Landscape-based

Landscape-based describes approaches, strategies, or systems that prioritize and incorporate the physical environment (the 'landscape') as a primary element in their design, function, or purpose. This can involve the natural features of an area, such as terrain, vegetation, and water bodies, as well as the human-altered environment, including infrastructure and built spaces. It signifies a holistic perspective that considers ecological, aesthetic, and sometimes social dimensions when making decisions or implementing changes within a specific geographical area. The core tenet is to understand and work with the existing landscape, rather than disregarding or dramatically altering it, often emphasizing sustainability and environmental stewardship. The goal is to create harmonious and resilient systems that benefit both humans and the environment.

Landscape-based meaning with examples

• A landscape-based approach to urban planning might prioritize green spaces and natural drainage systems over extensive concrete infrastructure, promoting biodiversity and reducing flooding. It considers the existing ecosystem, incorporating it to create sustainable urban environments.
• The restoration project employed a landscape-based methodology, focusing on re-establishing native plant communities and restoring the natural hydrology of the wetlands. This involved careful analysis of historical and current conditions, guided by a detailed plan.
• Designing a tourism strategy using a landscape-based model involves highlighting the natural beauty of an area, incorporating eco-lodges that blend seamlessly with the environment, and offering guided tours that educate about local ecology.
• Research in agriculture demonstrates that employing landscape-based techniques can improve crop yields and reduces the reliance on chemical fertilizers by taking account of local soil, vegetation and water resources, making for a much more sustainable practice.
• When faced with climate change, a landscape-based management approach is required: designing strategies that integrate the landscape with specific features and ecological processes that can manage the risk of rising sea-levels and wildfires.