Olaf Bastian

Landscape Ecology – towards a unified discipline?

Contemporary landscape ecology is not unified at all.There are historical, geographical and biological reasons for the lack of unification, as well as differences between science and application. The search for a unified theory of landscape ecology should consider previous concepts such as ‘landscape diagnosis’ and ‘landscape functions’ which were elaborated in Central Europe. Because of the various aspects in a landscape (components, processes, relations), landscape ecology should be regarded as a multidisciplinary, better a transdisciplinary, science where different views and approaches are involved in a holistic manner. The principle of complementarity is helpful to understand and describe the landscape. As a crucial step, the transformation of natural science categories to categories of the human society is brought out. This is realized by land(scape) evaluation and by the elaboration of goals (visions) of landscape development.

Landscape classification in Saxony (Germany): a tool for holistic regional planning

Landscape was classified from a physico-geographical point of view for the entire German federal state of Saxony (18,338 km 2 ). The landscape units (microgeochores) were mapped, described, classified, documented (written, and by GIS), and processed for a computer-based inquiry system. It is possible to assess the suitability of such natural landscape units for human activities, the functioning of natural balance, the carrying capacity, but also to draft regionalized goals of landscape management. This is demonstrated in a case study in the physical region of Western Lusatia (924 km 2 ), where an appropriate new methodology with several steps was developed. The use of complex reference units, the assessment of numerous and diverse landscape functions, the transformation of natural scientific facts to categories of human society (by the evaluation procedure), and the elaboration of environmental goals (landscape visions) are essential characteristics of a genuine holistic approach in landscape ecology. # 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Landscape Diagnosis on Different Space and Time Scales – A Challenge for Landscape Planning

Landscape diagnosis provides a bridge between scientific knowledge and socio-economic issues that is needed to meet the demands of sophisticated landscape planning and management. The diagnostic assessment of landscape functions (capacities, goods and services supported by the landscape) at different spatio-temporal scales is a valuable tool that can solve the transformation problem. A variety of landscape classification systems – including biophysical and landscape units – can be applied as a spatial reference system. Examples are described from the multitude of approaches to assess landscape functions that can be employed in landscape diagnosis. The theoretical and methodological aspects of the approach are illustrated using examples both from Germany and the Czech Republic. The examples focus on landscape functions such as groundwater recharge, regulation of water balance, and resistance to wind erosion. In addition, the rarity of and threats to landscape types, landscape aesthetic values, and the landscape character and landscape persistence are discussed.

Space and time aspects of ecosystem services, using the example of the EU Water Framework Directive

Within the concept of ecosystem services (ES), space and time approaches, with their physical and socio-economic dimensions, play an important role. Among the space aspects, the configuration (e.g. size, shape) and composition (pattern) of ecosystems, but also the spatial positions of service providing areas, service connecting areas and service benefiting areas are of great relevance. Ecosystem changes, and also differences between supply and demand (or use) of ES, are typical time-related aspects. Scale issues concern both the space and time dimensions. A scheme in the form of a guideline or a checklist is proposed, which helps to consider, systemize and improve space and time aspects in methodological frameworks and in special investigations. Space and time aspects of ES and the application of the scheme are exemplified on the European Union Water Framework Directive. The introduction of this directive as a political instrument has led to significant improvements of the ecological state of surface waters and the groundwater, and the ES they supply, not least due to the appropriate, exemplary consideration of space and time aspects.

Landscape services: the concept and its practical relevance

Recently, in addition to the popular concept of “ecosystem services” (ES), the term “landscape services” (LS) has come into use. We are examining the question of whether a stronger focus on LS would be useful, particularly with regard to case studies carried out in Germany. Important reasons for introducing the term LS include the prominent role of spatial aspects, the reference to landscape elements and the landscape character, and the relevance of LS for landscape planning. We found no strong arguments for replacing the concept of ES by LS; however, we do prefer a situation-related use of both concepts. We propose the following definition: Landscape services are the contributions of landscapes and landscape elements to human well-being.

