Analysis of Landscape Character Assessment and Cultural Ecosystem Services Evaluation Frameworks for Peri-Urban Landscape Planning: A Case Study of Harku Municipality, Estonia

Abstract

This study combined landscape character assessment (LCA) and cultural ecosystem services (CES) frameworks to evaluate human well-being in the peri-urban area of Harku Municipality, Estonia. Using geospatial data combined with expert opinions, the study investigated the interplay between landscape character types and environmental/contact types through the LCA method. In total, 21 distinct landscape types comprising 47 separate areas were identified, with CES values determined for each. Restorative, social, and cognitive values were associated with each landscape character type. The findings demonstrated the higher restorative potential of blue and green elements (water bodies, forests) with low settlement density and minimal agriculture. High-density settlements with good road access demonstrated significant social values, while mixed forests and wetlands tended to be associated with higher cognitive values. Coastal zones with semi-dense settlements and mixed forests earned favourable ratings, whereas industrial/agricultural landscapes were rated lowest for all values. These findings offer valuable insights into the complex dynamics of urban–rural interactions, resilience, and the impact of urbanisation on CES. They may inform future landscape management strategies, urban planning decisions, and policy considerations. Additionally, this study highlights the need for further research to explore the long-term trends and potential changes in CES in evolving peri-urban environments.

Leveraging Ecosystem Services and Well-Being in Urban Landscape Planning for Nature Conservation: A Case Study of Peri-Urban Dynamics

“…The illustrated workflow diagram (Figure 3) serves as a visual guide illustrating the steps undertaken to merge materials and methods to assess the landscape character, municipality survey data, and illustration of maps to obtain a deeper understanding of the dynamics within the case study area. The initial materials were taken from a previous study [44], specifically the landscape character assessment (LCA), including value scores and the landscape belts concept. This was integrated with secondary data from the municipality survey [45], and maps were then created to visually convey these two steps and their respective findings.…”

“…This was integrated with secondary data from the municipality survey [45], and maps were then created to visually convey these two steps and their respective findings. The illustration based on the merged landscape character assessment [44] and municipality survey data aimed to provide a deeper understanding of the dynamics within the case study area.…”

“…This was integrated with secondary data from the municipality survey [45], and maps were then created to visually convey these two steps and their respective findings. The illustration based on the merged landscape character assessment [44] and municipality survey data aimed to provide a deeper understanding of the dynamics within the case study area. In a previous paper published by the authors of this study, geospatial datasets from the Estonian Land Board's spatial repository were used [46] to incorporate layers such as elevation, soil, hydrology, land cover and land use, settlement patterns and roads, cultural…”

“…The objective is to understand how these dynamics impact the well-being of both the local population and the natural environment in peri-urban settings, contributing essential insights to discourse around nature conservation as well as sustainable development. A scenario creation approach was adopted, combining data from previous studies that resulted from the landscape character assessment (LCA) analyses [43,44], mapping exercises, a residents' satisfaction survey conducted by the Harku municipality [45] (hereinafter referred to as the 'municipality survey'), and geospatial data from the Estonian Land Board [46]. LCA is a useful tool for understanding landscapes, evolving from rural to peri-urban contexts [47].…”

Assessment of Coastal Cultural Ecosystem Services and Well-Being for Integrating Stakeholder Values into Coastal Planning

“…They are based on cultural diversity and identity, thus linking cultural landscapes and heritage values [16]. CES can be combined with cultural landscape research [17][18][19]; in particular, studies related to aesthetics or cultural heritage could provide valuable input for a comprehensive assessment of CES [20] and implications for management [21]. Choosing a landscape perspective could serve as a practical approach, as numerous researchers either have not tried to establish connections between CES and ecosystems or have encountered challenges in doing so [22].…”