The Conference program will include two special sessions, co-organized with HORIZONS srl, together with the DAGRI Department of the University of Florence, and funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) in the framework of the “GIAHS Building Capacity” project (www.agriculturalheritage.com).
DESCRIPTION
The European Landscape Convention, signed in 2000 in Florence is has been ratified by 40 Countries of the European Continent. The convention defines concepts such as landscape policy, landscape quality objectives, landscape protection and landscape management, suggesting also to analyze the characteristics of landscapes, the forces and pressures transforming them, as well as indicating the need to take note of changes and the possibility to restore landscapes. The Convention covers natural, rural, urban and peri-urban areas. It includes land, inland water and marine areas. The aim of these sessions is to explore how the indications of the convention can be interpreted and adapted to the forest and rural heritage, inside and outside Europe, taking also into account the objectives of the Agenda 2030 for the sustainable development.
TOPIC 1 | Governance and restoration of forest heritage systems
The use of sustainable ecological practices is a key feature distinguishing resilient forest heritage system developed over centuries, based on long experience and proven traditions. This kind of forestry has ensured sustainable yield over time, thanks to time-tested technologies and traditional know-hows, adapting to difficult and diverse environmental conditions. The identification, planning and restoration of forest heritage systems aims at integrating human society and the environment, according to the sustainable development goals, taking landscape as the main unifying perspective. The session is intended to explore planning approaches and restoration methodologies applying to forest heritage. The session is co organized with the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO).
TOPIC 2 | Governance of agricultural heritage systems
Agriculture is often considered as one of the main drivers of the negative trend that is being followed, representing the greatest immediate threat to species and ecosystems. Nevertheless, when agriculture is practiced in a sustainable way, it can preserve landscape, biocultural diversity, protect watersheds, and improve soil health and water quality. The identification, documentation and safeguard of agricultural heritage systems that have survived providing many services to the ecosystem, ancestral knowledge transmitted through generations and strong cultural and social values, intends to contributes to a new vision for the future of the planet. The session is co-organised with EUCALAND
KEYWORDS:GOVERNANCE | RURAL DEVELOPMENT | SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT | AGRICULTURE | FORESTRY | LANDSCAPE RESTORATION
SCIENTIFIC COORDINATORS: Mauro Agnoletti, John Parrotta, Alexandra Kruse, Antonio Santoro, Martina Venturi.
