procedure for the preparation of the catalogues

The procedure for the preparation of the landscape catalogues is the following:

Identification and characterisation 01

This is the first phase of the process of preparing the catalogues, in which areas of territory which have a similar nature are identified (taking as a basis the study of the natural, cultural and visual elements which configure the landscape, and also those more perceptual and symbolic which also define it), the identified areas – called landscape units – are classified, charted and their character is described, inventorying as exhaustively as possible the landscape values of each landscape unit – collecting the values attributed to it by the people – and describing the general dynamic of the landscape and the natural and social-economic factors which have intervened in – and which still affect – its evolution and transformation. This phase also studies the possible future evolution of good landscape and considers the natural dynamics of the environment, social economic trends, current legislation and the implementation of current territorial, town planning and sectorial policies.

Evaluation of the landscape 02

The second step, of evaluation, consists in studying the threats, weaknesses, strengths and opportunities in order to protect, manage and organise the landscape with a view to sustainability.

Definition of the landscape quality targets 03

This is formalisation by the public authorities of group aspirations with regard to the landscape characteristics of their environment, having understood the state, values and risks, in both the overall territorial ambit and for each landscape unit. In defining these quality targets the participation of the agents involved in the transformations which take place in the landscape and in its use takes on an important role.

Establishment of measures and proposals of action 04

Having formulated the landscape quality targets, this specific phase, for each landscape unit or landscape for special attention, sets out the landscape directives which have to be integrated into the territorial zoning plans prepared by the Ministry of Town and Country Planning and Public works, and the specific criteria and actions which the authorities must undertake in order to achieve the quality targets specified in the preceding step.

Establishment of monitoring indicators 05

Finally, a grid of landscape indicators is set up (of an environmental, cultural and social nature), comprehensible to the people, the politicians and the public managers, formulated from the landscape quality targets, with the purpose of monitoring the state of the landscape in Catalonia and its development within the framework of sustainable development.

1. Identification and characterisation of the landscape		PARTICIPATION
2. Evaluation of the landscape		PARTICIPATION
3. Definition of the objectives of landscape quality		PARTICIPATION
4. Establishment of criteria and measures		PARTICIPATION
5. Establishment of monitoring indicators		PARTICIPATION

Procedure for the preparation of the Catalogues of Landscape

In order to prepare the landscape catalogues, the Landscape Observatory has established agreements with research groups in the Catalan universities, formed of multidisciplinary working teams of specialists in the fields of landscape analysis, participation and communication, and planning.

The Landscape Observatory coordinates and supervises the development of the works and is especially involved in defining the landscape quality targets.