An approach based on spatial multicriteria analysis to map the nature conservation value of agricultural land

J Environ Manage. 2007 Apr;83(2):228-35. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2006.03.002. Epub 2006 Jun 27.

Abstract

Knowledge of the nature conservation value of agricultural land provides a useful input to land-use planning. However, the scarcity of suitable data causes this component to rarely play a role. The paper proposes a methodology based on commonly available data to assess the nature conservation value of agricultural landscapes, and to generate cartographic results to be used as decision variables in planning. The approach relies on landscape ecological indicators and on the application of multicriteria analysis in a Geographical Information System (GIS) context. Four criteria were selected: the agricultural landscape type, the cover of vegetation remnants and marginal features, the length of forest-agriculture ecotones, and the proximity to nature reserves. These criteria were assessed directly or by means of specific indicators, generating maps that were subsequently aggregated through spatial multicriteria analysis. The approach was tested in an alpine area located in Trentino (northern Italy).

MeSH terms

  • Agriculture*
  • Conservation of Natural Resources*
  • Ecosystem
  • Environmental Monitoring / methods*
  • Environmental Monitoring / statistics & numerical data
  • Geographic Information Systems*
  • Geologic Sediments / analysis
  • Italy
  • Trees
  • Water Pollutants / analysis

Substances

  • Water Pollutants