Book Description

Cultural landscapes are at the interface between nature and culture. They represent the permanent interaction between humans and their environment, shaping the surface of the earth. With the rapid social and economic development cultural landscapes belong to the most fragile and threatened sites on earth. Adapted protection and proper management is urgently needed. Since 1992 outstanding cultural landscapes can be protected under the World Heritage Convention. Thus, the World Heritage Convention is the first international legal instrument recognizing and safeguarding this type of property for future generations. This important step has led to enhanced international and national recognition. The present volume aims to contribute to enhanced protection and management of cultural landscapes around the world. It furthermore highlights in a truly interdisciplinary approach some of the most outstanding cultural landscapes of universal value in their geocultural and environmental context.