Transdisciplinary approach of transboundary landscape studies: a case study of an Austro-Hungarian transboundary landscape

Landscape is a dynamic, multi-layered, spatial-temporal system. It mirrors the results of human-nature interactions, encompassing both material and perceived reality. Landscape assessment requires transdisciplinarity that we achieve by discussing and combining three approaches: landscape character assessment (LCA), historic land-cover (LC) change analysis and narratives of local residents on landscape perception. The Austro-Hungarian transboundary study area around Lake Ferto, a world heritage cultural landscape, was divided by a state border after First World War. It provides a good example for the divergent evolution of the same biophysical landscape due to the different political and socio-economic influences. Results of the study highlight methodological issues concerning the combination of quantitative and qualitative data and the inclusion of local knowledge in the LCA. The historical cartographic analysis presents the significant differences in LC transition processes in the Austrian and the Hungarian sides of the area, resulting in dissimilarities in landscape character. The study shows the differences in landscape conceptualization and the perceptions of landscape researchers and local residents. Mutual understanding helps communication to preserve the unique landscape qualities and avoid landscape degradation by enhancing environmental awareness and facilitating common landscape management strategies.