An Approach to the Concept of «Identity» in Natural Landscape and Evaluation Methodology

Although the concept of «identity» in its general and overall sense dates back to the emergence of human civilization, discussing this subject in the field of natural landscape studies is a relatively recent topic. The concept of natural landscape identity in cognition and perception involves complicated and multi-dimensional phenomena. There are two different perspectives about the relationship between man and nature. In the first perspective the man is defined as the protector of nature or even its savior; while in the second perspective, the man is defined as a violation factor. Therefore, the aims, causes and development plans to exploit nature and natural resources will be very different from each other considering these perspectives. According to the increase in degradation of nature, international institutions and organizations have decided to present guidelines, recognizing natural landscape identity in order to spatially and practically preserve and develop these areas. Improving the guidelines to perceive natural landscape identity will help effectively conserve natural areas. In this article a descriptive - analytical method is used to recognize the natural and man-made landscapes identities. The main objective of this research is to present the European Union Resolution with an emphasis on the matrix provided by the EU to protect the landscape of villages and small towns. The approach recommended by ECOVAST is based on identifying the identity of natural areas by attaining layers that shape the landscape. The results of the study show that focusing and adapting the design to specific values of natural areas is one of the main principles in efficiency and sustainability of these landscapes. Recognizing the landscape units and layers plays an important role in finding the development potential and its correct direction.