Assessment of landscape change by land evaluation of past and present situation

The analysis of only single landscape attributes, like land use pattern, landscape elements, habitat structures, species and biocoenoses at different times is not sufficient to grasp the character of landscape change, especially with regard to the functional aspects. For this, the approach of land evaluation with the help of landscape functions and natural potentials is much more suitable. The assessment of landscape functions is also a supposition to formulate ecological targets of landscape development, on the conditions of landscape changes which continuously increase. The investigation took place within two rural test areas in the hilly zone of Saxony (Germany). At least twice (as a rule in the thirties and the eighties) the following landscape functions were assessed: biotic productivity, resistance of soils to water erosion, water retention capacity, recharge and protection of ground water, and potential for recreation within nature. The special methodologies (including advantages and shortcomings) are described, the past and present situations in the test areas are characterized, and the tendencies of the development are outlined. Additionally, an approach (a decision tree) for the elaboration of landscape-ecological targets and measures is presented.

Anthropogenic landscape changes in Central Europe and the role of bioindication

Anthropogenic landscape changes in Central Europe occurred in several stages. Characteristic features include an acceleration in the sequence of changes, a continual increase in the scope and complexity of ecologic problems, growing destabilization of the natural household and a rising proportion of irreversible changes.Various bioindication techniques are excellently suited for detecting and evaluating landscape changes, as reflected in a large number of case studies. Of these, a number are classified by the authors according to the following criteria: landscape features/components, structure of the test area, and time framework for the studies.Thorough changes must be brought about in mans relation with nature to remedy the aggrevated environmental situation, with these priorities: making human thinking and action compatible with the environment, transforming material production along ecological lines, and applying ecological principles to landscape management, for example in the form of landscape planning.

Ecosystem services : concept, methods and case studies

Ecosystem Services (ES): More than Just a Vogue Term?.- Development and Fundamentals of the ES-Approach.- Conceptual Framework.- Ascertainment and Assessment of ES.- Governing Biodiversity and Ecosystem Service Provision.- Land Use, Maintenance and Protection to Ensure ES.- Recommendations and Outlook.- References.- Index.

Forest Ecosystem Services Under Climate Change and Air Pollution

Abstract Forests provide many supporting, regulating and cultural services. Extensive environmental changes have resulted in a substantial loss or degradation of forest ecosystem services (ES). Unclear interactions of climate-change phenomena make it difficult to estimate forest ES. Research on interactive effects of climate change and air pollution has become a central issue in forest science during the past decade. Climate change in interaction with air pollution brings novel combinations of severity and timing of multiple stresses, which may significantly affect many forest ES. The aims of the present chapter are to identify basic concepts of evaluating ES with a focus on forest ES, to provide physiological and ecological bases for their evaluation, and to discuss the interactive effects of climate change and air pollution on forest ES based on selected tree physiological functions. Climate regulation mediated by deforestation-induced changes in the hydrological cycle is discussed. Adaptive governance and communication to the public promotes sustainable forest–multi-stakeholder collaboration. A case study is presented evaluating selected ES in a forest–agricultural landscape in the Czech Republic on the basis of monitored energy, water and material flows estimation. From this study, it is apparent that future research must include multi-factorial anthropogenic and natural interactions of climatic changes and air pollution in conjunction with sustainable forest ES provisions. Sustainable forest management is an essential tool for reducing the vulnerability of forests to environmental change.

Do You Have 5 Minutes To Spare? – The Challenges Of Stakeholder Processes In Ecosystem Services Studies

Operationalization of the ecosystem services (ES) concept for improved natural resource management and decision support cannot, thus far, be rated as satisfactory. Participation of stakeholders is still a major methodical and conceptual challenge for implementing ES. Therefore, we conducted an online survey and a literature analysis to identify benefits and challenges of the application of ES in participatory processes. The results show that the purpose of stakeholder engagement is very diverse as a result of varying objectives, spatial scales and institutional levels of analysis. The complexity, terminology and (lacking) coherent classification of ES are pivotal aspects that should be accounted for in the design of studies to improve stakeholder participation. Although limitations of time and financial resources are bigger challenges than ES related ones, tailoring communication strategies and information for different stakeholder groups are of major importance for the success of ES studies. Results support the view that the potential benefits of applying ES, e.g., consensus finding, and development of integrated solutions, cannot be realized consistently across the different spatial scales and decision-making levels. Focusing on stakeholder processes represents a means to increase the relevance, reliability and impact of study results and to move participation in ES research from theory to reality.