Landscape research in Croatia from 1945 to 2019

Abstract

In Croatia, as elsewhere, significant changes have occurred in the landscape over time, due to changes in land use, climate change, and general anthropogenic activities. Accordingly, the need for deeper and more intensive understanding of landscape properties has arisen, in order to ensure adequate land management and protection. The aim of this study is to give an overview of the state of scientific landscape research in Croatia, and determine the stakeholders, methodologies, various research topics, and degree of research and knowledge regarding Croatia’s landscapes. Over the past decade, there has been an increased interest in landscape research, with two clear landscape research approaches emerging: geographic approach and (landscape) architecture approach, that differ in terms of the issues examined, methodologies applied, and spatial context.