Landscape Indicators—An Inventive Approach for the Sustainability of Landscapes

Roula Aad, Rodrigue el Balaa, Challita Tanios and Nabil Nemer ()
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Roula Aad: Department of Agriculture and Food Engineering, School of Engineering, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh P.O. Box 446, Lebanon
Rodrigue el Balaa: Department of Agriculture, Issam Fares Faculty of Technology, University of Balamand, Kalhat, Al-Kurah, Tripoli P.O. Box 100, Lebanon
Challita Tanios: Tannourine Cedar Forest Nature Reserve, Tannourine, Batroun P.O. Box 1400, Lebanon
Nabil Nemer: Department of Agriculture and Food Engineering, School of Engineering, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh P.O. Box 446, Lebanon

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 12, 1-20

Abstract: Despite the prerequisite tools of sustainability, there is an arising need to particularly assess landscape sustainability (LS). In this regard, no quantitative approach was identified, neither locally nor internationally. The main objective of this current study is to design a new set of Landscape Indicators (LIs) and a new scheme of LS assessment. Accordingly, an inventive mixed research method was adopted, including different techniques, diverse data categories, and extensive analysis. 15 potential tools were examined, and 51 indicators were prioritized based on an inventive four-dimensional approach to LS. Diverse landscape experts and local stakeholders were consulted to justify the choice of LIs. Site visits and the different aspects of international and local policies were also considered. The new identified set of LIs was applied at Tannourine Cedar Forest Nature Reserve, North Lebanon. While some LIs showed a need for further attention, transformative management was proposed to actively present the unique identity of the reserve and make it a true sustainable Lebanese landscape. Remarkably, this research led to the establishment, for the first time, of an educational tool for landscape sustainability assessment, the LSA tool, that will help decision-makers towards landscape correction, conservation, or even protection.

Keywords: tools of assessment; inventive approach; parameters and indicators; holistic assessment; Lebanese landscape; Tannourine Cedar Forest Nature Reserve (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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