Landscape Values Research Articles

Prospects for the Protection of the Stone Heritage of the Małopolska Vistula River Gorge

The aim of this research is to present the abiotic geological environment, morphology and the need to protect geoenvironment and the possibilities of using the geoheritage of mining districts of the region located between Zawichost and Puławy city, within the Geopark. The Geopark is the best example of scientific and educational presentation of Mesozoic and Cenozoic outcrops along the Vistula gorge. The Cretaceous sediments (Middle Albian to Maastrichtian) are especially significant, they are unique on the European scale, showing a record of the evolution of the sea basin - from the Middle Cretaceous transgression and its disappearance at the end of the Cretaceous. The landscape and geomorphological values ​​constituting the heritage of the region are extremely important. An additional circumstance conducive to the creation of the Geopark is the fact that in the area covered by the project, areas of geological heritage protection have been operating for many years and tourist traditions date back to the 18th century.

Nothophoma spp. causing leaf blight of ancient Platycladus orientalis

Ancient Platycladus orientalis holds significant ecological, landscape, historical, and cultural value. In northern China, leaf blight has significantly impacted the growth and ornamental value of ancient P. orientalis. In this study, 26 blight leaf samples of ancient P. orientalis were collected in Beijing, China. Phylogenetic analysis based on the concatenated internal transcribed spacer (ITS), β-tubulin (tub2), and RNA polymerase second largest subunit (rpb2) DNA sequence data combined with fungal morphological characteristics revealed three taxa of Nothophoma, i.e. N. platycladus, N. spiraeae, and N. juglandis. Of which, N. platycladus is a species new to science. Koch’s postulates indicated that all these three species of Nothophoma could cause leaf blight of P. orientalis.

Ophiolites: Geological Heritage with Multifaceted Cultural Values

Cultural geomorphology is a very recent discipline that studies the geomorphological component of a territory which embodies both a cultural feature of the landscape and its interactions with cultural heritage: this cultural approach concerns the dialogue and cultural integration between humanistic and scientific disciplines and can be extended to all the fields of Earth Sciences. Ophiolite rock masses strongly characterize the landscape: their greenish-black, sometimes red-brown colour; the steep profile of the slopes, which results from their greater resistance to erosion than the surrounding softer sedimentary rocks; the scarce or even absent vegetation cover. The value of ophiolites is not only related to scientific and aesthetic interests, but is also due to historical–geographical, cultural and socio-economic issues. In this research, we present the elements of cultural and landscape value related to the ophiolites of the Northern Apennines, and how these geological and geomorphological features have led to specific relationships with humankind and human geography. Indeed, ophiolites represent characteristic elements of popular culture with immediate reference to toponymy, local legends and religion. Ophiolites are also an element of great strategic importance, as they are crucial for human settlement, with specific reference to defence, and for mining and quarrying activities. The landscape of ophiolites is of great geological, geomorphological, hydrogeological and pedological interest, resulting in a high concentration of geosites, hence on the one hand the opportunity for enhancement and potential geotourism, and on the other hand the need for their protection and geoconservation.

Research on the Expression of Naturalistic Style in the Landscape Design of Xuzhou Abandoned Mine Park

In recent years, more and more mines have been left idle, and the formed mine wasteland has become a visual pollution of the urban landscape, and the study of landscape design of mine parks has become a focal topic. To address this issue, the sample of this study was selected from Xuzhou Anran Mountain Quarry Abandoned Quarry, to enhance the ecological environment and landscape value of the site through the sample's naturalistic style design and performance. The goal of the study is to explore the innovative design and performance of naturalistic style in the landscape of Xuzhou abandoned quarry park. Methods of this study: observation forms, questionnaires and interview forms, relevant cases and other research methods were used to analyse the overview of mine transformation in China, the landscape characteristics, ecological status and problems of Xuzhou mine wasteland. The design strategy of naturalistic style in the landscape of Xuzhou mine park is proposed.The results of the study show that (1) mine rehabilitation. China's big cities have more mine rehabilitation, and the proportion of cases in small cities is relatively small. (2) Characteristic aspects. Abandoned mines in Xuzhou are characterised by serious ecological damage and chaotic and dilapidated site landscapes. (3) Design strategy. It should be carried out from the ecological restoration and management of the site environment, the aesthetic expression of naturalistic landscape, and the use of natural elements and natural materials. In addition, through the in-depth analysis of the sample landscape design, the originally desolate abandoned mine was transformed into a naturalistic style landscape space, adopting ecological and cultural strategies. The results of the study contribute to the ecological and economic development of the region, and also provide theoretical and practical guidance for the rehabilitation of other mines in China.

