Identification and Evaluation of Landscape as a Precondition for Planning Revitalization and Development of Mediterranean Rural Settlements—Case Study: Mrkovi Village, Bay of Kotor, Montenegro

Željka Čurović, Milić Čurović, Velibor Spalević, Milorad Janic, Paul Sestras and Svetislav G. Popović
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Željka Čurović: Ministry of Sustainable Development and Tourism, 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro
Milić Čurović: Biotechnical Faculty, University of Montenegro, 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro
Velibor Spalević: Faculty of Philosophy, University of Montenegro, 81400 Niksic, Montenegro
Milorad Janic: Faculty of Forestry, University of Belgrade, Kneza Viseslava, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Paul Sestras: Department of Terrestrial Measurement and Cadastre, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, 400020 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Svetislav G. Popović: Faculty of Architecture, University of Montenegro, 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro

Sustainability, 2019, vol. 11, issue 7, 1-15

Abstract: This paper presents a case study of the village of Mrkovi in the Bay of Kotor, Montenegro, showing the importance of landscape identification and assessment in planning the revitalization and development of Mediterranean rural settlements. The research revealed the methods of identification and evaluation of different landscape types. Moreover, it showed how such an approach could considerably contribute to the preservation of the space’s identity and quality by taking into account the existing characteristics of the space or the relationship between cultural and natural heritage. The identification of the landscape types was followed by the evaluation of individual elements and assessment of vulnerability in relation to the space’s natural, cultural, and visual quality. The first step in the process of preserving the elements that contribute to the landscape’s identity was the spatial identification of the cultural pattern of traditional terraces with drystone walls. The results of analysis indicate a high risk of degradation of the basic landscape value. The effects of future interventions in the space, especially the planned construction of a tourist resort, can be mitigated if they comply with the guidelines related to the rational use of the space and delimitation of the construction zones. This paper points out the importance of a responsible attitude and planned approach regarding the cultural and natural landscape of Mediterranean rural settlements.

Keywords: Bay of Kotor; environmental and cultural heritage; rural areas; spatial planning; terraced landscape (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (6)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:7:p:2039-:d:220341

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