Landscape Preservation Research Articles

ЗАМЕТКИ ПО ИСТОРИЧЕСКОЙ ГЕОГРАФИИ КУЛЬТУРНОГО ЛАНДШАФТА СЕЛА БАЛТА-ЧОКРАК В ЮГО-ЗАПАДНОМ КРЫМУ В КОНЦЕ XVIII – ПЕРВОЙ ПОЛОВИНЕ ХХ В.

This article presents a study of the surviving elements of the cultural landscape and the reconstruction of the disappeared elements of this landscape using the example of the abolished village of Balta-Chokrak in the Crimean Mountains, as well as a demonstration of the possibilities of such an approach to other rural cultural landscapes of Crimea. The authors developed a classification of the degree of preservation of the historical rural cultural landscapes of Crimea, according to which the cultural landscape of the village of Balta-Chokrak is characterized by a low degree of preservation (due to the destruction of the previous planning of residential development as a result of modern economic activity). Despite the above fact, single elements of the relict rural landscape have been preserved on the territory of the former village. Thanks to documentary evidence and a survey of the territory, the researchers were able to determine the location of various elements of the cultural landscape of the village, such as: a water supply source, colonists’ houses, an agricultural district with arable and pasture lands, small wood forest and areas for stone mining, transport infrastructure, religious buildings and necropolis. It is also important that since the necropolis of the village of Balta-Chokrak is one of the few surviving elements of the cultural landscape. Therefore, a complete catalog of his tombstones and their fragments is also presented.

Trajectories and drivers signalling the end of agricultural abandonment in Trás-os-Montes, Portugal

Agricultural abandonment has given rise to novel landscape dynamics worldwide. This paper investigates abandonment and post-abandonment dynamics in continental Portugal as a hotspot of landscape change. We mapped the spatial patterns and drivers of recent (1995–2018) land use changes in a remote mountainous region as post-abandonment trajectories, based on detailed land use/land cover data made available by the Portuguese government. We showed that ‘Revegetation’ trajectories, indicative of agricultural abandonment, were still widespread between 1995 and 2007. However, between 2007 and 2018, the landscape was much more stable with ‘Return to agriculture’ as the dominant change trajectory. To understand what drives landscape changes after abandonment, we explored the influence of a wide range of potential biogeophysical and socio-economic drivers on the observed trajectories. We contrasted different landscape outcomes in binary logistic regression models with the potential underlying drivers as independent variables. The regressions revealed that the most significant determinants of these alternating dynamics are existing land use, climate, slope, protection regime and accessibility. The results of the regressions are at times counterintuitive and give important indications of the changing spatio-temporal scales at which these variables exert influence on the landscape outcomes. However, the regression models’ limited accuracies highlight the need for deeper investigation of the socio-economic and historic context of the observed changes. Improved understanding of the (drivers of) alternative dynamics following agricultural abandonment can help inform policy decisions regarding agriculture and cultural landscape preservation.

Economic Assessment of Small-Scale Mountain Dairy Farms by Using Accounting Data: Evidence from an Italian Case Study

Dairy mountain farms are economically disadvantaged due to small farm sizes and high production costs. This situation was exacerbated firstly by the opening of the market linked to the abolition of milk quotas; secondly by the rising prices due to the energy crisis due to covid 19 and the war in Ukraine. However, these farms are important for the preservation of traditional landscapes, the economy of these areas and the offered ecosystem services, especially when they are managed extensively. The objective of this research is to understand if mountain dairy farms are economically sustainable and competitive through the analysis of a case study. The economic analysis takes into account the production cost of milk, profitability, and some economic indicators using accounting data. The results show that the farm profitability is decreasing, and the costs are unsustainable. As a consequence, more efficient policy support is needed to overcome this crisis.

