Transdisciplinary approach of transboundary landscape studies: a case study of an Austro-Hungarian transboundary landscape

ABSTRACT

Landscape is a dynamic, multi-layered, spatial–temporal system. It mirrors the results of human–nature interactions, encompassing both material and perceived reality. Landscape assessment requires transdisciplinarity that we achieve by discussing and combining three approaches: landscape character assessment (LCA), historic land-cover (LC) change analysis and narratives of local residents on landscape perception. The Austro-Hungarian transboundary study area around Lake Fertő, a world heritage cultural landscape, was divided by a state border after First World War. It provides a good example for the divergent evolution of the same biophysical landscape due to the different political and socio-economic influences. Results of the study highlight methodological issues concerning the combination of quantitative and qualitative data and the inclusion of local knowledge in the LCA. The historical cartographic analysis presents the significant differences in LC transition processes in the Austrian and the Hungarian sides of the area, resulting in dissimilarities in landscape character. The study shows the differences in landscape conceptualization and the perceptions of landscape researchers and local residents. Mutual understanding helps communication to preserve the unique landscape qualities and avoid landscape degradation by enhancing environmental awareness and facilitating common landscape management strategies.

KEYWORDS:

• Landscape character
• landscape change
• historic land cover and land use
• landscape perception
• transdisciplinary landscape assessment

Acknowledgments

The present study originates in two research projects (BIOSERV and TransEcoNet) and in related publications (Balázs et al., 2016; Konkoly-Gyuró, 2009a, 2018; Konkoly-Gyuró, Bacsárdi, & Tirászi, 2012; Konkoly-Gyuró et al., 2010). The TransEcoNet (Transnational Ecological Networks) project was supported through the Central Europe Programme cofinanced by ERDF. BIOSERV (Biodiversity of Ecosystem Services as Scientific Foundation for the Sustainable Implementation of the Redesigned Biosphere Reserve “Neusiedler See”) project was carried out within the “Man and Biosphere” programme, funded by the Austrian Academy of Sciences. These precedents have been further developed by a transdisciplinary approach. We thank our colleagues for their cooperation and contribution at the University of Vienna and the University of Sopron, especially to Thomas Wrbka, Anna Hermann, Martin Prinz, Christa Hainz-Renetzeder, Géza Király, Dezső Nagy and István Márkus.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This project was carried out within the “Man and Biosphere” programme, funded by the Austrian Academy of Sciences.