An Integrated Method for Landscape Assessment: Application to Santiago de Cuba Bay, Cuba

A novel integrated method for landscape assessment (IMLA) has been developed to systematically evaluate and manage the diverse values of landscapes, including cultural heritage. This four-step model combines theoretical sustainability metrics with landscape characterization, valuation, and management recommendations, leveraging both inductive and deductive reasoning. Applied to Santiago de Cuba Bay in Cuba, IMLA identified five landscape scopes, eight first-order units, and 29 sub-units, demonstrating its utility for establishing sound management strategies. The method facilitates the establishment of land-use plans and decision-making processes that prioritize the valuation of cultural landscapes, such as San Pedro de la Roca Castle.

Zielinski, S., Milanés, C. B., Cambon, E., Perez Montero, O., Rizo, L., Suarez, A., Cuker, B., & Anfuso, G. (2021). An Integrated Method for Landscape Assessment: Application to Santiago de Cuba Bay, Cuba. Sustainability, 13(9), 4773. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13094773