ASSESSMENT AND PROTECTION OF THE CULTURAL RESOURCES OF THE NADWIEPRZAŃSKI LANDSCAPE PARK

A landscape park is one of the legal forms of nature protection in Poland. It is a protected area due to its natural, historical, cultural and landscape values for preserving and popularising. The Nadwieprzański Landscape Park is located in southeastern Poland, on the middle section of the Wieprz River. The Park was established in 1990 and covers an area of over 6,000ha. The research aimed to identify resources, recognise threats and develop guidelines for protecting the cultural heritage elements of the Nadwieprzański Landscape Park. In the Park, there are monuments from various historical periods, e.g., former fortified settlements, castles, palaces and manor houses, churches, synagogues, war and religious cemeteries, granges, distilleries, mills, railway stations and small objects of sacral architecture, i.e., crosses and roadside shrines. In addition to immovable monuments, an essential part of the region’s intangible cultural heritage is a tradition in the form of holiday customs and rituals, legends and traditional crafts. It is impossible not to mention people associated with the region, their knowledge of this subject and the need to document oral traditions. Protection and preservation of heritage for future generations and rational use of environmental resources significantly affect the constant and sustainable economic development and may improve the standard of living of the local population. Unfortunately, many changes occurred within the Park due to various reasons. These are both natural causes, resulting from the destructive impact of environmental and material changes resulting from the passage of time and reasons related mainly to the lack of proper supervision of the facilities by the legal user, e.g., historic palaces and park complexes. In summary, objectives of the so-called passive, i.e., formal and legal ones and goals of the nature of active – conservation activities and the nature of activities restoring the lost cultural values of the region’s cultural heritage.

Human impact on the scenic quality of coastal dunes: A study of the central Caribbean coast of Colombia

This paper provides a scenic assessment of 19 dune sites using the Dune Scenery Evaluation System (DSES). The DSES assesses values from a checklist of 18 physical and 8 human parameters and allows the calculation of a scenic evaluation index (D Value), which classifies D sites into five classes: Class I, usually natural areas of top scenic characteristics, to Class V, poor scenic dune areas with a greater impact of human interventions. Our findings reveal a predominance of coastal dune systems falling into middle to lower scenic quality classes (III, IV, and V), indicating considerable degradation due to intense human activities. Notably, these activities have adversely impacted the structural integrity and scenic value of these dunes, leading to a loss of biodiversity and increased vulnerability to natural hazards. This paper highlights the critical need for integrated coastal management strategies that balance conservation with sustainable development. Furthermore, our study proposes the enhancement of existing regulatory frameworks, community engagement in conservation efforts, and the implementation of ecological restoration projects aimed at reversing the degradation and restoring the ecological and scenic value of these vital landscapes. The findings underline the potential of using scenic quality as an ecological indicator to guide conservation and management practices, ensuring the preservation of coastal dunes, which are essential for ecological sustainability and local economic benefits. This multidisciplinary approach not only enriches our understanding of the complex interactions within dune ecosystems but also sets a precedent for future research and policymaking in coastal zone management.

