Cultural Landscapes Link to Nature:Learning from Satoyama and Satoumi

The nature-culture divide is an artificial separation consolidated by Western modern science.It is a social construction that disseminated globally,but does not exist in some non-Western societies.Abandoning this framework to embrace an integrated system for sustainability is challenging.The concept of the Historic Urban Landscape(HUL)already attempts to integrate natural and cultural heritage into urban planning by focusing on a landscape approach.However,this approach consumes rural and nature into the urban.To uncover nature and return it to the forefront of urban conservation,this paper explores cultural landscapes as examples where natu­ral and cultural values are inextricably related.Four case studies are presented of satoyama and satoumi,cultural landscapes of Japan where Shinto beliefs and traditional agricultural practices knit together nature and culture,rendering the divide unseen.This paper suggests connecting the HUL approach,with this inclusive understanding,by turning the focus to mapping seasonal relationships following a transdisciplinary approach in which indigenous and local knowledge are integrated,as well as a temporal dimension.In this way,one can find satoyama and satou­mi in the urban environment:by looking beyond the attributes,the interrelationships with the natural substratum needed to support the development of quality and resilient environments can be revealed.

Novel ecosystems in the restoration of cultural landscapes of Tl’chés,West Chatham Island,British Columbia,Canada

Introduction:The small archipelago of Tl’chés,in coastal British Columbia,has gone through drastic social-ecological change culminating in the decline of traditional management practices,invasion of exotic plant species and,in the early 1960s,land abandonment.This is a common trend in cultural landscapes around the world.Cultural landscapes have great social-ecological significance,including cultural safeguarding and renewal,as well as maintenance of biodiversity,ecosystem functions and services,making them objects of special attention in conservation and restoration efforts.This study investigates the relationship between the Lekwungen people and heavily altered ecosystems in the context of ecological restoration for the cultural landscapes of Tl’chés.Methods:In order to thoroughly explore the ecological,social and cultural aspects and processes involved in the restoration of Tl’chés,this study combined different environmental sciences methodologies,including historical and archival research,semi-structured interviews and participatory observation with Lekwungen participants,as well as ecological field assessments and an innovative mapping approach termed Terrestrial Cultural Ecosystem Mapping(TCEM).Results:This study generated historical and spatial references for ecosystem and land use change in West Chatham Island,as well as cultural and ecological understandings to support restoration.Although important native species such as Camassia spp.are still thriving,present-day ecosystems on this island are heavily altered from the natural Garry oak ecosystem reference sites and are largely dominated by exotic invasive shrubs and graminoid species.This investigation indicates that the Lekwungen value both the historical ecological conditions of the island and particular types of the present-day novel or hybrid ecological states,such as the overgrown heritage orchard and nonnative berries found on the islands.Conclusions:Present-day ecosystems of Tl’chés are a result of a hybrid management system(traditional and conventional),coupled with land abandonment for many decades.Restoration of Tl’chés must involve both ecological and cultural components.Therefore,intervention strategies should consider the incorporation of novel and hybrid ecosystems(i.e.naturalized exotic species)into a restoration plan for ecological,cultural,historical,and subsistence values.

World Heritage Cultural Landscapes:An Old or a New Concept for China?

The term‘cultural landscape’has many different meanings for different people throughout the world.It has been widely circulated since the international recognition of cultural landscapes extended to World Heritage prominence in 1992 with three categories of cultural landscapes of outstanding universal value defined as the‘combined works of nature and of man’.However,the application of World Heritage Cultural Landscapes(WHCLs)encountered difficulties in China.This paper reviews the history of nature-related World Heritage conservation in the country,examines the cross-cultural confusion of World Heritage practice from Chinese traditional cultural perspective of culture and nature relationship to address to the international bewilderment about China’s two-decade absence from WHCLs.The paper also reviews the efforts taken by China to dispel the conceptual confusion,what has been inspired by and contributed to the WHCLs in the recent years.Finally,the paper examines what China and WHCLs can mutually benefit from each other based on the common concerns of sustainable development and harmonious human-nature relationship in the future.

A digital information system for cultural landscapes:the case of Slender West Lake scenic area in Yangzhou,China

The rapid development of digital technologies provides important opportunities for more effective cultural heritage conservation and management.While the concept of cultural landscape has been accepted by the academic community in the cultural heritage field for many years,the digital conservation of cultural landscapes still lacks pragmatic guidance.The aim of this article is to explore an approach for building a digital information system to support cultural landscape conservation and management.The Slender West Lake scenic area,a typical cultural landscape in China,was used as an instrumental case study.A geo-database was designed and established to integrate the information of the natural,cultural,tangible and intangible landscape features of Slender West Lake.The digital information system for cultural landscapes provides a more holistic,dynamic and specific cultural perspective on heritage for landscape conservators.The system provides comprehensive information support for heritage conservation,management and interpretation,which are not achievable with conventional tools.This article has expanded the cultural heritage theory by presenting a practical guide for the digital information management of cultural landscapes.The workflow for building a cultural landscape geo-database can be used as a reference for heritage projects in China and other countries.