Heritage Value Assessment and Landscape Preservation of Traditional Chinese Villages Based on the Daily Lives of Local Residents: A Study of Tangfang Village in China and the UNESCO HUL Approach

Traditional Chinese villages, recognized as national heritage sites, are invaluable cultural assets. Since 2012, efforts have focused on their preservation, though issues remain such as prioritizing authenticity over usability and material over cultural elements. This paper adopts the Historic Urban Landscape (HUL) approach, emphasizing the integration of physical heritage with daily life to shift value assessment. The fundamental argument of this paper is that the HUL method can serve as a new tool for preserving the historical heritage and landscape of rural areas, particularly in the context of assessing and formulating preservation frameworks for traditional Chinese villages. Through the case study of Tangfang village’s new conservation plan, the research demonstrates that the value of traditional villages lies in the continuous interaction between daily activities and physical space, including landscape, functional, and spiritual dimensions. The study concludes that a preservation framework based on local residents’ daily lives ensures more effective heritage conservation and landscape preservation by addressing both material and human values.

Towards more sustainable and inclusive development corridors in Africa

Abstract Development corridors are linear programmes of infrastructure and agriculture aiming to facilitate rapid socio-economic development. In Africa, they are a major development activity, with 88 underway or planned corridors. Drawing from extensive literature and insights gleaned from a 4 year research programme, this review scrutinizes the impacts of development corridors on people, wildlife and ecosystems in Kenya and Tanzania, proposing solutions to achieve better outcomes. The overarching goal was to discern the principle challenges emerging from the practical execution of the prevailing corridor model. The holistic approach taken, assessing the development corridors paradigm through an integrated ecological, social, and economic lens, provides novel insights that have not been possible using more traditional—siloed—research approaches. Eight key challenge areas are identified: impact assessments processes; coherence across international, national and local planning; governance; inclusivity; equality; impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem services; incorporation of future climate risks; and integrated water resource management. Poorly planned and implemented corridors detrimentally impact livelihoods and ecosystems. They lack a sustainable development vision, detailed social, environmental or climate risk assessments, and develop incrementally in policy and corporate spaces. There is also often a disconnect between investors and recipient governments, with some investors funding what governments request without applying internationally-recognised safeguards, and governments lacking capacity and resources to enforce regulations. We make recommendations for addressing these challenge areas. These aim to enhance impact assessment efficacy; integrate local perspectives into effective and inclusive corridor planning; overcome siloed project development and implementation; anticipate future development projections; and prioritise landscape preservation for enhanced ecosystem services and climate resilience.

Revitalizing Rural Landscapes: Applying Cultural Landscape Gene Theory for Sustainable Spatial Planning in Linpu Village

In the context of rapid urbanization, it is imperative to address the preservation and sustainable development of rural landscapes. This study introduces a novel framework using cultural landscape gene theory to enhance the landscape spatial pattern of Linpu Village, China. Employing a multi-method approach, including data collection and historical data analysis, GIS analysis, and field surveys, we analyze the village’s landscape features and identify a well-preserved “one core, two wings” spatial configuration with diminishing accessibility from the center to the periphery. The study uncovers significant challenges to landscape coherence and legibility, including landscape element discontinuity, inadequate maintenance, and fragmented information. To address these issues, we propose optimization strategies aimed at revitalizing weakened cultural landscape genes, repairing disrupted elements, ensuring corridor integrity, and improving spatial organization. The extraction–construction–analysis–preservation model established in this research not only delivers a comprehensive analysis of Linpu’s cultural landscape but also offers a scalable framework for preserving the ecological and cultural integrity of traditional villages. This study contributes to the practical implementation of sustainable landscape strategies, enhancing the ecological adaptability and resilience of rural environments in the face of urban encroachment.

