth regulator (PGR) to propose a precise restoration program. We first examined the growth physiological indices and repair of Cu in E. aureum under different Cu stress levels and found that the resistance mechanism of E. aureum to Cu was significantly initiated at 400 mg·L-1. And as the level of Cu stress increased, the Cu content in the plant also increased, and the underground part was the main accumulating part. The translocation factor of E. aureum was <1, and the bioconcentration factor was greater than 1 at all different Cu concentrations. Subsequently, metabolomics studies on E. aureum concluded that arginine and proline metabolism, indole alkaloid synthesis and brassinosteroid biosynthesis are the major pathways involved in the mechanism of Cu stress resistance in E. aureum. Based on these results, we proposed that salicylic acid, sodium nitroprusside and 2,4-epibrassinolide could be selected as PGRs, and further optimized the administration of PGRs using response surfaces. The optimized scheme allowed E. aureum to reach a maximum Cu removal of 84.39 % under 400 mg·L-1 Cu stress, which was 35.61 % higher than the non-fortified treatment. This study provides supporting materials and application options for the Cu repair capacity and resistance mechanisms of E. aureum.

“Geological Wonders of Italy”: The Coveted Privilege of Disseminating Geology and Geomorphology through Science Documentaries in the Marche Region

This paper proposes an unusual method for the dissemination of geological sciences and the promotion of geotourism: a scientific documentary, where a representative itinerary of geological and geomorphological evolution of the Umbria and Marche regions was presented. The considerations that led to the identification of the geological route proposed to the editorial staff of FOCUS TV are presented in detail. At each stop, there was an explanation by academic professors and researchers, mainly from the Geology Division of the University of Camerino (MC), who explained the outcrops in detail. During the episode, insights were also given into the anthropogenic frequentation of the epigean caves in Frasassi (AN), ancient places of frequentation and worship thanks to their suggestiveness and the sense of magnificence that they can elicit. In addition to the illustration of the individual stops, the article offers further insights into the geomorphology of the most important geosites depicted, all of which are in natural parks or protected areas and characterized by a high landscape value. The result was the production of an episode of the television program ‘Geological Wonders of Italy: the Marche and Umbria Regions’, which was broadcast in October 2022 by the Italian national Mediaset group.

Rural Buildings for Sustainable Development: A Real Estate Market Analysis in Southern Italy

The profound transformations of traditional rural landscapes have heightened attention towards the recovery and valorisation of their buildings, often abandoned, to accommodate new landscape usage needs. This aligns with the principles of sustainable landscape management. However, knowledge of the rural real estate market remains largely unexplored. This research aims to define and examine the key features influencing the purchase of rural buildings, for shedding light on their market. The objective is to provide useful new insight to the property appraisers and real estate agents involved in the sale of traditional rural buildings, even if in conditions of degradation or abandonment and in traditional landscape contexts. Furthermore, these results could serve as a valuable resource for policymakers, enabling them to indirectly evaluate the impacts of urban and landscape policies on buyers’ preferences regarding key features of rural properties. The research focused on the ‘trulli’, traditional buildings located in the Valle d’Itria (Puglia, Southern Italy). First, a detailed market analysis was carried out with the support of local real estate experts, to survey the transactions of trulli and identify the features influencing their purchase. Second, the obtained dataset was analysed through network analysis, which enabled us to explore the role and importance assigned by buyers to the identified features. The results highlighted that the quality of the landscape where trulli are located changed the buyers’ viewpoint on the purchase features. In greater detail, price, area, potable water accessibility and level of maintenance of trulli were the most crucial features, particularly in high and medium landscape value zones, compatible with touristic and recreational activities. On the other hand, the annex agricultural surface covered a central function in low landscape value zone for possible agricultural uses.

Gelsari and Lentini marshes (Sicily, Italy), a wetland of extremely high biodiversity. Consequences on avifauna from the crossing of an overhead high-voltage power line

In the Gelsari and Lentini marshes (Sicily, Italy), which constitute a vast and historically well-known wetland on the central eastern coast of Sicily, the crossing of an overhead high-voltage power line surprisingly had been planned and approved. This choice was made despite the high landscape value that these marshes possess, the environmental protection constraints they enjoy, the interest they hold for the biodiversity conservation in Sicily, and their extraordinary ability to attract avifauna. At present, the work, which began in August 2021, has resulted in the placement of all supports. An estimate of the risk of mortality of avifauna that the presence of the power line will produce has been made, limiting the survey to species of high conservation interest, which are among those present in the marshes. It turned out that the risks of collision of avifauna and especially of species considered of high conservation interest, due largely to the characteristics of the power line and especially its route, are extremely high; the damage that is likely to occur does not, therefore, seem to have been properly assessed, neither at the design nor at the approval stages of the project. Given that the impact of the power line does not appear to be mitigable, neither with regard to the landscape nor with regard to avifauna, considering, in the latter case, especially the high mortality risks to which species of high conservation interest would be subjected, it is believed that the only solution to avoid such damage is to make a modification to the route of the power line in the section affecting the marshes.