Valuation of Food Security and Cultural Landscape Services for Paddy Ecosystems in Developing Countries: A Case Study in Hongthai, Vietnam

In recent times, the assessment of ecosystem services has gained increased importance, as the disappearance of numerous ecosystems worldwide directly impact human well-being and the quality of the living environment, especially in developing countries where many environmental issues are increasingly concerned. The study was conducted to evaluate eco-services in terms of food security and cultural landscape services in Hongthai, Vietnam, by using a questionnaire survey to collect the market price, travel cost, and willingness to pay from the travelers and farmers. The results of the evaluation show that the total value of paddy eco-services in Hongthai is about 579,585.1 USD, with a use-value of 94,50.5 USD (29,146.9 USD of food security value, 65,353.6 of tourist landscape value); the non-use value is 485,084.6 USD (46,223.9 USD of option value; 61,549.0 USD of value left; 377,311.7 USD of value exists). To effectively exploit and use these ecosystem services, local government needs to propagate and raise awareness in maintaining, preserving, and promoting cultural and traditional values inherent in farming, providing tourist services to meet market needs, and providing paddy ecosystem services. Based on the findings, this study proposes some policy implications for Vietnam and similar low-living provinces in developing countries, helping them promote poverty reduction methods and develop sustainable tourism based on paddy ecosystem services.

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.

Research on the Expression of Naturalistic Style in the Landscape Design of Xuzhou Abandoned Mine Park

In recent years, more and more mines have been left idle, and the formed mine wasteland has become a visual pollution of the urban landscape, and the study of landscape design of mine parks has become a focal topic. To address this issue, the sample of this study was selected from Xuzhou Anran Mountain Quarry Abandoned Quarry, to enhance the ecological environment and landscape value of the site through the sample's naturalistic style design and performance. The goal of the study is to explore the innovative design and performance of naturalistic style in the landscape of Xuzhou abandoned quarry park. Methods of this study: observation forms, questionnaires and interview forms, relevant cases and other research methods were used to analyse the overview of mine transformation in China, the landscape characteristics, ecological status and problems of Xuzhou mine wasteland. The design strategy of naturalistic style in the landscape of Xuzhou mine park is proposed.The results of the study show that (1) mine rehabilitation. China's big cities have more mine rehabilitation, and the proportion of cases in small cities is relatively small. (2) Characteristic aspects. Abandoned mines in Xuzhou are characterised by serious ecological damage and chaotic and dilapidated site landscapes. (3) Design strategy. It should be carried out from the ecological restoration and management of the site environment, the aesthetic expression of naturalistic landscape, and the use of natural elements and natural materials. In addition, through the in-depth analysis of the sample landscape design, the originally desolate abandoned mine was transformed into a naturalistic style landscape space, adopting ecological and cultural strategies. The results of the study contribute to the ecological and economic development of the region, and also provide theoretical and practical guidance for the rehabilitation of other mines in China.

“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.

Determination of the Change of Agricultural Landscapes Based on CORINE Land Cover Agricultural Land Classes Using GIS and Visual Quality Value with the AHP Method: The Case of Tekı̇rdağ Province

Agricultural landscapes contribute positively to the visual texture of the city and change over time. In this context, this study aims to determine the visual landscape quality of agricultural landscapes based on parameters on expert approach the hypothesis; it is important and necessary to determine the visual landscape values based on the change in agricultural landscapes over time. Within the framework of the developed hypothesis, it aims to make an expert-based visual landscape assessment of the agricultural landscapes of Tekirdağ Province, located in the northwestern part of Türkiye, based on nine subclasses created according to the CORINE land cover (CLC) classes, on the basis of 4 main parameters. Using the AHP technique, the priorities of the parameters and agricultural landscape classes and the relationships between basic parameters and visual preferences were determined. In this direction, the questions; What are the priorities of parameters that are effective in determining the visual quality of agricultural landscapes on the basis of expert approach?; What kind of changes have occurred in agricultural landscapes during the years 1990-2000-2006-2012-2018 in 9 subclasses created according to the CLC classes? and; How should the visual landscape quality values of the agricultural landscape subclasses created according to the CLC classes be ranked? The results of the study can be used as a tool in landscape planning and management studies as a factor in strengthening landscape quality.

