The ESLAND project aimed to recognize European island landscapes as an integral part of Europe’s cultural heritage, highlighting their unique identities and values for local communities and the wider European public. This pilot initiative focused on documenting the evolution and current conditions of landscapes across islands of varying sizes and heritage, using a novel interdisciplinary approach and a harmonized methodology that considered islands’ history, classification, and identity.
Key objectives
- Analyse and map European island landscapes using integrated scenarios, e-tools, and publications to support sustainable, culture-oriented development.
- Promote awareness, participation, and capacity building in island heritage preservation among local stakeholders, including youth, elders, and volunteers.
- Contribute to the implementation of relevant European policies and establish the ESLAND Network to foster long-term intercultural cooperation and exchange.
Main results
ESLAND produced scenario-based maps, methodological tools, and publications documenting the evolution and current state of European island landscapes. The project engaged local stakeholders—including youth, volunteers, and community groups—raising awareness of landscape heritage and sustainable development practices. It also established the foundation for the ESLAND Network, providing a platform for long-term collaboration, intercultural exchange, and support for European policies on island heritage preservation.
Role of PAP/RAC
- Coordinator of WP3 on landscape identity
- Prepare a cognitive mapping report for the island of Korčula, Croatia
Partnership
Lead partner:
University of Venice (IUAV)
Partners:
Open University of Cyprus, Cyprus
Estonian University of Life Sciences, Estonia
Cambridge Centre for Landscape and People, UK
Priority Actions Programme Regional Activity Centre (PAP/RAC), Croatia
University of Sassari, Italy
