The Protected Landscape Approach - Centre for Mediterranean ...

17. Conclusions – the protected landscape approach
groups and often demanding a highly sensitive approach.” This approach involves un pre -
cedented cooperation and partnerships across many sectors on a landscape and among many
organizations at the local, regional, national and international levels. Working on large-scale
landscapes relies on coordination among key stakeholders, across a diversity of land uses and
land ownership, and often involving multiple types of designation and corresponding legis -
lation.
This approach to conservation also rests on managing – even embracing – change, since
landscapes and associated societies are dynamic systems that rely on social and economic
viability for survival. For many cultures, they are finding the balance between the past, present
and future, between continuity and change, or as Villalón describes it “weaving tradition with
the present.” The concept of adaptive management is applicable as the lessons learned can
provide feedback for constant improvement based on experience (Phillips, 2002).
The threats and challenges facing conservation are indeed myriad, yet the will of many who
strive for a vision of a sustainable society is powerful. Ultimately, to meet these challenges,
new approaches and new leadership are needed. It is through the type of innovation demon -
strated by these case studies and the hope of these new directions that a way forward for
conservation can be crafted.
A way forward
The protected landscape approach is a “new face” for conservation. Most fundamentally, the
goals for conservation are dramatically expanded from protection of nature and biodiversity to
include a broader cultural context and social agenda. For it is within this broader context that a
wide diversity of people can find their connection to biological and cultural heritage, and
commit to stewardship. The protected landscape approach is a process that accommodates and
guides change. This approach creates networks across the landscape and respects the relation -
ships between people and place. These large-scale landscapes are cohesive venues for con ser -
vation due to their regional identity, shared history or culture, and shared ecosystem
boundaries. These are complex landscapes with multiple values where nature and culture exist
alongside human communities, often for many generations. In many cases, the value of the
landscape is intimately influenced by the interaction with people over time, and the protection
of the landscape requires sustaining this relationship and associated stewardship.
Langshaw field barn, North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, England. The protected
landscape approach creates networks across the landscape, sustains cultural and natural values, and
helps to guide change. Countryside Agency/Charlie Hedley
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