Journal of Central European Agriculture (Jul 2008)
THE TYPOLOGY OF THE AGRICULTURAL LANDSCAPE OF DUBROVAČKO PRIMORJE AS A BASIS FOR DIRECTING DEVELOPMENT
Abstract
Abandonment of rural areas in Dubrovačko Primorje in the last 50 years resulted with changes of its spatial characteristics and identity. This process defi ned this place as a virtually derelict area. The main goal of this work is to determine landscape types based upon survey and spatial analyses. They can be helpful in a process of determination of spatial qualities. Landscape division was made according to the natural and anthropogenic features of this area. Therefore, landscape was divided on natural (coast, karst terrain and landscapes of the macchia) and cultural (settlement and agriculture) landscapes. Working methods consisted of several research stages. The fi rst stage comprised a review of relevant literature concerning natural and sociological features of the explored area. Working methods of prof. dr. Marušič were inspiration for evolvement of this research [16]. The next stage of research was the fi eld work by means of observation method which resulted in detailed photo documentation, showing different types of the agricultural landscapes. Indoor work consisted of the orthophoto production, which was a base for further exploration. Consequently, detailed map of the land use, as well as an agricultural map of the area was made according to the structural husbandry character. Digital mapping of the thematical maps in GIS – Arc View software program, produced a database of social and natural elements of the area. Overlapping of all these maps helped in determination of causal processes. Comparison of these outcomes with terrain photo documentation led to the research results and fi nal conclusions. This research showed interesting structural features of agricultural landscapes. Its division was made according to its form which emerged from the land use and its natural character. Consequently, agricultural landscapes are divided into fi elds (with regular parcels and those with irregular land division), dry stone walls with organic and polygonal forms and terraced landscapes in different scales and dimensions. Results pointed to many interesting and various landscape types which are articulating with different spatial elements, thus making an overall landscape picture more complex. This spatial variety is giving an identity to this space which is based upon tense spatial dynamics. Exploration has also shown developing tendencies of different landscape types. Future development will certainly cause completely different landscape scenery, therefore there remains a legitimate reason for controlled development. Main developing strategies are based on tourism and agricultural development. Since tourism is a more aggressive element in this system its further development has to be better supervised in order to achieve their balanced coexistence. Tourism and its spatial distribution must be more dispersed, as it is currently concentrated alongside a particularly sensitive natural coastal area.