Enhancing climate adaptation: Integrating place-based risk perceptions and coastalscape values using Q+PPGIS

Effective climate change adaptation planning requires evaluating the interplay of physical landscape characteristics and community perceptions of places. Geographic information system (GIS)-based approaches to measuring environmental values can identify locations for planning prioritization. But they seldom are used to consider spatial differences in socio-ecological worldview. This study aims to identify how place-based risk perceptions and landscape values can inform climate change adaptation using a Q+PPGIS method. We integrated mapped landscape values and climate risks (from 39 PPGIS participants) with elicited discourses (for 28 Q-method participants) to develop a novel land classification approach (reflexive Q+PPGIS). The results demonstrate significant differences between wilderness as a discourse and perceived, and the physical features associated with mapped wild areas. Similar differences in discourse and spatial patterns are observed for climate risks. For example, participants’ mapped areas of bushfire risk do not align with agencies’ identified risk areas, their jurisdictions, and capacities to take action. This disconnect presents a challenge to adaptation. Local governments can use this new method to show constituents multiple and often competing community demands for action, enabling honest conversations about feasible actions, responsibilities, and resource allocation.

Evaluación de la composición química del extracto alcohólico de Gynoxys cuicochensis cuatrec: identificación de metabolitos y exploración de sus propiedades farmacológicas

Gynoxys cuicochensis Cuatrec., a member of the Asteraceae family, inhabits the Fierro Urco moor in the province of Loja. Despite not being used in traditional medicine, it possesses significant landscape value due to its striking yellow inflorescence. For investigating its chemical composition and potential pharmacological properties, a phytochemical characterization of the plant’s ethanolic extract was conducted. The extract was obtained through static maceration for three days for the initial filtration, followed by one day for the second and third filtrations. Chlorophyll was se- parated using Diaion HP-20 resin as a solid phase packed in separation funnels, and an ethanol:water liquid phase with a concentration gradient ranging from 6:4 to 9:1 for elution. The dechlorophyllized extract was then freeze- dried and fractionated using gravity column chromatography. The obtained fractions were further purified through microcolumn and preparative chromatography. To elucidate the chemical structure of the molecules, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry were employed. Two metabolites were isolated for this study. The first one is a known glycosylated flavonoid called Nicotiflorin, while the second one is a phenolic derivative named 1,3-di-O-trans-feruloylquinic acid, which lacks a precise pharmacological description. This discovery represents an interesting and unique finding for this species, suggesting its potential medicinal use.

In vitro shoot regeneration system from leaves wrapped by bud scales of a multipurpose tree (Neolamarckia cadamba)

Neolamarckia cadamba (N. cadamba) is an evergreen tree species known for its rapid growth, remarkable wood properties, and significant value in medicine, feeding, and landscape. In order to clone a N. cadamba individual with excellent genotype, a plant regeneration protocol was successfully established with leaves wrapped by bud scales as explants. The optimal sterilization method for the leaves was 0.1% Mercury Chloride (HgCl2) treatment for 1 min before culturing on Murashige and Skoog’s medium (MS) supplemented with 3.0 mg/L Thidiazuron (TDZ), 0.1 mg/L 2–4 Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2-4D), 0.05 mg/L α-Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and 1 mL/L Plant Preservative Mixture (PPM) to induce calluses. The medium containing 1 mL/L PPM could effectively inhibit explant contamination without an unfavorable impact on the final induction rate of callus from the leaves. Three types of calluses were induced from the leaves cultured on the above medium. Among them, only the Type II callus, which was green and nodular, had few particle masses, could differentiate into adventitious shoots on the MS medium supplemented with 1.5 mg/L 6–Benzylaminopurine (6-BA) and 0.05 mg/L NAA, with the induction rate of 78.89% and adventitious shoot number per callus of 11.67. The adventitious shoots were proliferated on the MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/L 6-BA and 0.05 mg/L Indole-3- butyric acid (IBA) with the proliferation coefficient of 3.37. And the micro-shoots developed roots in the MS medium supplemented with 0.05 mg/L NAA and 0.05 mg/L IBA. The regeneration protocol can be used in the propagation and large scale production of seedlings with the same genotype as an excellent individual of N. cadamba in the field.

