Approaches in Sustainable 'Landscaping'-A Geographical Perspective

The review of recent publications in the field of sustainability of a - landscape reveals a series of problematic issues within planning, ecological, multifunctional and visual dimensions, which make the results of the research incomparable and inapplicable. The article aims to arrange them in a conceptual framework. It looks from a geographical perspective at the idea of 'landscaping' as a complex system of activities leading to structural, functional and cultural changes towards sustainability. Finally, I try to answer some crucial questions in this field associated with (1) a contradiction of the idea of sustainability, (2) different approaches presenting varying scientific interests and research profiles, discrepancies in ideas and methodology, (3) the understanding of the structure, function and cultural and aesthetic aspects of a subject area, and (4) landscapes evaluation in terms of sustainability in planning and management, as well as their application requirements.