Cultural Landscapes in Transition: Balancing Heritage, Development, and Sustainability

Abstract

Special Issue Information Dear Colleagues,

Cultural landscapes represent the "combined works of nature and man", illustrating human settlement and cultural development over time, influenced by both natural and cultural forces. These landscapes provide a legacy of history, showing how local communities have shaped their environments. Since the 1972 World Heritage Convention, cultural landscapes have been recognized within a historical and scientific context, with preservation- and conservation-embracing concepts such as belonging, uniqueness, meaning, and locality. These values highlight the importance of cultural landscapes in shaping identity and cultural heritage. The 2000 Landscape Convention further emphasized the vital role that landscapes (including land, inland, water, and marine areas) play in individual and social well-being. It highlighted their contribution to enhancing the quality of life, reflecting cultural, scientific, aesthetic, and historical values. Cultural landscapes are irreplaceable assets of immense significance, yet balancing their preservation with modern development remains challenging. In rapidly urbanizing areas, development can be destructive, while low-density regions may face land abandonment. Reconciling the needs of preservation with modern growth requires dialogue and the development of solutions that align economic growth with cultural integrity. Sustainable practices offer an effective pathway to harmonize these objectives, ensuring cultural heritage is respected while supporting necessary development. Such practices should integrate cultural landscapes into urban planning through designs that maintain the historical and cultural integrity of the area. Planning and designing natural and built landscapes must address climate change impacts and heritage site risks. The challenge ensures that modern development does not conflict with historical and cultural values. This requires thoughtful planning and design that respects heritage while integrating new functionalities and adaptive reuses. Community engagement is key to creating a shared vision for development and raising awareness of the importance of preserving cultural landscapes. Incorporating green, nature-based solutions and traditional techniques is also essential for promoting sustainability and harmony. Additionally, regenerative and sustainable thinking, which emphasizes carrying capacity and risk identification, ensures long-term preservation. By adopting sustainable practices, it is possible to ensure cultural landscapes continue to shape identities for future generations while adapting to modern needs.