Alpine landscapes arouse emotions and yearnings: feelings of belonging, freedom, or holidays. Images and notions about Alpine landscapes not only influence landscape experiences, they also play an important role in decision-making processes and conflict mitigation. Different stakeholders—ie locals, tourists, tourist entrepreneurs, politicians, farmers, hunters, etc—regard Alpine landscapes with different eyes, yet there are also connecting elements: these are referred to in tourism marketing and in political dialogue. The present article develops a conceptual model landscape perception consisting of 4 poles—‘nature’ and ‘culture’ as well as ‘individual’ and ‘society’—that contributes to a better understanding of the meanings that landscapes have for different people. The model helps to find existing commonalities among stakeholders and overcome obstacles. It is exemplified by 6 dimensions with distinct foci on landscapes through which researchers look at Alpine landscapes. The article concludes with recommendations for ethical landscape development practice and policy.
How to translate text using browser tools
1 May 2008
Conceptualizing Landscape: An Evidence-based Model with Political Implications
Norman Backhaus,
Claude Reichler,
Matthias Stremlow
Mountain Research and Development
Vol. 28 • No. 2
May 2008
Vol. 28 • No. 2
May 2008
Alps
culture
landscape
nature
perception
stakeholders
Switzerland