The quest for new tools to preserve rural heritage landscapes

Abstract

This article aims to assess the tool of “grand site paysager” through its first implementation in Wallonia in order to reflect on tools that can preserve rural heritage landscapes. We seek to define the classification logic for this site and its relevance to the diversity of values and activities of site users. The “grand site” tool aims to preserve heritage landscapes of an intermediate scale, between the reserves of a few hectares and the national parks of several thousand hectares, but this tool has several weaknesses. Indeed, the multiple recreational uses seem to oppose the arguments for classification. Moreover, farming is neglected. However, we suggest that recreational value should be acknowledged as a community heritage.

Keywords

• rural landscape
• heritage
• protection tools
• Grand Site
• Boucle de l’Ourthe
• Belgium