Spatial approach for agritourism landscape planning in Winongan-Gondang Wetan, Pasuruan

Abstract The Winongan and Gondang Wetan (WGW) sub-districts in the downstream area of the Rejoso watershed in Pasuruan are characterized by predominantly agricultural land. The World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) initiated a conservation program in this region called Rejoso Kita during 2016-2022. This program is designed to enhance current agricultural practices through sustainable methodologies tha effectively introduced in 12 villages. Initial outcomes indicate these villages hold potential for development into agritourism destinations, emphasizing educational, recreational, and landscape preservation components. This study aims to evaluate the area’s suitability for agritourism, focusing on sustainability through specific zoning. By applying a spatial approach with a scoring and weighting methodology, the study determined that Gading, Lebak, and Tenggilis Rejo are the villages with the highest potential for agritourism. As a result, they have been designated as primary agritourism zones. Conversely, villages with moderate to low potential will serve as supporting and buffer zones.

Reading landscape by high school graduates in Czechia: the perspective of high school teachers and academic geographers

Understanding and practicing the skill of reading landscape is paramount for responsible behavior. The European Landscape Convention underscores the importance of comprehending the ongoing processes in one’s surroundings, with a dual aim of landscape preservation and efficient utilization. This proficiency should extend beyond geography graduates, becoming an integral part of school education. Surprisingly, the development of reading landscape has been largely overlooked in both school curricula and educational research. This study engaged 21 high school geography teachers and academic geographers who provided 274 questions in response to photographs depicting diverse landscapes, including urban, rural, and natural, at varying levels of detail. Teachers exhibited greater creativity and posed questions demanding more active interaction with the images compared to academic geographers. Notably, some photographs evoked strikingly similar inquiries. Through a rigorous qualitative analysis of the questions offered, we crafted a definition of reading landscape tailored for high school graduates, expressed as expected outcomes. This definition holds promise as a practical guide for geography educators seeking to cultivate these essential skills and offers a foundation for further exploration in the realm of reading landscape.

Urban Transformation of the Dubrovnik Summer Villa Setting—From an Idyllic Landscape to an Overbuilt City

The landscape surrounding a summer villa is, in a morphological and experiential sense, an inseparable part of the villa and its garden. This research examines the level of preservation of the historic landscapes of eight summer villas in Dubrovnik and the level of their integration into the urban fabric of the contemporary city. The research methods used include the analysis of the relevant scientific literature as well as the analysis and interpretation of graphic materials, i.e., cadastral maps from the second half of the 19th century, orthophoto maps, and spatial planning documentation. In this paper, the immediate landscape in close vicinity to the summer villas is defined as the protective zone of a summer villa (PZSV). Although the original use and extent of the summer villa landscapes have rarely been preserved, it is possible to establish PZSVs in order to preserve, i.e., reinterpret, the setting of the summer villas, which is necessary to experience them in their totality. This research establishes the general principles that enable the identification of three general models of transformation of the summer villa landscape. Furthermore, this research develops possible scenarios for the enhancement of the summer villa landscape based on the identified models. These models and scenarios are generally applicable in the context of the protection and enhancement of the summer villa landscapes in of the south of Croatia.

Possibilities of Legal Regulation of the Conservation of Sacred Places within the Cultural Landscape: The Case of the Republic of Kazakhstan

In recent years, there has been growing attention to the preservation of sacred sites and understanding their significance within the cultural landscape of the Republic of Kazakhstan. This renewed interest is driven by a revival of national historical and cultural values. The study is relevant since sacred spaces affect the formation of objective historical memory, which is an important component of the national identity. This, in turn, contributes to the consolidation of the people and ensures the national security of the state. The article aims to propose measures (recommendations) to improve legal regulation and preserve the sacred places of the cultural landscape of Kazakhstan. To achieve these objectives, the authors employed methods of theoretical generalization, structural-logical analysis, and synthesis, as well as the method of expert survey. The paper identifies the main problems in the implementation of legal norms for the conservation of cultural landscapes and suggests potential solutions to overcome these challenges. It also outlines measures to increase public participation in the preservation of the cultural landscape. This study concludes that it is necessary to popularize knowledge about the specific features of sacred places in a particular region, develop a program for the preservation of the cultural landscape, and advise residents on the methods and means of preserving sacred places.

