Plant Material Selection and Green-space Management Researches in Soveja Touristic Area

Abstract. Valuating the landscape features of Soveja mountain resort territory requires integrated approach of the environmental and cultural resources in respect with the site’s green space reliability as well as its economic and social potential. The touristic area was subject to a landscape planning study. Subsequent landscape development objectives became the basis of green-space set-up and management strategies. In this study, plant material is approached as a connecting element of habitat distribution, land use and risk mitigation. In the first stage, touristic perimeter was defined around the urban core of the mountain resort, using the 2-hours walk isochrones. The whole landscape system was assigned an environmental education theme based on geographic features and charismatic fauna valuation, a national identity theme and a local tradition valuation. The area was divided into three concentric zones aiming specific wilderness / human impact ratios. The central area, corresponding roughly to the built resort perimeter, became the whole area’s safety core – plantations were set to ensure native birds and herbivore fauna habitats, as well as staged blooming for traditional bee-keeping support; forest clearings and forest skirts were the main nature models taken into account. The median ring was set for more permissive wild-life access, in connection with promenades and wild-life observation spots: ecosystem management of the forest surrounding the resort was meant to create a park environment. The outer recreational ring, with forest and pasture paths was fully exposed to wild-life. This approach would serve landscape conservation and valuation for tourism and local communities benefit