Understanding Culture and Cultural Landscapes

Cultural landscapes represent a fascinating intersection between nature and human culture. They are characterized by the conservation and protection of ecological processes, natural resources, landscapes, and cultural biodiversity (Schmitz & Jáuregui, 2021). These landscapes not only reflect the interactions between humans and nature but also tell stories of cultural heritage, identity, and social evolution. Cultural landscapes are recognized as works of art, narratives of culture, and expressions of regional identity (About Cultural Landscapes, 2022). They significantly influence people’s quality of life and sense of belonging, contributing to the overall development of landscape perception and character (Milan, 2017).

Defining Cultural Landscape

Cultural landscapes are defined in various ways by governing agencies around the world:

• National Park Service: Defines it as “a geographic area, including both cultural and natural resources and the wildlife or domestic animals therein, associated with a historic event, activity, or person, or exhibiting other cultural or aesthetic values.”
  
• UNESCO: Describes it as “combined works of nature and of man” that illustrate the evolution of human society and settlement over time, influenced by physical constraints and/or opportunities presented by their natural environment, alongside successive social, economic, and cultural forces, both external and internal.
  
• The Landscape Cultural Foundation: States that “cultural landscapes provide 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” (Understand Cultural Landscapes, 2022).
  

Types of Cultural Landscapes

Cultural landscapes can be classified into four primary categories:

1. Historic Designed Landscape: These landscapes are planned or created by a landscape architect, horticulturist, or architect according to design principles. They are often associated with significant events, figures, or movements in landscape architecture or gardening. Examples include public parks and royal estates.
   
2. Historic Vernacular Landscape: This type of landscape evolves through human usage and construction, reflecting the daily lives of the people who inhabit them. They embody the physical, biological, and cultural characteristics of a community. Examples include rural and agricultural villages.
   
3. Historic Site: These landscapes are significant due to their association with historic events, activities, or notable individuals. Examples include battlefields and the homes of influential figures.
   
4. Ethnographic Landscape: Comprising both natural and cultural resources, these landscapes are linked to people and recognized as heritage resources. Examples include contemporary settlements, sacred sites, and significant geological structures.
   

Characteristics of Cultural Landscapes

Cultural landscapes embody both tangible and intangible characteristics, including:

• Natural Systems and Features: Such as rivers, mountains, and ecosystems.
  
• Spatial Organization: The layout of land and its usage.
  
• Land Use: How land is allocated for different activities (agriculture, recreation, etc.).
  
• Cultural Traditions: Customs and practices that shape the landscape.
  
• Cluster Arrangement: The organization of communities and buildings.
  
• Circulation: Movement patterns within the landscape.
  
• Topography: The physical features of the landscape.
  
• Vegetation: The types and arrangements of plant life.
  
• Buildings and Structures: Human-made elements that contribute to the cultural identity.
  
• Views and Vistas: Sightlines and scenic perspectives within the landscape.
  
• Constructed Water Features: Such as canals, ponds, and fountains.
  
• Small-Scale Features: Elements that add character, like benches and pathways.
  
• Archaeological Sites: Remnants of past civilizations.
  

Cultural Landscapes around the World: Case Examples

1. Cultural Landscape of China: Zuojiang Huashan Rock Art
   Located in southwest China, this landscape features extensive historical rock art painted on limestone cliffs, depicting the life and rituals of the Luoyue people. The art, created using red ochre, animal glue, and blood, showcases both artistic achievement and social life millennia ago. This area attracts scholars and tourists alike, eager to explore its archaeological significance and stunning visual narrative (Zuojiang Huashan Rock Art Cultural Landscape – UNESCO World Heritage).
   
2. Cultural Landscape of Bali Province – The Subak System
   Bali's cultural landscape encompasses rice terraces and water temples that cover 19,500 hectares. The Subak system, a cooperative water management strategy dating back to the 9th century, ensures equitable water distribution among farmers. The terraces and temples reflect the Balinese philosophy of Tri Hita Karana, emphasizing harmony between humans, nature, and the spiritual realm (Cultural Landscape of Bali Province).
   
3. Cultural Landscape of Australia: Uluru-Kata Tjuta
   This national park features two significant rock formations, Uluru and Kata Tjuta, central to the culture and spirituality of the Anangu people. The landscape illustrates the deep connection between the indigenous community and the land, showcasing unique biodiversity and traditional ecological knowledge. The Anangu's cultural stories and practices are interwoven with the landscape, highlighting its significance (Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park).
   
4. Cultural Landscape of India: Ghats of Varanasi
   The Ghats along the Ganges River in Varanasi are integral to India's spiritual and cultural identity. These steps and landings lined with temples and public buildings have become iconic symbols of the city. Festivals and rituals celebrated along the Ghats reinforce the cultural and religious essence of the landscape, linking the physical space with the community's identity and beliefs (Singha, 2018).
   
5. Cultural Landscape of Majuli
   Majuli is a unique mid-river deltaic island that embodies spiritual and ecological significance. The Satras, or monastic institutions, established by Saint Shri Sankaradeva, play a pivotal role in the island's socio-cultural dynamics. These Satras have developed sustainable resource management practices that respect the island's ecological balance while fostering a unique cultural identity among its diverse communities (Thakur, 2011).
   

The Current Scenario of Cultural Landscapes

As urbanization and globalization accelerate, cultural landscapes face numerous threats. Rapid changes, such as agricultural intensification, rural abandonment, urban sprawl, population growth, and climate change, jeopardize these unique environments. Urban areas are particularly vulnerable due to inadequate conservation management policies and a lack of resources and skills among decision-makers. Conflicts between development and heritage conservation further complicate efforts to protect these valuable landscapes (Schmitz & Jáuregui, 2021).

Global Policies and Initiatives for Cultural Landscape Preservation

The preservation of cultural landscapes is addressed by various global policies and organizations, including:

• UNESCO: Recognizes cultural landscapes under the 1972 Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage.
  
• ICOMOS: Works on the conservation and protection of cultural heritage sites, fostering international collaboration through the International Scientific Committee for Cultural Landscapes (IFCCL).
  
• Local Governments and Communities: Play a crucial role in managing and conserving cultural landscapes by creating policies that integrate heritage protection into local development strategies.
  

The Importance of Cultural Landscape Conservation

As integral components of world heritage, cultural landscapes require proactive conservation efforts. With globalization and the emphasis on sustainable development, these landscapes are gaining global attention. They should be recognized as vital elements of heritage, encouraging community involvement in preservation efforts. Cultural landscapes can adapt to various needs, serving as sites for research, assessment, and cultural awakening, thereby fostering social identity and awareness.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cultural landscapes are more than mere physical spaces; they embody the complex interplay between nature and human culture. As we navigate the challenges of urbanization and environmental change, preserving these landscapes is crucial for maintaining cultural identity, fostering community connections, and ensuring ecological sustainability. Engaging local communities in conservation efforts is essential for safeguarding these unique environments, allowing them to thrive as living testimonies of human creativity and resilience in the face of change.