Analyses of Landscape Concept and Landscape Approach from Theoretical to Operational Levels: A Review of Literature

In recent years, the integration of the landscape approach with other approaches has attracted wide attention for its holistic view and new paradigms redefining the relation of man and environment. Yet there is no consensus over precise definitions for the landscape, and landscape approach to reflect their essence. The extensive theoretical literature on landscape definitions has caused ambiguities in understanding these terms and concept and made its application difficult. The purpose of this study is to explore the nature and different dimensions of the landscape approach by developing a conceptual model.Based on the findings of this study, from theoretical perspective, landscape is an objective phenomenon, and objective-subjective whole, or a temporal-spatial phenomenon born through the interactions between nature and culture, and hence a complex system. Also, from a practical view point, it is the landscape approach that deals with a holistic view and the applied aspect of theoretical concepts. The systematic review of previous research shows that, this approach is based on three components: conceptual nature, principles and characteristics, and management processes. Its nature is composed of physical-semantic aspects and presents an interpretation of the conceptual framework of landscape in the human-environmental system. The principles and characteristics that emerge from this nature are holistic, multifunctional, multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, participatory, dynamic (ecological-social), complex, place-based, and can involve multiple stakeholders. Also, integrated, adaptive, participatory, contextual, and resilient dimensions are the main features of the landscape approach at the management level, which lead to the guidelines for their applications through two processes: planning policy-making and decision-implementation. This approach is evaluated through monitoring and controlling and evolves into a cyclical and progressive process to expand.