Typology of Vis Island based on influence of geological, geomorphological and pedological characteristics on natural and cultural landscape

Abstract

[EN]The basic assumption of this paper is that the relationship between geological basics, geomorphological and pedological characteristics, with structural features of the natural and cultural landscape can serve as a criterion to determine landscape typology with respect to sensitivity to natural processes and anthropogenic influences. Karst natural and cultural landscape of Vis Island, continuously developed under the influence of traditional agriculture, transformed Vis Island into landscape of unique identity and relevance in the wider context of the Adriatic and the Mediterranean. Its characteristics are significant typological variations, authenticity and interdependence of natural and cultivated landscape structure, which makes significant difference respective to appearances of natural and human environment on other Adriatic islands. In this paper character and scope of the impact of natural and social features of the landscape were assessed and sensitivity of areas to existing and potential adverse natural and anthropogenic influences was estimated. This is especially important due to the fact that in the future the island of Vis can expect significant transformation of natural and cultural landscape, as a result of synergic effect of recent natural and social processes. The last are represented through the stronger trend of abandonment of agricultural land, parallel with the spreading of tourism and related activity which leaves the consequences on the natural and cultural landscape.