The potential of landscape labelling approaches for integrated landscape management in Europe

Abstract

This paper combines conceptual thinking and empirical analysis of landscape labelling as a new governance approach. With the help of a literature review and qualitative interviews, we (1) explore the conceptual orientation of landscape labelling, (2) analyse existing approaches in Europe and (3) elaborate its potential for integrated landscape management on a regional scale. Governance analysis to identify fostering and hindering factors is carried out for regional brands in biosphere reserves in Germany, geographic indication in Spain, organic agriculture in France and a community forest in England. We argue that landscape labelling can highlight the multitude of landscape functions and values, target a broader range of stakeholders and act as a boundary object and exchange platform for rural transformation, experimentation and learning. However, landscape labels are no panacea, but one approach within policy mixes that depend on supportive governance structures and stakeholders.

Keywords:

• Landscape labelling
• integrated landscape management
• geographic indication
• payments for ecosystem services
• exchange platforms

Acknowledgements

Our thanks go to our interview partners for providing us with valuable insights into the cases; to Sarah McCarthy and Paul Tabbush for suggesting the Thames Chase Community Forest; to the European Landowners’ Association for stimulating discussions and to two anonymous reviewers for their helpful comments. A draft of this paper was presented and discussed at a policy workshop in Brussels (Belgium) on 31 May 2016, and we are grateful for the feedback given by the participants.