Landscape evolution during Holocene transgression of a mid‐latitude low‐relief coastal plain: The southern North Sea

AbstractLow‐relief coastal landscapes are at major risk of rising sea levels, as vertical changes in relative sea level have far‐reaching lateral effects. Integration of a dense 2D grid of seismic reflection data with sedimentological and geotechnical data obtained in two offshore wind farm zones allows detailed documentation of postglacial landforms and environmental change over a 1,021 km2 area in the western sector of the southern North Sea. Following the retreat of Last Glacial Maximum ice sheets from the southern North Sea, the resulting postglacial terrestrial landscape provided a surface for peatland formation as climate started to warm and the water table rose in response to relative sea‐level rise. Southward‐draining fluvial networks formed contemporaneously with the peatlands, and remnants of this terrestrial wetland landscape are buried beneath Holocene marine sediments. Distinctive isolated incisional features and discrete widening of fluvial channels that cut through the peats are interpreted as either tidal ponds or relict tidal channels. These features record the evolution of this landscape through the Early Holocene as marine transgression inundated a low‐relief coastal plain. The erosion of the peatlands observed in the cores, the patchy preservation of the organic wetland landscape, and the lack of preserved barrier systems recorded by the seismic reflection data suggest that the rate of relative sea‐level rise outpaced sediment supply during the Late Postglacial and Early Holocene in this area of the southern North Sea. In a regional context, the southward draining river channels contrast to northward fluvial drainage to the North Sea, pointing to a subtle drainage divide in the palaeolandscape and the presence of a low‐relief land bridge separating the North Sea and the English‐Channel/La Manche during the Early Holocene. The documented scenario of rising sea levels combined with decreasing sediment supply in a low‐relief setting is a situation faced by many global deltas and coastlines, which makes the southern North Sea a crucial archive of coastal landscape change.

Unveiling Social Dynamics in People's Perception of Raptors to Guide Effective Conservation Strategies

Ethnoscientific approaches offer valuable tools for exploring human–nature relationships, making them useful for developing effective conservation strategies. Raptors, which are birds of prey, face significant conservation threats worldwide, with human persecution being a leading factor in their population decline. Urgent conservation strategies are needed, particularly in regions of high raptor diversity like the tropical Andes. In this study, we employed semistructured questionnaires and logistic models to investigate how demographic factors, economic activity, and traditional knowledge shape people's perceptions of raptors in rural communities of the Ecuadorian Andes. These communities have historically experienced poverty and inequality, and our approach takes into account their local realities to provide conservation recommendations. Our findings reveal that traditional ecological knowledge provides a broad understanding of human–raptor relations, and that raptors are viewed as both providers of ecosystem services and disservices. Additionally, social demographics, such as gender and educational level, can influence people's perception of raptors. Based on these results, we can promote conservation actions from a local to global level. Ethnoecological approaches offer diverse conservation opportunities that can vary based on different local contexts. In addition to conventional measures such as environmental education programs, poultry management, and landscape preservation, it is essential to consider the political ecology of specific sites, particularly in regions of the Global South where poverty and inequality are closely intertwined with social and environmental injustices. As such, policy making to alleviate poverty and inequality in rural communities in Ecuador and other Andean countries; and science decolonization to make conservation more inclusive are crucial for human well-being and successful and lasting conservation actions for raptors and biodiversity.

Cultural Landscapes: Exploring the Imprint of the Roman Empire on Modern Identities

This study explores how cultural landscapes serve as dynamic interfaces between human societies and their environments, reflecting intricate interactions shaped by historical and societal changes. Cultural landscapes, embodying both tangible heritage (e.g., architecture, gardens, and urban spaces) and intangible heritage (e.g., traditions and practices), act as living archives that document the evolution of cultural identities and environmental care. Through the lens of historical analysis and case studies, including that of the legacy of the Roman Empire, this research examines the transformative impacts of political, economic, social, and cultural shifts on these landscapes. Methods include a comparative analysis of historical data and contemporary landscape assessments, used to understand how these spaces adapt to and reflect societal changes. The findings highlight the importance of preserving cultural landscapes for their educational and aesthetic value, ecological sustainability, and their role in maintaining historical continuity. The study underscores the need for integrating historical insights into contemporary landscape preservation and urban design to keep these spaces relevant for future generations. This research contributes to our understanding of the deep-seated connection between past civilizations and modern cultural identities through the stewardship of cultural landscapes.

