Speaker
Description
Landscape assessment tools are fundamental to the Environmental Assessment framework (EIA and SIA). They enable a comprehensive evaluation of aesthetic, cultural, and ecological dimensions during the planning and implementation of plans and projects (Geneletti, 2011). The recent adoption of the Nature Restoration Law (NRL), a crucial regulatory measure aimed at reversing ecosystem degradation and safeguarding biodiversity (EP, 2024), underscores the urgency of aligning landscape assessment tools with the contemporary challenge of climate change adaptation. According to the European Commission, over 80% of European habitats are in unfavorable conditions, and many species are at risk of extinction (EEA, 2021). The NRL aims to reverse this trend through specific and measurable restoration targets, emphasizing the integration of environmental protection, socio-economic development, and cultural heritage conservation.
In this evolving context, landscape assessment tools acquire a strategic role that extends beyond identifying potential environmental impacts. They foster resilience to climate change and support the sustainable management of natural resources (Harker et al., 2021). A critical analysis of current landscape assessment methodologies within Environmental Assessment procedures provides an opportunity to evaluate how these tools can contribute to achieving the multifaceted goals of the NRL while addressing legal, environmental, and social requirements. Traditional approaches, such as visual impact analysis, perceptual surveys, and geomorphological evaluations, have proven effective in delivering valuable insights (Simensen et al., 2018). However, these tools reveal notable limitations, particularly in addressing contemporary demands such as biodiversity conservation and the integration of climate resilience (Opdam et al., 2018). Advanced quantitative methods, such as GIS-based models and ecosystem service assessments, are increasingly advocated as potential solutions to these challenges. These methods offer robust frameworks for evaluating landscape impacts (Medeiros et al., 2021).
Climate change introduces profound challenges to landscapes. These challenges manifest in ecosystem alterations, impacts on cultural landmarks, and changes to visual aesthetics, while also undermining their adaptive capacity (IPCC, 2023). Integrating climate adaptation into landscape assessment methodologies is therefore essential to ensure that projects not only minimize environmental harm but actively enhance the adaptive potential of affected areas. In this context, the deployment of landscape quality indicators emerges as a cornerstone of effective decision-making within Environmental Assessment procedures (Shames & Scherr, 2019; Reed et al., 2020). These indicators, derived from ecological, cultural, and aesthetic criteria, provide critical metrics for evaluating landscape health and functionality. Key ecological indicators include habitat connectivity, species richness, and vegetation cover, which are vital for ecosystem assessment (Finotto, 2011; Cushman et al., 2019). Cultural indicators, such as historical site preservation, local knowledge integration, and community attachment to the landscape, provide insights into the socio-cultural significance of an area (Tengberg et al., 2012; Ridding et al., 2018). Similarly, aesthetic indicators, including visual coherence, scenic value, and landscape character, ensure that visual and perceptual aspects are integrated with ecological and cultural considerations (Ode et al., 2008; Fry et al., 2009). Combined, these indicators can form composite indices, offering a holistic perspective on landscape quality (Aad et al., 2024).
The proposal advocates for a multidimensional approach to landscape assessment that integrates ecological, cultural, and aesthetic dimensions through the development of an online platform. Aligning landscape assessment methodologies with the objectives of the NRL, therefore, represents a strategic opportunity to strengthen environmental governance and improve territorial planning. This transformative approach moves beyond conventional technical evaluations to embrace a broader socio-ecological perspective (Reed et al., 2020; Harker et al., 2021). By adapting environmental assessment tools to address current challenges and regulatory imperatives, landscape assessment can become a pivotal instrument for promoting sustainable development, enhancing climate resilience, and driving ecological restoration (Shames & Scherr, 2019; Medeiros et al., 2021).
References
Aad, R. el Balaa, R. Tanios, C. Nemer, N. (2024), Landscape Indicators - An Inventive Approach for the Sustainability of Landscapes, Sustainability, vol. 16(12), 4887, DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su16124887.
Cushman, S. A. McGarigal, K. (2019), Metrics and Models for Quantifying Ecological Resilience at Landscape Scales, Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution – Switzerland, Frontiers Media SA, DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2019.00440.
EEA (2020), State of nature in the EU: Results from reporting under the nature directives 2013-2018, Report 10/2020, Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union, DOI: 10.2800/705440.
EP (2024), Nature Restoration Law, available at: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1991/oj.
Finotto, F. (2011), Landscape Assessment: The Ecological Profile, in: Cassatella, C. Peano, A. (eds) Landscape Indicators. Springer, Dordrecht. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-0366-7_4.
Fry, G. Tveit, M.S. Ode, Å. Velarde, M.D. (2009), The ecology of visual landscapes: Exploring the conceptual common ground of visual and ecological landscape indicators, Ecological Indicators, vol 9(5), pp. 933-947, ISSN 1470-160X, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2008.11.008.
Geneletti, D. (2011), Reasons and options for integrating ecosystem services in strategic environmental assessment of spatial planning, Environmental Impact Assessment Review, 31(1), pp.3-10.
Harker, K. J. Arnold, L. Sutherland, I. J. (2021), Perspectives from landscape ecology can improve environmental impact assessment, FACETS, vol. 6(1), pp. 358-378, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/facets-2020-0049.
| Keywords | Nature Restoration Law; Environmental Assessment; Climate change; Landscape; Ecosystem Services |
|---|---|
| Best Congress Paper Award | Yes |
