Assessment of the landscape identity through participation in the framework of a landscape character research

Abstract

The physical and emotional character of the landscape is an increasingly important ecosystem service factor in Hungary, too, and the strong identity of residents with the landscape is part of their well-being. Between 2016 and 2022, we prepared the landscape character map of the entire country. One of the essential elements of the project was that in four study areas – Sopron–Lake Fertő region (containing Sopron Mountains and Basin together with Lake Fertő), Gerecse Mountains, Tápió-vidék region and Tiszazug region – as landscape units, we tried to reveal the feelings of the residents related to the landscape using different methods. One of the most effective tools was surveys organised in workshops (personal or online) when we inquired about how the residents see landscape patterns, land use, and the changes in the surroundings of their settlements. One of the most important lessons learned from the study areas was that the local citizens usually have an indisposition for large-scale alterations of the accustomed environment, which leads to less familiar feelings and weakens the near natural character of the landscape. The results were compared with international experience.