Models of residential space for ethnic minorities in Thanh Hoa Province associated with sustainable livelihoods

Thanh Hoa Province has 11 mountainous districts with seven ethnic minority groups, and the three largest ethnic groups are the Muong, Thai, and H'Mong. This region has great potential for developing a forest-based economy, ecotourism, community-based tourism, and cultural heritage tourism that is associated with cultural festivals, customs, lifestyles, and traditional housing architecture. However, developing a family-based economy, such as engaging in community-based tourism or agricultural production, has negatively affected and disrupted the structure of village spaces, spatial planning, and traditional house design. The arbitrary construction of additional service spaces and spaces for resident guests within the village space and the precinct of a house has reduced the area of the garden and agricultural land. The self-initiated modification, expansion, and use of non-traditional materials in traditional housing structures by residents to serve tourists have resulted in the loss of the architectural value of traditional homes. The exploitation of agricultural land has affected the natural forest area, the forest protection area at the headwaters, and the vegetation cover and natural ecosystems. Moreover, agricultural economic activities have not been linked to service activities, handicraft production, or tourism, and there are no adaptive residential space models, thus failing to create sustainable livelihood activities. Therefore, the article proposes settlement space models and orientations for residential space development including village spaces, house precincts, and traditional housing spaces of ethnic minorities in Thanh Hoa Province, associated with sustainable livelihoods based on the exploitation of traditional housing architectural heritage values to ensure local economic development. These models are closely linked with the conservation and promotion of ethnic cultural values, landscape preservation, environmental protection, and contribution to poverty reduction for residents.

Navigating Globalization: An In-depth Analysis of China's Media Regulation in the Face of Economic and Technological Transformation

The research investigates the intricate interplay between globalization, the dynamics of the media industry, and regulatory frameworks, with a specific focus on China. Employing the literature review method, this study aims to provide a nuanced understanding of how globalization influences media law, regulation, and governance. It explores the repercussions of economic global integration and technological advancements, with China as a case study. Special attention is given to the multifaceted impact of globalization on the complex fabric of media regulation in China. Economic globalization and technological progress are identified as pivotal factors shaping regulatory frameworks. The research not only examines challenges but also explores potential opportunities for synergy between global forces and national regulatory structures. The findings, including globalization's significant impact on the media industry, especially in the Chinese context, especially in the Chinese context, contribute to the existing knowledge by shedding light on how nations navigate the delicate balance between global interconnectedness and the preservation of distinctive media regulatory landscapes. This study holds significance for scholars, researchers, and policymakers grappling with the evolving global media landscape.

The Italian Network for Sustainable Agrivoltaics

In Italy, agrivoltaic systems (APVs) are seen as a driver for getting the national targets for photovoltaics (PV) and decarbonization, to enhance innovation in the agricultural sector, and reducing the energy costs on farms, overcoming land and landscape preservation issues, which cause bottlenecks in the permitting process of PV in agricultural areas. On April 2021, ENEA, in collaboration with ETA Florence Renewable Energies, launched the first Italian Network for Sustainable Agrivoltaics, with the objective of building knowledge and good practices around APV, enabling to support the implementation of sustainable agrivoltaic solutions and to build up a shared vision of Sustainable Agrivoltaics including three dimensions: Energy, Agriculture and Landscape. In the framework of the activities of the Italian Network for Sustainable Agrivoltaics, ENEA elaborated a communication strategy in cooperation with ETA Florence Renewable Energies, tailored to the identified major target groups (scientific community, broad public, specific stakeholder/user groups, farmer associations, media) and appropriate communication channels and conceived key communication elements. With the publication of the Guidelines for The Design, Construction and Operation of Agrivoltaic Plants on 27 June [1], new topics open up for the future which mainly concern the design and quality assessment around APVs in which the Network can be involved, thus maintaining a role of promoting knowledge advancement in this sector.

