A holistic approach to land system dynamics – The Monfurado case in Alentejo, Portugal. (June 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Esgalhado, Catarina; Guimarães, Helena; Debolini, Marta; Guiomar, Nuno; Lardon, Sylvie; Ferraz de Oliveira, Isabel
• Is Part Of: Land use policy. Volume 95(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-06
• Subjects: Land system dynamics -- Territorial approach -- Participatory research -- High nature value -- Mediterranean farming systems; Land use -- Periodicals; Land use -- Government policy -- Periodicals; Sol, Utilisation du -- Périodiques; Sol, Utilisation du -- Politique gouvernementale -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 333.7305
• DOI: 10.1016/j.landusepol.2020.104607
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-8377

Abstract

Highlights: Understanding land systems dynamics in an integrated way remains a challenge. Spatial analysis provides useful information on trends of change, but time lags can occur. Local perspectives apprehend details and dynamics that cannot be captured through a global spatial analysis. A combined methodological approach can fill this gap. Abstract: Understanding land system dynamics is fundamental for policy-making from local to global scale. Land system is a combination of land use, land management and territorial practices. To attain such complete information about landscape structures is a challenging task. Aiming to deepen knowledge on land systems, we applied a methodology meant to achieve a broader understanding of dynamics in the Sítio de Monfurado (SM), a Natura 2000 site and holder of High Nature Value farming systems. To do so, we combined spatial analysis of land system changes with a participatory approach designated as Territory Game. While the spatial analysis shows little change in the SM land systems, the territory is perceived as fast-changing by the territorial actors (e.g., stakeholders with an explicit role in territorial development). At both scales, and in agreement with literature, we find trends of simplification and intensification in land systems, typically associated with the reduction of multifunctionality. The combination of both approaches contributed to the understanding of past changes, the drivers that induce such changes, how these are interpreted and, how to act upon them in the future. The proposed combined methodology can bring new useful insights for policy-makers, although scaling from local to broader scale remains a challenge.