Landscape and digital nomads in Spanish rural areas. The case of Valverde de Burguillos

The article examines the opportunities and challenges of peripheral rural areas with high landscape values in the context of digital nomads, who combine remote work with leisure. The problem addressed concerns the protection and development of such areas under the pressure of digital nomadism on the sample of the Spanish town Valverde de Burguillos. The literature review has shown that the nomadic lifestyle is becoming popular globally. The impact of digital nomads on rural landscapes has not yet been sufficiently investigated in the literature. The method employed was a case study, including an on-site study visit and a students’ idea for the town of Valverde de Burguillos in the form of a simulation. The analysed case study of an idea for Valverde de Burguillos presents a development centre and a digital nomad village. It focuses on integrating digital nomads into the local community and on their impact on the urban structure of the town and the adjacent landscape. On the one hand, it introduces new architecture and infrastructure into the rural landscape, transforming it. On the other hand, it enables conservation, protection, and access to the Water Culture heritage. The research highlights the importance of landscape values in social identity, branding, and sustainable development. Relationships were explored between the need to protect and develop valuable rural landscapes and the emerging tourism and residential trends related to digital nomads. At the same time, attention was given to the increasing prevalence of remote work and its impact on spatial structures, architecture, and landscapes. Emphasis was put on the adaptation and potential impact on local communities and surrounding landscapes, which can be considered a revision of design and housing paradigms.

Co-production of nature’s contributions to people in dry rivers: a case study in Murcia, Spain

ABSTRACT Dry rivers are non-perennial rivers with no surface water in their channels except after heavy rainfall or snowmelt. The lack of water flow is often associated with a low provision of Nature’s Contributions to People (NCP) and a poor quality of life. However, recent review studies have found evidence of human communities thriving in dry rivers through the co-production of multiple NCP, although no case studies have yet confirmed this evidence. We assessed the capacity of dry rivers and their associated social systems to provide NCP. We selected three dry rivers with high natural, cultural and landscape values in the most arid part of Murcia (Spain). We interviewed 37 representatives of the most influential social groups in the study area to explore the NCP of dry rivers, their synergies and trade-offs. Four material, three non-material and eight regulating NCP were identified, as well as one unique NCP: access to villages and fields through dry riverbeds. Fifty-two synergies were identified, especially between material and non-material NCP, and eight trade-offs. This wide range of NCP and synergies is a consequence of the co-production processes between dry rivers and the social system. NCP co-production seems to be underpinned by the indigenous and local knowledge acquired by the social system over generations about the management of floodwaters, biodiversity and geodiversity. Incorporating this knowledge into research and governance can help raise awareness of the NCP provided by dry rivers and help develop strategies for mitigating and adapting to global change.

Study on comprehensive zoning of landscape ecological risk and ecosystem service value of tourist scenic spots with high landscape value

Based on the three phases of remote sensing images and relevant socio-economic data in Southwest China, this study integrated spatial analysis, econometric models and other methods, and took the spatio-temporal evolution as the research perspective, according to the spatial correlation of landscape ecological risk and ecological risk system service value, carried out comprehensive zoning, and discussed the characteristics and differences of socio-economic factors under different zoning. The research conclusions are as follows: (1) The service value of ecological risk system is restricted by geographical location, natural conditions and other factors, and land resources are relatively fixed in a certain period; (2) Supply services are mainly food, energy and water resources provided by the environment for human beings. The value of regulatory services is mainly reflected in the ability of the environment to provide natural gas, climate, hydrological regulation and waste treatment. The value of support services refers to that the environment provides functions such as soil conservation and biodiversity maintenance; (3) Precise regional positioning and optimize land use structure. On the basis of ensuring the basic material needs, we should plan the land use structure, promote the optimal development of the land structure, and form a situation of coordinated development of ecological risks and economic benefits.

