The Protected Landscape Approach - Centre for Mediterranean ...

The Protected Landscape Approach: Linking Nature, Culture and Community
The Liptov region in
the High Tatra
mountains of
northern Slovakia.
Protected landscapes
can serve as models
and test beds for
sustain able develop -
ment.
Brent Mitchell
local communities in conservation strategies and reinforces recognition of the potential to join
sustainable development with nature conservation”.
Many authors note the importance of the protected landscape approach as models and test
beds for sustainable development. Phillips writes that these landscapes are “an environmental
resource, also a medium through which to pursue sustainable development.” Rössler concurs
that they can “illustrate sustainable local and regional development” and serve as “models of
sustainable development – drawing on traditional practices of sustainable use of resources.”
Phillips and Partington report on recent innovative policies in Wales using protected areas as
places where sustainable forms of rural development are pioneered and promoted, giving
national parks a new purpose. These conservation areas become “test beds from which
successful experience can be rolled out into the whole countryside”.
Benefits of the protected landscape approach
A review of the case studies presented in this book reveals a range of benefits derived from
using the protected landscape approach to safeguard and enhance special areas within viable
programmes of social and economic development (see Table 2).
This table is not meant to be all-inclusive but serves to illustrate the wide range of benefits
experienced from this approach. The protection of ecological services and cultural heritage has
already been discussed. It is, however, important to note the important civic engagement and
educational benefits observed by several authors. In many cases, people and organizations not
traditionally involved in conservation became engaged. Jones, Okello and Wishitemi credit the
long history of community-based conservation in Kenya and Namibia and the level of
community involvement with reducing wildlife poaching. Rössler emphasises the educational
benefits of community engagement in the nomination of sites as cultural landscapes to the
World Heritage List, which has increased awareness and instilled new pride among the local
communities for their heritage and has often led to revival of their traditions.
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