Localized Canal Development Model Based on Titled Landscapes on the Grand Canal, Hangzhou Section, China

After the decline of water transportation along the Grand Canal, the integration of urban development and the preservation of cultural heritage along the canal has become imperative. This paper takes the titled landscape as its research perspective and investigates the cultural significance of the canal through its historical, spatial, artistic, and spiritual dimensions, identifying the “Ten Canal Scenes” (TCS) that encapsulate both the canal’s heritage and the unique characteristics of Hangzhou, with the aim of establishing notable urban cultural landmarks. Archival analysis, average nearest neighbor (ANN) analysis, nuclear density analysis, and clustering of resource sites are first used to identify cultural landscape features. Evaluation and decision-making techniques are then used to comprehensively assess and categorize the conservation and utilization value for the TCS based on the value evaluation framework. Finally, it proposes strategies for enhancing the comprehensive values of titled landscapes and addressing socio-economic and cultural dimensions. These efforts seek to reconcile the preservation of the canal’s cultural heritage with the ongoing regeneration and development of the city and propose references for a localized canal development model based on titled landscapes.

Tourist itineraries for Sustainable Mobility: an application in the Salento Area (Italy)

The purpose of this work is to define the design process, implemented through an analytical methodology, of two sustainable mobility tourist routes in a specific area of southern Italy (Salento); methodology applicable to other territorial realities. This design process was developed in the context of the 2014/2020 Interreg V-A Greece-Italy cross-border cooperation strategic project called "AI SMART_Adriatic Ionian Small Port Network". It takes into account the analysis of existing Plans and Programs at different levels (Sustainable Mobility Urban Plans; cycling routes; Territorial Plans, etc.), the analysis of statistical data in the area related to employment and tourism; the interlocution with key stakeholders, the analysis of architectural, landscape and food and wine surpluses. These routes have been defined for the interaction of the port of Otranto with the hinterland territories and with the opposite Ionian coast to promote the sustainable and inclusive transnational tourist fruition of the Apulian territory. The genesis of the two thematic itineraries stems from the need/willingness to valorise some areas of Salento through the connection of significant nodes in terms of landscape, architectural and historical value, which define two routes with Pulsano and Otranto as their vertices. The project brings together the potential of the Salento as an area with a strong tourist value, with the theme of sustainable mobility, suggesting the seasonality of travel of each, to meet the needs of deseasonalization of an area with a high summer and seaside tourism vocation.

Quantification of Ecosystem Services of the Melghat Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra, India

The present study was an attempt to quantify the direct as well as indirect ecosystem services from forest ecosystems in the Melghat area, which were undervalued in economic terms as compared to other developmental projects. The valuation of growing stock in the Melghat Tiger Reserve (MTR) was estimated to be IRs 80221 crores (equal to 9600 million US $). While the carbon sequestration potential of the system was estimated to be IRs 9291 crores, the value of non-timber forest products (NTFP), a part of the provisioning service, was IRs 3.92 crore. The Forest land itself is valued at IRs 66874 crores using the current land costs in the region for non-forest uses. Recreation benefits are estimated to be IRs 30.94 crores which is more than the user fee collections at entry points. The contribution value of biodiversity and other ecosystem services for the entire Melghat landscape was IRs 2156 crore. Timber and carbon sequestration loss due to land distributed under forest rights was IRs 447.23 crore, while gains from agricultural use of that land by farmers was merely IRs 7.07 crore. Thus, the land conversion resulted in 63 times higher loss in the total ecosystem services than the gains from the subsistence-level farming practice for provisioning service alone. The total economic value of the Melghat landscape was estimated at IRs 1,69,853 crore, equalling to IRs 57.20 lakh per ha. The Net Present Value (NPV) of IRs 7.5 lakh per ha for protected areas such as the MTR prescribed by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Government of India is much lower than the estimated value, emphasizing the need to revise NPV using appropriate valuation methodology.

