Landscape sensitivity assessment within spatial development scenarios. Latvia case study

Ilze Stokmane; Simon Bell; Aija Ziemeļniece; Daiga Skujāne; Natalija Ņitavska; Una Īle; Kristīne Vugule; Madara Markova; Iveta Lāčauniece; Aiga Spāģe

doi:10.22616/j.landarchart.2023.23.12

Authors

Ilze Stokmane Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Latvia
Simon Bell Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Latvia
Aija Ziemeļniece Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Latvia
Daiga Skujāne Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Latvia
Natalija Ņitavska Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Latvia
Una Īle Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Latvia
Kristīne Vugule Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Latvia
Madara Markova Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Latvia
Iveta Lāčauniece Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Latvia
Aiga Spāģe Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Latvia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22616/j.landarchart.2023.23.12

Keywords:

landscape assessment, landscape sensitivity, landscape capacity, European Landscape Convention

Abstract

European countries have different experience in landscape characterisation and assessment. Comparing the different approaches used in different European countries, it is proposed to use the method developed and validated in the United Kingdom - Landscape Character Assessment, adapted and modified for the Latvian situation. This approach has also been used in most other European countries, which have chosen to use the UK approach to landscape characterisation, adapting it to their specific national situation. The need for a landscape assessment in Latvia is highlighted in the Latvian Landscape Policy Guidelines 2013-2019 and Latvian Landscape Policy Implementation Plan 2024-2027, taking into account the actions set out in the European Landscape Convention to be taken by all Parties to the Convention. The purpose of the research was to carry out the analysis of Latvian landscape sensitivity within spatial planning scenarios important for local municipalities. It is of high importance to assess landscape sensitivity for changes of build and natural environment influencing pace and scale of development of the rural areas of Latvia. As local municipalities set different goals for their spatial development, common spatial development scenarios were chosen to make analysis of landscape sensitivity in Latvian landscapes. Results from the analysis of landscape sensitivity show variation of suitable actions to be implemented if different places in Latvia. The results also can be used for defining landscape quality goals to harmonise scope of activities to be implemented by local municipalities of Latvia.

Author Biographies

Ilze Stokmane, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Latvia

Dr. oec., Associate Professor, leading researcher at the Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Engineering, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies.

Simon Bell, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Latvia

PhD, Professor, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia.

Aija Ziemeļniece, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Latvia

Dr. arch., is an editor of the internationally cited journal “Landscape Architecture and Art”. She is a Professor at the Department of Landscape Architecture and Planning of Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies.

Daiga Skujāne, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Latvia

Dr. arch., Professor, leading researcher leading researcher at the Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Engineering, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies.

Natalija Ņitavska, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Latvia

Dr.arch., Professor, leading researcher leading researcher at the Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Engineering, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies.

Una Īle, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Latvia

Dr. arch., Associate Professor, leading researcher at the Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Engineering, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies.

Kristīne Vugule, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Latvia

Dr. arch., Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Engineering, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies.

Madara Markova, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Latvia

Dr. arch., Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Engineering, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies.

Iveta Lāčauniece, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Latvia

Mg. arch., guest lecturer at the Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Engineering, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies.

Aiga Spāģe, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Latvia

Mg. arch., PhD student and guest lecturer at the Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Engineering, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies.

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