Landscape ecology - what is it and how to understand it?
Ecology
18 February 2023
Landscape ecology is a rather rare term. The object of study of this field of science concerns us all - we move through spaces designed by professionals for whom the quality of life of the inhabitants and the environment are of paramount importance. Let's take a look at landscape ecology and its impact on the world around us.
Landscape ecology - rational management of natural resources
Landscape ecology is a relatively young science coming from the borderline between geography and biology. Not everyone knows exactly what landscape ecology is. The definition refers to the analysis of landscape elements and the impact that changes have on the natural environment. The diagnosis of nature's spatial planning and cultural factors are also important.
Ecology, landscape architecture and the rational management of nature's resources are closely linked. In a world threatened by climate catastrophe, every solution to protect vegetation and save energy is important. This is why the aforementioned rational management of nature's resources and its manifestations, such as the reduction of environmental degradation, the use of renewable energy sources or the comprehensive protection of endangered species of both animals and plants, are particularly important.
When talking about the environment and the management of natural resources, one cannot forget what cultural landscape ecology is. It is a department that covers areas of the natural environment that have, for example, been deforested or the flow of a river has been regulated in favour of the products of culture and civilisation.
Putting landscape ecology into practice
Landscape ecology takes into account such factors that used to be overlooked when, for example, planning urban extensions or public spaces. As it is a relatively young field of science, there is a lot of new research available in the literature on solutions created in agglomeration landscapes across Poland. These provide us with access to the results of many years of changes that have taken place across the country.
What elements of natural systems are distinguished by landscape ecology? How areas of human activity are planned is influenced by vegetation, culture and human activity, among other factors. Introducing greenery into a crowded city can be a challenge. Sometimes lakes, rock communities or wooded areas were destroyed by the need to industrialise the surroundings many years earlier. Today, landscape ecologists take into account all factors that affect the quality of life and the safety of the environment. They do this so that the structure and functioning of the city are in harmony with the needs of the people, as well as improving the quality of the atmosphere and landscapes in a given place.
Why is landscape ecology important in spatial planning?
The ecology of the landscape has a huge influence on how the next boundaries of usable space, not only public but also private, will be planned. Many places that welcome an accumulation of tourists each year are choosing to change their spaces to be more ecological.
Tourism in Poland is mainly concentrated in the Mazurian Lake District, the Baltic Sea and the Tatra Mountains. These are recreational areas that have not been as affected by the hand of man as metropolitan areas. Each is characterised by something different, which for the region in question is a natural asset. The changes that took place in the landscape many years ago have forced city administrations to be more environmentally friendly in order to restore green areas.
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