Landscape understanding and values in extended public consultations on spatial planning in rural communes in Poland

A large part of spatial planning projects in Polish rural communes deals with landscape issues such as protection and planning. Besides legal regulations extended public consultations (EPCs) on spatial planning processes provide an opportunity to comprehensively address and negotiate landscape arguments. This research aims to identify the understanding and value of the concept of landscape by local communities in the examined EPC cases. This paper explores landscape issues through a systematic analysis (multiple-case study) of six cases of EPCs carried out in Poland between 2019 and 2022. The landscape was negotiated in terms of its various functions to provide value for aesthetics, culture, history, identity, recreation, and economy. In some cases, the landscape was used as an argument to promote a hidden agenda. In the rural communes, aesthetic functions of landscapes were frequently addressed, while natural, ecological, and climatic functions of the landscape were barely mentioned, suggesting that the understanding of landscape remains at a representative, cultural, and visual level, which differs from urban discourses that often focus on climatic and ecological functions of landscape. EPCs are a sound instrument to further integrate landscape as a common asset into spatial planning processes.

Analysis of genomic copy number variations through whole-genome scan in Yunling cattle.

Yunling cattle is a new breed of beef cattle bred in Yunnan Province, China, which has the advantages of fast growth, excellent meat quality, improved tolerance ability, and important landscape value. Copy number variation (CNV) is a significant source of gene structural variation and plays a crucial role in evolution and phenotypic diversity. Based on the latest reference genome ARS-UCD2.0, this study analyzed the genome-wide distribution of CNVs in Yunling cattle using short-read whole-genome sequencing data (n = 129) and single-molecule long-read sequencing data (n = 1), and a total of 16,507 CNVs were detected. After merging CNVs with overlapping genomic positions, 3,728 CNV regions (CNVRs) were obtained, accounting for 0.61% of the reference genome. The functional analysis indicated significant enrichment of CNVRs in 96 GO terms and 57 KEGG pathways, primarily related to cell adhesion, signal transduction, neuromodulation, and nutritional metabolism. Additionally, 111 CNVRs overlapped with 76 quantitative trait loci (QTLs), including Subcutaneous fat thickness QTL, Longissimus muscle area QTL, and Marbling score QTL. Several CNVR-overlapping genes, including BZW1, AOX1, and LOC100138449, overlap with regions associated with meat color and quality QTLs. Furthermore, Vst analysis showed that PSMB4, ERICH1, SMC2, and PPP4R3A were highly divergent between Yunling and Brahman cattle. In summary, we have constructed the genomic CNV map of Yunling cattle for the first time using whole-genome resequencing. This provides valuable genetic variation resources for the study of the Yunling cattle genome and contributes to the study of economic traits in Yunling cattle.

When Heritage and Landscape Values Are Confronted by Planned Infrastructures: A Glance at ‘Public Debate’ (‘Dibattito Pubblico’) Procedures in Italy

Public debate procedures (“dibattito pubblico”, DP) have been recently introduced in Italy to provide an additional platform for public participation into infrastructure-related decision-making processes. Inspired by their French equivalent (“débat public”), these procedures sensibly differ from EIAs as they occur at a very early stage, i.e., before projects’ final drafting. Another significant difference, specific to the Italian context, is a provision dedicated to heritage sites and protected areas foreseeing a wider application of DPs in those contexts. This paper aims to further explore the different relationships between actors at play within DP procedures on the one hand, and heritage sites and landscapes on the other hand, through the analysis of dedicated reports and other documents. Heritage- and landscape-related values are commonly mobilized in relation to all infrastructural projects considered, although in various ways and sometimes with conflicting aims. The article highlights that environmental conflicts are likely to affect and mobilize heritage and landscape values, and calls for a closer dialogue between infrastructure planning, heritage and landscape planning, and political ecology.