Protective Renovation of the Historical Environment of Traffic Cultural Heritage:Necessity and Feasibility

Starting from the reality of protective renovation of the historical environment of traffic cultural heritage,this paper discusses its necessity from the role and value of protective renovation of historical environment on overall protection of traffic cultural heritage and contemporary value exploration.By analyzing the current research status of traffic history,protection theories and methods of historical environment,cultural routes,linear cultural landscape and heritage corridors and other theoretical methods,as well as the effectiveness of digital protection and other technical approaches,this paper demonstrates the theoretical basis and feasible technical approaches for protective renovation of the historical environment of traffic cultural heritage.Moreover,it is suggested to construct the historical environment evaluation system of traffic cultural heritage and form a systematic design process of protective renovation.

Spatial Distribution and Inscribed Criteria of Cultural Landscape World Heritage Sites

As an important type of world heritage sites,cultural landscape has always been an important research subject.In order to explore the spatial distribution and evolution mode of cultural landscape all over the world,the paper systematically elaborated the historical context of cultural landscape.The distribution characteristics were analyzed by statistical methods,and the connotation and evolution law represented by cultural landscape in different regions were expounded.The word frequency of regional heritage criteria was analyzed,and the local characteristics of each case were discussed.The research shows that the spatial distribution of global cultural landscape is unbalanced,mainly concentrated in Europe,and the spatial distribution characteristics are closely related to geographical environment,social history,economic development level and many other factors.In terms of inscribed criteria for world heritage sites,most cultural landscapes are mainly based on cultural criteria,but also involve natural criteria.The recognition and protection of cultural landscapes that simultaneously meet multiple criteria will become the focus in the future.

Cultural Diversity of Traditional Settlement Landscape Gene

As a crucial channel for understanding traditional settlements culture,traditional settlement landscape gene is of vital importance to figure out status quo of traditional Chinese culture,to protect cultural heritage of settlements,and to help residents establish cultural confidence.This paper adopts diversity index,schema analysis,and qualitative analysis methods to identify cultural diversity and construct diversity map of cultural landscape genes.It shows that cultural diversity of landscape genes refers to the various forms of cultural factors in architecture,environment,culture,and layout,including type diversity,combination diversity,and functional diversity.

Value Composition and Optimal Utilization of Religious Cultural Landscape Resources

Multiple value structure of religious cultural landscape resources influences and determines development and regulation of cultural landscape resources. In the multiple value structure consisting of cultural inheritance, spiritual needs, industrial expansion, leisure and entertainment, development and utilization of religious cultural landscape resources should adhere to scientific classification, relatively independent policy orientation, make and implement specific countermeasures, so as to meet various requirements of the public and other relevant subjects using more refined and improved policy measures, and to realize the optimal utilization and comprehensive value of religious cultural landscapes.

Interpretation of the Characteristics of the Southern Anhui Third Front Industrial Cultural Landscape in the Context of Philosophy of Technology

The third front industrial cultural landscape has the dual attributes of “industry” and “nature”.The special historical background and mountainous environment make it a distinctive industrial cultural landscape.Taking the third front industrial cultural landscape of southern Anhui as an example,this paper uses philosophy of technology to study this industrial cultural landscape with “modernity” characteristics,so as to make its “culture” return to the industrial cultural system and rethink,rather than the previous interpretation in the context of “cultural relics”.Then,under the framework of natural system,technological system and cultural system,the deep-seated cultural philosophy characteristics of the third front industrial cultural landscape are explained from the technological nature of the three line industrial cultural landscape.

