Analysis and Evaluation of Historical Rural Heritage: Innovative Approaches for Terraced Landscapes in the European Alpine Region

With the key goal of analyze, evaluate, and increase the knowledge about the historical rural heritage constituted by the terraced landscapes in the European Alpine Region, the aims of the research were: (I) to develop an innovative scientific methodological approach from the characterization to the dynamic conservation of the terraced landscapes, through expert-based assessment and participatory evaluation, (II) to analyze the historical elements of the terraced landscapes, (III) to evaluate the dynamics and their landscape impacts, (IV) to develop future landscapes strategies for recover and strength the terraced landscapes. The developed methodology was integrated, interdisciplinary, and considered a multiscale approach. Experts performed cartographical analyses using QGIS software, historical and archival analyses, and field inspections. The local communities were involved with online questionnaires and focus groups. During these meetings the SWOT analysis and the cumulative voting method were experimented. The results allowed to achieve the aims of the research, and showed that the terraced landscapes considered are characterized by different states of conservation, due to some dynamics of change less or more impacting on the historical elements of the landscapes. According to the GIAHS-FAO approach, their conservation needs an holistic and dynamic perspective. Alternative and future landscape strategies were developed. Some of them are common for all terraced landscapes considered, while others are specific and influenced by their main land uses. Their application in the terraced landscapes will allow the recovery and strength of the historical rural heritage in the European Alpine Region, and the continuous livelihood of the rural communities.