ASSESSMENT OF THE ATTRACTIVENESS OF GEOTOURISTIC AREAS OF THE UKRAINIAN CARPATHIANS’ BESKID MOUNTAINS

For the purpose of organizing geotourism trips, geological and geomorphological objects of the Beskydy of the Ukrainian Carpathians were studied. Seven geotourism areas were identified, such as: Urytskyi, Yamelnytskyi, Syniovydnenskyi, Skole, Kliucha-Kamiankyi, Bubnyskyi and Rozgirche. Each of them characterizes morphological features of geomorphological objects, composition and structure of rocks, describes certain historical and cultural events related to them. To determine the tourist attractiveness of geological and geomorphological sites, an assessment methodology was developed based on the following indicators: the number of geological sites, their maximum heights, accessibility, picturesqueness (scenic beauty), visibility (sites as a vantage point of the area), scientific, educational, historical and cultural value, tourist infrastructure, popularity and tourist attendance. The analysis revealed that the most attractive tourist area within the study area is the Urytskyi tourist district, which, due to its picturesque cliffs with high historical and cultural value, has a significant number of tourists. In second place is the Bubnyskyi geotourism area, which has the largest number of the highest and most picturesque rocks. In third place is the Skole geotourism district, which has seven geo-attractions and is best equipped with tourist infrastructure facilities. The Kliucha-Kamianka area has an above-average attractiveness, with the largest number of different types of objects within its boundaries. It is the most popular and most visited by tourists. The tourist attractiveness of the Syniovydnianskyi geotourism area is somewhat less than the previous one, but there are outcrops among the geoattractions that have a high scientific and educational value. The Yamelnytskyi district has little attractiveness, it is little known, and the tourist infrastructure is poorly developed, but there are many rocks of different morphological types. Compared to other districts, the geotourism attractiveness of the Rozhirche district is low. The assessment of the attractiveness of the selected tourist areas showed that the highest scores were given to areas where geological and geomorphological objects are morphologically more diverse, with significant morphometric indicators, high landscape value, geological representation of the Carpathian structure, and various sedimentary and anthropogenic signs on the rock surface. Keywords: geological and geomorphological objects; geo-tourism; geo-attraction; tourist attractiveness; Ukrainian Carpathians’ Beskid Mountains.

Identification and geomorphic characterization of fluvial knickzones in bedrock rivers from Courel Mountains Geopark

The gradient characteristics of Courel Mountains Geopark bedrock rivers were examined. Unlike alluvial rivers, bedrock rivers have been the great forgotten of fluvial geomorphology globally. Based on the decreasing rate of gradient with increasing measurement length, a relative steepness was obtained as indicator of knickzone. Supported by GIS techniques and DEMs, the changes in slope along the longitudinal profile of the rivers were detected. The number of the extracted knickzones rises to 325, which means a frequency of knickzones of 0.467 km−1. The total length of the knickzones is 285 km, representing about half of the drainage network as knickzone (47%). The mean height, the length, and the gradient of all the knickzones were ~ 110 m, ~ 880 m, and 0.178 m·m−1, respectively. There is no distribution pattern and the knickzones are everywhere, although they are more present in reaches with NW–SE direction and order 1. Several environmental factors were crossed to know more about the occurrence and knickzones characteristics, suggesting that density and direction of fractures regulate the number and the trajectory of the knickzones, while the lithology controls the singularity of the forms. The geomorphological and the topographical characteristics of the bedrock rivers make them high ecological, scenic, landscape, and recreational value. Findings from this study can be also used by managers to develop and/or improve strategies for conservation, valorisation, and how to approach the tourist who visits the Geopark. Scientific tourism can offer a unique and educational travel experience, allowing participants to learn about bedrock rivers and knickzones.

Występowanie, rozwój i podstawowe cechy strukturalne zespołów przyrodniczo-krajobrazowych małych miast Polski

The landscape-nature complex is one of the few forms of protecting landscape visual assets and the only one created by local governments, which may contribute to the preservation of the aesthetics of small towns. The scope of its application has not been recognised so far. The aim of the research was to evaluate the use of landscape-nature complexes in the protection of landscapes of small towns in Poland. The studies embraced the dynamics of the application of this instrument in the last 30 years, its spatial distribution and representativeness in relation to the landscape zones of Poland, the share and location in the urban space, protection motives, as well as structural features. The results show that complexes in the protection of small town landscapes in Poland are used to a small extent, not exceeding a few percent of the cities. There has not been much interest in using this instrument, particularly in the last 10 years. The occurrence of complexes in areas of high landscape values, especially in mountain, foothill, lake and coastal areas, is insufficient and not representative. The area shares are very diverse, but in most cases, they do not exceed a few percent. Complexes are located mainly on the outskirts of towns, less often in the center. The dominant protective motive is the protection of nature, while parks constitute mainly cultural and historical assets. In a small proportion of the complexes, aesthetic and visual values ​​are explicitly indicated as the purpose of protection. The differences in the landform of the complexes are small, as opposed to the cover forms. It is necessary to improve the legal basis for the protection of the existing complexes and to develop unified methods and procedures for their identification, creation and protection.