Flow or Fence: Learning, Preserving, and Redefining the Riverfront Cultural Landscape

The Chao Phraya River and the network of canals or “klongs” are the origin of Bangkok’s nick-name “Venice of the East”. Its amphibian nature of lower delta area where used to be covered by the sea around 5000 years ago provides a water-based settlement for the citizens. Rivers as an agricultural irrigation system are also used for daily consumption, transportation, and drainage channels. Bangkok was established in 1782 as the capital of Thailand by King Rama I of the Chakri Dynasty. The location is on a flood plain delta of the Chao Phraya River with the same consideration as the up north old capital Ayutthaya;the river is performed as a natural defense against enemies and also provides a water-based settlement for the citizens. The worst flood in Thailand’s history occurred during the 2011 monsoon season;July to November;that became the severest flood disaster hit parts of the capital city of Bangkok and resulted in a total of 815 deaths and 65 of Thailand’s 77 provinces were declared flood disaster zones, and over 20,000 square kilometers (7700 square miles) of farmland was damaged. The most affected areas were the recent capital Bangkok and the old capital Ayutthaya. The major causes were not only from the natural disaster but also water management failures from the human disaster. The studies aimed to include the survey of after-flood areas, reviewing the history of the waterfront communities and their attitudes toward development and changes, then discussed threats and crisis to the cultural landscape, the cause and effects of the disaster, the theoretical framework of the best management practices and the resolutions models proposed by the involved authorities. Whilst, history also gives us a sense of identity and traditional wisdom, the paper tried to find a paradigm shift and invented best practices for future generation flood protection using “the meaning and spirit of cultural landscape” model.

Protection and Development of Famous Historic and Cultural Cities Guided by Tourism Culture Geography:A Case Study of Ancient Pingyao City

By introducing cultural landscape theories and attaching importance to practical application of theories, this paper analyzed protection and development of ancient Pingyao City under the guidance of relevant theories. Taking Pingyao for example, application of theories in practices will be better understood, and the role of human geography in urban planning reflected. Referring to the protection and development cases of famous historic and cultural cities, this paper analyzed historical and cultural context, and spatial environment of Ancient Pingyao City from the perspectives of culture and geography, and proposed suggestions for the protection and development of ancient city under the guidance of human geography theories.

Opportunities and Paths of Regional Cultural Landscape Development in Gansu Province in the Context of Intelligent Communication

The national strategic opportunities,intelligent information communication opportunities and cultural landscape resource advantages in the context of intelligent communication are analyzed.The development path of regional cultural landscape in Gansu is studied,and it is held that the uniqueness and difference of Gansu regional cultural landscape should be maintained.The effective combination of regional cultural landscape and local social life landscape is advocated to enhance the information activation and landscape form diversity of regional cultural landscape in intelligent communication.Meantime,following the trend of globalization,the development strategy of going global through intelligent communication can be realized relying on technological innovation.

Historical and Cultural Landscape of Rural Settlement in Fangshan District ofBeijing

The rural settlement landscape in Fangshan District has multiple values,but there is a lack ofsystematic research.Geographical environment and historical evolution in Fangshan District are analyzed,and it is thought that the combination of the two forms characteristic cultural landscape in the village.According to literature and research,villages in Fangshan District are classifi ed and summarized accordingto the time of forming,the motivation of development and the form,and they are analyzed from multidimension.Meanwhile,the problems of development and protection are concerned.Based on the aboveresearch,this paper makes a more appropriate analysis on the cultural landscape value of villages inFangshan District.Finally,the protection strategy of the whole region and key areas is proposed.

Cultural Landscape Analysis of the Huashan Rock Art Area

Huashan Rock Art(HRA) has increasingly drawn nationwide and even worldwide attention as scholars have completed and published multidisciplinary studies of the art, thus promoting a positive impact on the local tourism and economy.Through on-the-spot observations and in-depth interviews with local officials, farmers, and visiting tourists, this paper presents the cultural landscape of the HRA area from the perspectives of "place" and "space," which have been little explored in previous studies of the HRA area.Presently, both the natural and cultural landscape of Huashan have been restructured by the local government and inscribed on the World Heritage List, and the problems of sustainable preservation of the rock art, balancing dynamic development with expanded tourism, and conserving the cultural heritage of the HRA are being addressed.

A Comparative Study of the Cultural Connotations in Chinese and British Landscape Pastoral Poetry

This article is a comparative study of Chinese landscape pastoral poetry and British landscape pastoral poetry,focusing on their cultural connotations.Many Chinese and British poets take the theme of pastoral landscape as their creative content.By describing the natural scenery of the field,the life and work of the farmers and etc.,the poems eulogize the simplicity and purity of rural world,the happiness and unsophisticated life of farmers and also certain emotion of the poets.This kind of poetry is very prevalent among readers.However,due to the heterogeneity of Chinese and British culture,the landscape pastoral poetry created by Chinese and British poets has the same theme and description objects,but there are also marked differences in their content,artistic expression,writing techniques and the creation form that attracted lots of scholars to study.However,there have been few such studies in the differences about Chinese and British landscape pastoral poetry.To this extent,hopefully,this article may be scholastically significant in studying on the difference of their cultural connotations.

