Landscape as Connecting Link of Nature and Culture: Spatial Planning Policy Implications in Greece

Abstract

The research paper investigates the diverse understandings of “landscape”, along with demonstrating the modes of contribution of the European Landscape Convention (ELC) of the Council of Europe (CE) in influencing national spatial planning systems. The paper, interested in considering the efficiency of landscape policy from a territorial perspective, briefly outlines the perception and understanding of landscape as connecting link of nature and culture and conducts a literature review with the aim to support the prospect of a «European model of landscape planning». Lastly, it critically examines the approach to landscape planning and management by the Greek state, revealing the catalytic role of the Council of Europe (CE) in activating the dimension of landscape in Greece, in a mutualistic perspective between environmental policy and spatial planning, mainly through strategic spatial planning tools (i.e., the Regional Spatial Plans, RSPs). The results point out that (a) the ELC gave new impetus to spatial planning in Greece, providing the tool to manage and coordinate landscape policy, positively influencing the evolving spatial planning paradigm; (b) the decentralized approach adopted, identified landscapes of particular value at a regional level, so as to be given priority in terms of the implementation of coordinated governance arrangements and management actions. However, the implementation of landscape policy continues to rely on the underlying spatial planning level (Local Spatial Plans, Special Spatial Plans) and a general conclusion is that both on land and on sea, it depends on the incorporation of evolutionary trends in planning including an evolutionary perspective for landscape itself, viewed as a complex social-ecological system.

Fostering Spatial Efficiency in the Marine Space, in a Socially Sustainable Way: Lessons Learnt From a Soft Multi-Use Assessment in the Mediterranean

“…Thus, a new perspective and relevant research considering people as being organically part of nature arises. This is besides consistent with both the European Landscape Convention ratified in 2000 (Kyvelou and Gourgiotis, 2019) and of the new concept and practice promoted by the EU of reconnecting nature and culture (Paracchini et al, 2018). The latter implicates that natural and cultural capital should be recognized, understood, planned, and managed together.…”

Externalities in the Light of Selected Spatial Economy Issues - Contribution to the Discussion

“…Public authorities, represented by gmina councils, implement local public policies directly determined by gmina legal and administrative requirements (Nowacka, 2012;Phelps, Parsons, Ballas, and Dowling 2006;Shrestha, 1998). Also, appropriate spatial policies require public authorities to adopt effective time-and space-related management methods (Kyvelou and Gourgiotis, 2019). In the context of the adopted definition, it can be assumed that spatial policies comprise public authorities' overall regular (adjustment), intentional and sovereign activities.…”

Fisheries Sustainability through Soft Multi-Use Maritime Spatial Planning and Local Development Co-Management: Potentials and Challenges in Greece

“…Nevertheless, fisheries remain an activity of fundamental prominence for the coastal/island communities of Greece for many centuries. As shown by archeozoological research the fish species caught in the Aegean archipelago are basically identical for about 100 centuries [47]. However, the industry suffers from over-exploitation of marine resources, destructive fishing practices and illegal techniques, overfishing, habitat destruction, pollution and climate change impacts.…”

“…There is urgency since the rhythm of decline of fish stocks is accelerating. For instance, research in the eastern Aegean Sea has indicated a shrink of up to 50% in catch levels of small-scale fisheries between 2009 and 2011 [47]. As a consequence of decades of unsustainable national and EU fishing policies, fishermen are technically improving their vessels and equipment, using largely improved catching methods, and covering larger fishing areas.…”