PPOL Divisional Seminar - Protecting Cultural Heritage through Development

Abstract:

European countries have unique cultural landscapes that have developed gradually as a result of the interaction between people and the natural landscape. Their survival has been ensured through traditional land-use practices. Traditional forms of land use have ensured both continuity and a sustainable approach to land use, which generally benefits the landscape. Unfortunately, the rapid changes in both rural and urban environments – for example cities have been growing geometrically over the last few decades – have threatened many cultural landscapes.

There is a tendency to underestimate the cultural landscape, particularly at the local level. The protection of cultural landscapes often cannot compete with more urgent needs, both at the planning stage and during project implementation. Currently, municipalities that are located in areas with such valuable cultural landscapes may face challenges in managing them appropriately and responsibly. However, the existence of valuable cultural landscapes must not limit, prevent, or hinder the economic use of these areas, as it is essential to ensure that people living in these areas have the same opportunities as those who only visit these landscapes.

There is currently interest in Europe in the existing links between heritage landscapes and environmental development. In the landscape research, the following question is becoming increasingly relevant: what steps should be taken in the near future to implement the recommendations of the European Landscape Convention? In addition, efforts are being made to anticipate major environmental challenges, such as the transformation of agricultural policy, increasing urbanization, and climate and demographic changes.