Zuojiang Huashan Rock Art Cultural Landscape

Dating from around 500 B.C. to A.D. 200, 38 sites of rock art and their associated karst,riverine and tableland landscape depict ceremonies that have been interpreted as portraying the bronze drum culture once prevalent across south China.

What is attractive rural landscape?Differences in the social and expert assessment of the changes in the rural landscape of the Carpathian region in Poland with regard to the need of its protection

Contemporary villages of the mountain region are subject to uncontrolled structural and spatial transformations,which cause deformation of centuries-old spatial systems of high cultural and natural value.The aim of the study is to confront the opinions of the inhabitants and experts regarding the condition of the cultural landscape of the villages in south-eastern Poland.This area belongs to the Carpathian region of Central Europe.The historical and economic conditions of the studied region,related to the functioning in the post-war period,and then its breakdown and the development of the free market economy,constitute an interesting background for the proposed research.Local communities still remembering the period of difficulties related to the period of systemic transformations,are currently experiencing a relative prosperity,many difficulties related to the period of systemic transformations,are currently experiencing a relative prosperity,which is also expressed in a completely new,previously unknown way of managing the landscape.Investments implemented in villages are associated by the inhabitants with the improvement of the standards and quality of life.They assess them rather positively.An expert assessment of these landscape transformations indicates their negative dimension and the risk of losing timeless values.The discrepancy in the assessment of experts and local residents creates difficulties in the protection of the rural landscape.Therefore,high-quality visual landscape features among rural residents is necessary from the point of view of its multi-faceted and effective protection.Local initiatives and actions in the field of industry policy should play a significant role in this respect by consolidating the images of a harmonious landscape in the public awareness.

Associative cultural landscape approach to interpreting traditional ecological wisdom:A case of Inuit habitat

Global climate change and the accelerated melting of glaciers have raised concerns about the ability to manage ice-snow environments.Historically,human ancestors have mastered the ecological wisdom of working with ice-snow environments,but the phenomenon has not yet been articulated in cultural landscape methodologies that emphasize“nature-culture relevance”.The challenging living environment often compels indigenous people to form a strong bond with their surroundings,leading to the creation of long-term ecological wisdom through synergistic relationships with the environment.This ecological environment is conceptualized as a cognitive space in the form of the landscape,with which the aboriginal community norms and individual spirits continually interact.Such interactions generate numerous non-material cultural evidences,such as culture,art,religion,and other ideological aspects of the nation.These evidences symbolize the intellectual outcome of the relationship between humans and the landscape,and they create the“spiritual relevance”through personification and contextualization.The aim of the study is to explore the traditional ecological wisdom of the Inuit people who live in the harsh Arctic,and analyze the Inuit’s interaction with the landscape through the lens of“associative cultural landscape”,and decode the survival experience that the Inuit have accumulated through their long-term synergy with the Arctic environment.The findings focus on the synergy between the Inuit and the ice-snow landscape,examining the knowledge and ecological wisdom that the Inuit acquire from the ice-snow landscape.Our goal is to develop a perspective of the ecological environment from the viewpoint of aboriginal people and establish a methodology,model,and framework for“associative cultural landscape”that incorporates ethnic non-material cultural evidences.From the results,a total of nine models for interpreting traditional Inuit ecological wisdom are generated based on the“diamond model”of“associative cultural landscape”,covering the transition from the physical landscape to a spiritual one and demonstrating the associative role of the landscape in stimulating potential spiritual cognitive abilities in humans.

An Innovative Land Approach for Spatially Determining SDGs-Sustainably Governing German Spree Forest and Lusatia Region

In times of highest necessities for United Nations Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs)and acknowledging planetary boundaries,the need for understanding general global goals and regional to local strategic governing structures has to be supported while combining assessment,monitoring,governance approaches,together with landscape planning,land use based approaches,land system and sustainability science.The initial research embeds an incrementally worked out theoretical framework followed by applied research parts.The case studies and field data in the German Lusatia Region and inner part Spree Forest Region inhabit intrinsic drivers of finding ways over bridging deficiencies of theoretical and applied adjusted objectives and in this small excerpt mainly about the scale and planning level,instrumental flexibility deficiencies while transmitting global transformation needs to the regional,local planning level and backward(counter-current principle).Innovative instrumental assessment structures were created with a new approach of spatially determining SDGs for accelerated Climate Smart Planning(CSP)and Integrated Drought and Water Management(IDWM).This research supports processes around acceleration and assessment of climate change-,crises-related and sustainable development options while enhancing interdisciplinary sustainability science for gaining more regional land resilience.