Multifunctional landscape_Selman

Multifunctional approaches emphasize opportunities to improve the matrix by increasing spatial heterogeneity through the addition of seminatural landscape elements designed to provide multiple ecosystem services (Lovell & Johnston, 2009b)

The pursuit of multifunctional solutions will create governance problems–it is clearly much more straightforward to plan for monofunctional outcomes. There is a broad consensus that governance for multifunctionality involves:

• A partnership among public, private, and voluntary sector organizations, as well as individuals and communities (Stockdale & Barker, 2009)

• A transdisciplinary approach that blends the views, skills, and energies of both professional and lay stakeholders (e.g., Tress & Tress, 2001)

• A committed lead organization to enthuse the other partners, but one that is also ready to adopt an exit or succession strategy once a program has become self-sustaining.

A number of recent policy initiatives in the UK demonstrate these qualities to some degree. These efforts include the spatial targeting of public benefit forestry to secure economic and community regeneration (Morris & Urry, 2006; Forestry Commission, 2009); regional-scale habitat networks (Catchpole, 2007; Land Use Consultants, 2008; Whitehead, 2009); and programs of agricultural support measures to promote habitat recovery and catchment-sensitive farming (Natural England, 2008). Ling et al. (2007) have explored how a multifunctional approach to spatial planning–drawing upon historical, ecological, communitarian, economic, and aesthetic functions–could underpin more sustainable regeneration in post-industrial landscapes.

Selman, P. 2009. Planning for landscape multifunctionality. Sustainability: Science, Practice and Policy 5.

References

Lovell, S. & Johnston, D. 2009b. Creating multifunctional landscapes: how can the field of ecology inform the design of landscape? Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment 7(4): 212–220.

Stockdale, A. & Barker, A. 2009. Sustainability and the multifunctional landscape: an assessment of approaches to planning and management in the Cairngorms National Park. Land Use Policy 26(2):479–492.

Tress, B. & Tress, G. 2001. Capitalising on multiplicity: a transdisciplinary systems approach to landscape research. Landscape and Urban Planning 57(3–4):143–157.

Morris, J. & Urry, J. 2006. Growing Places: A Study of Social Change in the National Forest. Farnham: Forest Research.

Catchpole, R. 2007. Habitat Networks in England. June 4–5, Urban Green Conference. University of Salford.

Natural England, 2008. Environmental Stewardship: Higher Level Stewardship Part A—Application Handbook, 2nd Ed. Newcastle: Natural England Publications.

Ling, C., Handley, J., & Rodwell, J. 2007 Restructuring the post-industrial landscape: a multifunctional approach. Landscape Research 32(3):285–309.

North West Green Infrastructure Think Tank. 2008. North West Green Infrastructure Guide, Version 1.1. http://www.greeninfrastructurenw.co.uk/html/index.php?page=resources&NorthWestRegion=true. October 30, 2009.