Landscape-indicator development: steps towards a European approach

Abstract

The large diversity of landscapes characteristic for specific regions is one of the key cultural-heritage elements of Europe, although there is a tendency for regional differences to disappear. In view of the increasing interest in landscape-related concepts expressed by policy institutes such as the European Commission, the European Environment Agency (EEA), the Council of Europe and the OECD, national activities in the field of landscape indicators are becoming an important reference when developing European-wide assessments. Being strongly rooted in earth sciences (soil, water, land use, biodiversity) as well as social sciences, landscape indicators can play an essential role when assessing the sustainability of Europe’s rural and peri-urban land. After reviewing recent international approaches to landscape-indicator development on the basis of a conceptual framework that integrates landscape functions in the context of DPSIR, this paper explores national approaches to ‘Landscape Character Assessment’ as references for the practical application of indicators. Finally, a set of conclusions and recommendations addressing scientists and policymakers are given.