Morphological Features and Landscaping Suitability of &lt;em&gt;Syzygium zeylanicum&lt;/em&gt; (L.) DC. var. &lt;em&gt;lineare&lt;/em&gt; Trees from the Belihuloya Region of Sri Lanka

Purpose: Syzygium zeylanicum (L.) DC. grows naturally in some of the Asian countries including Sri Lanka. In the Belihuloya region the S. zeylanicum trees are naturally grown with specific characteristics than the rest of the country and in other countries. It is scientifically identified as a different variety as S. zeylanicum (L.) DC. var. lineare (Wall.). There are no studies specifically focused on this tree in Sri Lanka. This study has focused on the studying morphological characters and suitability of S. zeylanicum var. lineare as a landscaping plant. Research Method: Morphological characteristics of leaves, flowers, and fruits (pericarp thickness, seed diameter, width, length and weight of fruit) were recorded from randomly selected trees. Landscaping suitability was evaluated using measurements of shading under the tree canopy, the air pollution tolerance index of the plant and the general community perception. Findings: Leaf (area, length, width, petiole length, internodal length, and leaf-veins-angle), flower (length and width of style, filament, floral cup and length of pedicel and anther) and fruit morphological parameters were significantly different among plants except for the width of anther, floral cup and fruit length. The average shading was 88.7%. Most of the surveyed persons preferred to grow the plants as a landscaping plant (47%). Twenty-six percent (26%) of the respondents indicated that it could be used as a good shade tree. Further, respondents identified fruit appearance, tiny leaves, and branching patterns are features that would give high landscaping value to the plant. The air pollution tolerance index was 9.72 in the control site and 9.32 in the polluted site. Research Limitations: Selecting the same ageing plants for the study was difficult. Originality/ Value: The plant can be used as a landscaping plant, mainly as a shade plant. The plant is sensitive in a polluted environment and can be used as an air pollution indicator.

Bacterial inoculation of Quercus pyrenaica trees alters co-occurrence patterns but not the composition of the rhizosphere bacteriome in wild conditions.

Quercus pyrenaica is a woody species of high landscape value, however, its forests show an advanced state of degradation in the Iberian Peninsula. Afforestation typically has low success, thus, it is necessary to improve the fitness of oaks plantlets to be transplanted, for instance, by inoculating beneficial microorganisms. In adding microorganisms to ecosystems, there must be balanced efficacy with potential effects on native microbial communities. We addressed changes in diversity, richness, composition and co-occurrence networks of prokaryotic communities in the rhizosphere of inoculated and control trees outplanted to three different sites located in the Sierra Nevada National and Natural Park (Spain). After 18 months in wild conditions, we did not detect changes due to the inoculation in the richness, diversity and structure in none of the sites. However, we observed an increase in the complexity of the co-occurrence networks in two experimental areas. Modularization of the networks changed as a result of the inoculation, although the sense of the change depended on the site. Although it was impossible to unravel the effect of bacterial inoculation, our results highlighted that inoculation alters the association of rhizosphere bacteria without entailing other changes, so networks should be analysed prior to inoculating the plantlets.

Il Patrimonio mondiale religioso inaccessibile. Conservazione e fruizione ampliata

The contribution proposes the study of the Meteora Monasteries in Greece, a complex of Orthodox places of cult situated on rocky promontories, included in the World Heritage list in 1988. While these areas originated as a result of the desire of some monks to build isolated and inaccessible places of cult, with the opening to tourism and the attribution of a new museum function, the original characteristic aimed at isolation is now a distant prerogative. In the context of expanded and inclusive use, these areas present high criticalities. The contribution intends to question the possibilities offered by the discipline of restoration for the recovery of some elevators and funicular railways, added in recent years and currently in disuse or only usable by the monastic community, in order to guarantee each individual the possibility of being able to enjoy an heritage with a high historical, architectural and landscape value.

