Multifunctional use of landscapes in protected areas

Multifunctionality is a very important concept for the landscape management in environmental conservation areas. In fact, these areas are characterised by natural values and also by (usually dominant) agricultural land uses that can support, or can be associated, with high biodiversity or with species and habitats of European wide interest. So, rural landscape within protected areas should support both economic and natural functions. The paper aims to explore the relationship between rural landscape multifunctionality and ecosystem service concepts and to analyse the usefulness of this relationship in planning and management of rural land. An approach is presented to measure agro-ecosystems services based on supporting of nutrient cycles and regulating soil quality, rather than on agricultural products. Intensity of agricultural land use, through the assessment of cultures, is valued and it is measured on the basis of parameters such as the physical alteration of the soil due to cultivation and the amount of nutrients (chemical fertilizer) provided. Moreover, high value habitats as natural meadows areas are identified and studied. The results obtained in terms of both sensitivity of habitats to agriculture and intensity of cultivation are useful in the process of identification of critical management areas, fundamental step to lead management measures.