Methodology

Participatory Landscape Planning

There is growing recognition that a partnership approach to landscape planning is important in creating sustainable landscapes. Communication between scientists, planners, government and local communities is essential to this approach. To achieve participatory landscape planning a social-ecological framework for sustainable landscape planning was developed as part of this project. This framework is intended to establish a mechanism for meaningful participation in planning processes.

By engaging local communities in this research process from the start, it is possible to understand their future goals and aspirations and to explore the interconnections between their social-cultural, economic and environmental values. This information provides a basis for development of future visions for landscapes, which in turn, offer a basis for discussion of potential trade-offs between different land use and management options.

A social-ecological research framework (or research road map) was developed that consists of three main parts - desk based studies, field studies and communication - all of which play a vital role. The research process was divided into three distinct stages, each involving a range of methods, tools and processes.

The social-ecological framework for the project that provides a road map for activities and research (click for larger version).

PROJECT STAGES

Stage I: Understanding the landscape and its character, how it evolved through history, how communities perceive the landscape and envisage the future.

In addition, this first Stage is about developing partnerships and building trust with members of the community, local government, industries and interest groups.

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Besides the desk and field study, interviews were conducted with Mossman and Julatten landholders and farmers to determine current land use practices and changes introduced over time. Background information and guided tours were included in these interviews to gain an understanding of the landscape, as well as landholders' goals and aspirations.

Stage II: Generation of community driven landscape scenarios including identification of new land uses and industries.

Stage II builds upon Stage I and creates the foundation to engage with the wider community in thinking and discussing the future of their landscape, including their aspirations and values. It also provides the opportunity for learning to take place by identifying the interconnections between environmental, social and economic factors.
Stage III: Modelling of landscape scenarios and their potential environmental, social and economic trade-offs.

Stage III builds upon Stage I and II. Information gathered from the desk top review, field studies and community workshops are used to map the landscape visions. The mapped landscape visions (scenarios) provide the basis for modelling water quality, biodiversity, and economics. These and other qualitative analyses provide understanding of trade-offs between different land use and management options. It is also the starting point for informed decision-making by local people, planning authorities and policy makers.

The framework provides a structured approach to identifying landscape character as well as local values. It guides the strategies for achieving a desirable future pathway through participatory planning processes.

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