Physiological dormancy and dormancy release of Sassafras tzumu, a colored-leaf tree species with high landscape and economic value

Sassafras tzumu is one of the most valuable tree species in southern China. However, the dormancy of the seed limits its seedling quality. In order to improve the germination percentage of seeds, characteristics, causes of dormancy, changes in endogenous hormones and nutrients during storage were investigated. The results showed that seed viability was 78.11%, and the highest water absorption rate was 26.09%. The germination percentage of the embryo without cotyledon was 21.13%, but intact seed and embryo could not germinate on hormone-free medium. Seed embryo and coat extracts were found to have a significant inhibitory effect on seed germination. Germination percentage were significantly positively correlated to free amino content (p < 0.01) and negatively correlated to soluble sugar content (p < 0.05) during storage. The levels of GA3 and GA3/ABA had significant effects on the germination percentage of S. tzumu seed storage at 4°C. The results suggest that S. tzumu seeds are in intermediate physiological dormancy at maturity and are mainly caused by the presence of inhibitory substances in the seed tissues. Furthermore, changes in endogenous hormones and metabolism of nutrients at 4°C can significantly promote the release from dormancy of S. tzumu seeds.

The Integrated Assessment of Degraded Tourist Geomorphosites to Develop Sustainable Tourism: A Case Study of Grădina Zmeilor Geomorphosite, North-West Region, Romania

Most of the natural geomorphosites represent main attractions that have a high tourism potential and need great care in terms of their capitalization. The irrational tourism capitalization of the geomorphosites may lead to their degradation because of the lack of proper tourism infrastructure and the practice of random and uncontrolled tourism. The reintroduction in the tourism circuit of such geomorphological structures that have a high landscape and scientific value claims, first of all, the assessment of the current state of degradation and the drawing up of sustainable development proposals from a geomorphological point of view. This study deals mainly with the assessment of a geomorphosite (Grădina Zmeilor Geomorphosite, North-West Region, Romania), using a complex methodology, which is based on the identification of criteria influencing the tourism development of the geomorphosite, and their analysis by means of qualitative points given according to the impact of each criterion. A total of 17 criteria have been therefore identified. They are structured along four levels of analysis which are integrated in the form of spatial analysis based on weighted average, and highlight the overall value of the analysed geomorphosite. By implementing the methodology in the proposed research, a total value of 0.29 has been obtained in an interval between 0 and 1. This value underlines the high degree of degradation of the geomorphosite. The planning proposals have the main purpose of increasing the overall value of the geomorphosite by providing sustainability in its capitalization. To achieve this, proposals have been made to mitigate the shortcomings for a total of four criteria. The overall value of the geomorphosite has been recalculated, resulting a significant increase of the value (0.33), highlighting the impact of the implementation of these proposals in practice for the development of the geomorphosite and the increase of its level of tourism attractiveness. The introduction of this objective on the tourist map, following the application of the suggestions proposed in this paper, can lead to favorable economic development both at the local and regional level. This analysis model can also be applied to other geomorphists facing the problem of degradation and involution.

Developing Protection-Use-Strategies Based On Sustainability in Protected Areas: Suuçtu Nature Park Case

This study aims to evaluate the current conservation and use status in a nature park and to develop planning strategies that will provide sustainable use of protected areas for the future. Suuçtu Nature Park in Bursa Province Mustafakemalpaşa district was chosen as the study area. The method of the study consisted of three stages. In the first stage, the current situation was revealed by conducting fieldwork, observations, and interviews. In the second stage, SWOT analysis was carried out to determine the recreational opportunities offered by the area and to evaluate the potential of the study area. It has been determined by SWOT analysis that Suuçtu Nature Park is a strong character due to its unspoiled natural and cultural values, ideal climate characteristics, geological structure and high visual landscape value. In the third stage, conservation and tourism strategies for the future were developed with the TOWS matrix. As a result of the study, by considering the protection and usage conditions of the area, land use strategies have been developed in line with ecological-based tourism and recreation uses in the protected areas.

Theoretical approach to Api-tourism routes as a paradigm of sustainable and regenerative rural development

Routes in general, including agritourism routes focused on beekeeping, activate the socio-economic and sustainable development of the territories. A route is a unit of analysis that acts as a cluster, dynamizing several tourist centers, services, resources, and attractions while reducing environmental impacts. These synergies are much needed in the poorest and most depopulated rural areas. However, these areas, generally of high ecological and landscape value require a type of tourist activity with controlled impacts that favors the regeneration of the social and natural environment. To delve into all this, a pioneering theoretical analysis of Api-tourism and its routes was carried out. These premises and underlying models were contrasted deductively through the exploitation of secondary sources and empirically during fieldwork on “honey routes”, as case studies. It is concluded that Api-tourism routes are an emerging model of tourism activity and a significant representation of the new model of regenerative tourism.

