Cultural landscape

Neckertal 20150527-6384

UluruClip3ArtC1941

Tongariro Mahuia River n

Inside the Batad rice terraces

Hungarian Grey Cattle

Cultural landscape refers to a geographical area that includes both cultural and natural resources, associated with a historic event, activity, or person, or exhibiting other cultural or aesthetic values. There are landscapes that have been affected, influenced, or shaped by human involvement. A cultural landscape can be associated with a person or event in history, or it can show an aspect of the culture of a society. Cultural landscapes are works of art, narratives of culture, and expressions of regional identity.

Types of Cultural Landscapes

Cultural landscapes are categorized into four main types by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). These are:

• Designed landscapes: These are intentionally designed landscapes, often (but not exclusively) associated with significant architectural works, gardens, and parks. They are created to fulfill aesthetic criteria and often reflect the design ideals of a particular period.

• Organically evolved landscapes: This category is further divided into two sub-categories:
  • Relict (or fossil) landscapes: These are landscapes that were once actively shaped by human endeavor but have since ceased to be actively managed in this way. They retain an active social role in contemporary society, closely associated with traditional ways of life.
  • Continuing landscapes: These are landscapes that retain an active social role in contemporary society, closely associated with the traditional way of life. They are continuing to evolve as a result of being used in the way they have been for many years.

• Associative cultural landscapes: These landscapes are significant for the religious, artistic, or cultural associations of the natural element rather than material cultural evidence, which may be insignificant or even absent.

• Historic sites: Specific sites associated with a significant event, activity, person, or group of people. These sites can range from large areas of historical significance to small, local spots with historical importance.

Importance of Cultural Landscapes

Cultural landscapes offer a sense of place and identity; they map our relationship with the land over time; and they are part of our national heritage and each of our lives. They provide a sense of belonging to a particular area and are a reflection of the interaction between people and their natural environment. Cultural landscapes also help to understand the history of human interaction with the environment and are crucial for studying and understanding cultural heritage.

Preservation and Challenges

Preserving cultural landscapes poses unique challenges. It involves maintaining not just the physical aspects of the site but also the cultural practices, processes, and traditions associated with the landscape. The main challenges include urbanization, climate change, neglect, and the loss of traditional knowledge. Preservation efforts require a multidisciplinary approach, involving collaboration between archaeologists, historians, landscape architects, and the local community.

Conclusion

Cultural landscapes are an integral part of our heritage. They tell the story of human interaction with the land, reflecting cultural practices, values, and developments over time. Understanding and preserving these landscapes is crucial for maintaining our cultural diversity and identity.