The Protected Landscape Approach - Centre for Mediterranean ...

The Protected Landscape Approach: Linking Nature, Culture and Community
communities and local organizations are involved in identifying the values, developing a
vision, and often become the co-managers or managers of the designated area that is part of a
larger conservation strategy. Importantly, this larger strategy encompasses socio-economic
dimensions of community and regional vitality, as well as quality of life and access to
resources. Education is an integral part of many of the strategies, engaging all sectors of the
community as well as involving the younger generation to develop their leadership skills. The
key investment in the role of local communities is important both to successful conservation,
but also to the sustainable future of conservation.
These case studies confirm that the term “protected landscapes” refers not only to particular
large-scale landscapes with a human history and natural resource values, but also to a landscape
management process that accommodates and guides change. This represents a fundamental
shift in thought and practice in the USA and Canada and extends conservation into new areas.
While the work of conservation becomes more challenging, these case studies demonstrate the
effectiveness of a “protected landscape approach” for building a broad-based commitment to
stewardship.
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