PLAXIS 3D numerical analysis of complex geotechnical problems of colossal built heritage

The paper aims to contribute to the preservation of high valuable historic masonry structures and historic urban landscapes through the combination of geotechnical, structural engineering. The main objective of the study is to conduct finite element analysis (FEA) of bearing saturated soft clay soil problems and induced structural failure mechanisms. This analysis is based on experimental and numerical studies using coupled PLAXIS 3D FE models. The paper presents a geotechnical analytical model for the measurement of stresses, deformations, and differential settlement of saturated clay soils under colossal stone/brick masonry structures. The study also discusses the behavior of soft clay soils under Qasr Yashbak through numerical analysis, which helps in understanding the studied behavior and the loss of soil-bearing capacity due to moisture content or ground water table (G.W.T) changes. The paper presents valuable insights into the behavior of soft clay soils under colossal stone/ brick masonry structures. The present study summarized specific details about the limitations and potential sources of error in Finite Element Modeling (FEM). Further field research and experimental analysis may be required to address these limitations and enhance the understanding of the studied soft clay soil behavior. The geotechnical problems in historic monuments and structures such as differential settlement are indeed important issues for their conservation since it may induce serious damages. It deserves more in-depth researches.

Digital curation and long-term digital preservation in libraries

For over twenty years public institutions and foundations committed in cultural heritage curation and preservation worked up methodologies, strategies and techniques for long-term digital preservation of digital resources. Thanks to a relevant number of initiatives and services carried on by international institutions and specialized agencies, public and private libraries reached a high level of awareness in this field which requires continuous adaptation due to the constant evolution of publishing industry and the rapid emergence of Open Science. After a quick review of digital preservation milestones, this article looks at some emerging trends and issues which characterize the constant transformation of digital preservation landscape. Dynamic generated digital contents and Open Science to fulfil findability, accessibility, interoperability and reuse (FAIR) of digital assets are engaging new challenges for existing digital preservation services. Digital curation and digital preservation are deeply merged and proceed in parallel to assure long-term usage of digital resources and data. How to select and deploy digital preservation platforms is another complex area where Cloud services can offer the opportunity to reduce the costs of technical infrastructures maintenance and management. Policy and decision making institutional levels need more awareness to draw up digital preservation strategies and to activate services to assure digital contents and data long-term access and reuse. Finally the paper suggests to promote “digital preservation by design” as a new base rule to be applied since the conception of every project and initiative in the cultural heritage, scientific and academic contexts.

景观设计与传统村落：历史遗产和景观保存

景观设计与传统村落：历史遗产和景观保存

Paysages culturels chinois: de l’idéal de l’équilibre entre l’homme et la nature aux formes écologiques de la vie

Abstract: Thus far, human development has been achieved at the cost of the destruction of cultural landscapes. With advent of industrial civilization, people have gained happiness and conveniences, but also confronted various cultural landscape predicaments. Environmental philosophy, a contemporary philosophy that regards the relationship between humans and nature as a fundamental issue, has focused on the protection of cultural landscapes. An analysis of ancient Chinese environmental philosophy demonstrates that ancient thinkers cared about everything in heaven and earth, and explored issues, such as a harmonious development between humans and nature, offering a novel approach to the preservation of Chinese cultural landscapes. Using Taoist environmental philosophy as an exemplar, this article provides a preliminary analysis of the definition of cultural landscapes, development of environmental philosophy and Taoist environmental philosophy. Building upon this foundation, it explores the role of environmental philosophies, such as “unity of heaven and man” in construction of ecological civilization, providing fresh perspectives for cultural landscape conservation.