Geograficando (Dec 2013)
Landscape analysis as a theoretical-methodological tool and bridge for territory socio-environmental management
Abstract
This paper attempts to understand how the concept of landscape is transformed from its academic production and discussion to its adaptation by the State; and also how this concept ends up being applied on the territory by various professionals interested in it. In order to do this we look at some definitions developed by various disciplines: Geography, Anthropology, Archeology, Ecology, Agronomy and Architecture, highlighting key points; and we make a comparison between their proposals and the way these concepts have been adopted by the State, specifically through the so-called “terms of reference”. Then we analyze how these concepts and methodologies are put into practice by professionals working in different consulting companies, many times disregarding how local inhabitants understand and live the landscape from their territory. We conclude that there is a clear need to build bridges between the Academia, the State, the people and the business sector, through professional practice and based on the need to acknowledge the way local inhabitants live the concept from their territory. Only in this way will we manage to make a real impact and better people’s life quality.
