What is it about?
This research develops and parameterises a tool for evaluating multifunctional landscape sustainability by measuring biocultural resilience. The tool integrates biological, cultural, and socio‐economic indicators into a single analytical framework, resulting in the Biocultural Resilience Index (BRI). This index provides a holistic view of landscape dynamics, identifying vulnerable areas and aiding in the creation of conservation and sustainable management strategies. This study emphasises the importance of developing suitable tools for assessing and monitoring sustainability, which is vital for the sustainable management of these landscapes and for safeguarding their societal benefits. Our findings indicate that the BRI can be applied in various contexts, including spatial planning, biodiversity conservation, sustainable rural development, and ecotourism. Moreover, the BRI offers a robust and adaptable framework, suitable for different regions and communities, ensuring flexibility in addressing diverse sustainability challenges.
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Photo by Patrick Federi on Unsplash
Why is it important?
The research introduces the Biocultural Resilience Index (BRI), a novel tool for assessing multifunctional landscape sustainability. By integrating biological, cultural, and socio‐economic indicators, the BRI identifies vulnerable areas and informs strategies for sustainable management. This adaptable framework supports biodiversity conservation, spatial planning, and rural development, ensuring ecological and societal benefits.
Perspectives
Multifunctional landscapes are complex systems that integrate biophysical, cultural‐historical, and socio‐economic components into unique territorial structures. With increasing pressures from urbanisation, climate change, and overexploitation of natural resources, assessing the sustainability of these landscapes has become urgent. The Biocultural Resilience Index (BRI), as a novel tool for assessing multifunctional landscape sustainability, could be used in other future studies.
Dr Remus Cretan
west university of Timisoara
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Assessing multifunctional mountain landscape in an Eastern European framework, Geographical Research, February 2026, Wiley,
DOI: 10.1111/1745-5871.70066.
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