other functions

In addition to their uses in territorial planning, the landscape catalogues also have the following functions:

Constituting a solid base for the definition of specific landscape strategies for certain parts of Catalonia. In this sense they become a reference in preparation of the landscape charters [note].

Acting as a basic document for campaigns of sensitisation on the diversity of landscape in Catalonia and its environmental, cultural and aesthetic values, and for the inclusion of landscape in different educational levels in Catalonia.

Being useful in the process of definition of sectorial policies and strategies, such as, for example: policies for the conservation of nature (policy for natural areas, ecological connectors), agrarian policies with regard to sustainability, policies for rural development and policies for tourist promotion associated with the landscape.

Acting as starting point documents for the definition of regional or local strategies of holistic foundation, directed to a sustainable development of the territory (local Agenda 21, etc.).

Supplying the landscape quality targets and the landscape information necessary for the processes of strategic environmental evaluation of policies, plans and programmes, and for studies of the environmental impact of projects with an effect on the land.

Acting as a document of reference for the development and application of the Fund for the protection, management and planning of the landscape, a financial instrument of the Government of Catalonia created by the Landscape Act with the purpose of being assigned to actions for landscape improvement.

Note: The Act for the protection, management and planning of the landscape in Catalonia defines the landscape charters as “instruments for the agreement of strategies between public and private agents in order to carry out actions of protection, management and planning of the landscape, addressed to maintaining its values”. In contrast to the catalogues, which have an ambit of application coinciding with the regions in which the future political administrative structure of Catalonia will be organised, the charters are of municipal, supra-municipal or even district application.