Culture and nature versus culture or nature

Abstract

This paper discusses the integration of cultural and natural heritage aspects of landscapes. It presents arguments for the further integration of interests but also points to the potential for conflicts between cultural and natural heritage interests. These are predominantly at the site-management level. The important role of the historical layer is stressed as an integral part of the environmental capital of landscapes, a part where the services provided need to be communicated more explicitly, especially those aspects of cultural heritage that are invisible or symbolic. The attention paid to cultural heritage interests in framing agri-environmental payments is increasing and in many cases can be combined effectively with measures to promote other environmental benefits such as biodiversity. The challenges of the future are to achieve even greater integration of the nature and culture components of landscapes and to work out how best to incorporate the lessons of the past in designing future landscapes.