Karst relief of the Mali me Gropa Massif, central Albania

The mid-altitude mountain massif of Mali me Gropa is located in the central part of Albania, rises to an altitude of 1500–1800 m a.s.l., is composed mostly of Mesozoic limestone, and is characterized by extensive surface karst development. The karst relief is dominated by “doline” morphology including “polygonal” karst. Detailed geomorphological analysis of the western part of the Mali me Gropa massif (so-called Western Massif) by means of GIS methods is used to determine and explain the morphometric and morphological diversity of the area’s topography. Based on a homogeneity criterion, a number of geomorphological units with specific kinds of karst relief have been distinguished within the massif. The differences in karst sculpture concern the size (diameter) of dolines and depressions, their depth, shape and symmetry, orientation, density of occurrence and spatial pattern, which provide the basis for distinguishing geomorphological units. The spatial differentiation of the karst relief is explained by the influence of factors which are evolutionary (geological and geomorphological evolution of the massif), hypsometric (altitude difference of terrains) and geomorphologic-structural (inclination of the slopes and layers). The relatively poor expression of open karst conduits (i.e. caves and vertical shafts) on the surface of the massif may result from the relative immaturity of the epikarst zone, the widespread occurrence of residual cover on the plateau, and the accumulation of large amounts of clay material in dolines and depressions. Detailed hydrogeological studies show, however, high karst permeability and dominance of conduit flow. Considering the high geomorphological landscape and ecological value of the area, it should be granted the status of a nature reserve or national park. Geomorphological and karstological research within the massif should be continued as it represents a type of karst found also in other parts of Albania. This type of karst area is of great economic (groundwater reserves) and natural protection (environmental) importance.

Medicinal Plants in Semi-Natural Grasslands: Impact of Management

Semi-natural grasslands (SNG) are valuable for their high biodiversity, cultural and landscape values. Quantitative information about medicinal plants (MP) in SNG facilitates the evaluation of ecosystem services of these habitats. Different literature sources were used to assess the ratio and frequency of MP species in several Estonian SNG and to evaluate the impact of management on these values. Lists of MP species according to different MP definition scenarios are available. The ratio of MP species in the local plant species list was the largest in alvars, followed by floodplain and wooded meadows. The average number of MP species in wooded meadows and alvars was about twice of that found in naturally growing broadleaved forest (according to the most detailed MP species list, 7.2, 7.8 and 4.3 plot−1, respectively). Fertilization of wooded meadows had no significant impact on MP species ratio, but decreased the percentage of MP biomass. Coastal meadows had few MP species and the impact of management quality depended on adopted MP scenarios. Comparison of Ellenberg indicator values revealed that MP species were more drought-tolerant, with higher commonness and more anthropophyte than the rest of studied grassland species.

A contemporary method of activating manor complexes on the example of Pisary village

In Poland, manor complexes are a reminder of the country’s history, identity and culture. Their activation is necessary to save them from being forgotten. The aim of the conceptual design pre- sented in this paper is to determine the adaptability of the area at the former manor granary in the village of Pisary, located in the municipality of Zabierzów in the Małopolskie Voivodeship. The planned activities are meant to transform the area for agritourism purposes and make it available to both visitors and residents of the municipality. The changes in the selected area over the centuries were traced with analytical methods involving field research. Based on the opportunities offered by the surrounding landscape parks, potential uses of the area were also identified. In addition, efforts were made to symbolically merge the manor estate, the structure of which had been upset by the land parcelling. As a result of the analyses, three main zones were delineated, namely the recreation, educational and service zones. The project includes an adaptation of historic buildings for agritourism purposes together with accompanying servic- es. In the conceptual design, the picturesque courtyard was developed into a multifunctional centre at a historic site with accompanying infrastructure. The terrain and natural conditions were utilised to create tourist attractions, providing active recreation. The centuries-old park, for example, has been made more suitable for walking and admiring the local fauna and flora. These interventions have enhanced the high landscape values of the site, ensuring that it meets the needs of contemporary visitors. This project shows how an attractive and welcoming facility can be created with little interference and in respect of the history of the site. This project is an example of how to use natural, geological, landscape and historical values to design an interest- ing point on the tourist map of the municipality.