Landscape analysis for the definition of High Nature Value Farmland - the example of Italy

High Nature Value Farmland (HNVF) constitutes an important point in European political agenda, as reflected by its inclusion in the list of indicators for the integration of environmental concerns into agriculture and in the reporting obligations of Rural Development Policy. One of the proxy approaches for mapping HNVF at European level, uses expert knowledge for the selection of those Corine Land Cover classes that are likely to contain primarily HNV land, with regional and environmental differentiation. The aim of this research is exploring the potential of using landscape analysis to contribute to the definition of HNVF. For this purpose we used the national CLC data of Italy for the year 2000. For the analysis it was decided to cover the study area by dividing the extent with a grid of 10 by 10 km, which served as a basic homogenous landscape unit. Landscape metrics depicting different aspects of spatial pattern were calculated at class and landscape level, using the software Fragstats. The approach for landscape analysis consisted mainly in three steps. First we globally addressed what are the pattern characteristics of Italian landscapes, with multivariate analysis to identify and spatialize areas with similar landscape pattern. Second, we observed the existence of significant differences in pattern characteristics across the environmental zones, to ascertain the need of using further constraints in the definition of HNVF using these criteria. Third, from the existing delineation of HNVF areas we aimed at knowing more about their spatial characteristics and potential deterioration risks from human pressure.

CALVO IGLESIAS Maria;  PARACCHINI Maria-Luisa;  TERRES Jean; 

2007-10-17

IPMA- AEIPRO- USC - CGCOII

JRC40278