Determination of landscape quality objectives at local level: The case of Antalya Aksu

One of the obligations of the European Landscape Convention, which came into force in 2004, is determination of landscape quality objectives of country landscapes at local, regional and national levels. In this study, landscapes of Aksu, where is one of central districts of Antalya, were investigated. In the five-stage study, firstly an inventory was taken about natural, cultural and socio-economic structure of the district and land observations were made. Previous and current states of the district were determined by using satellite images and, consequently, changes at the district in certain time period were determined. As a result of the analysis, it was determined that significant changes occured especially in the coastal areas of the district, a large increase in urban areas and a decrease in agricultural areas. Also landscape character analysis was made for classifying the landscapes of Aksu; 3 landscape character areas and 20 landscape character types were identified. DPSIR analysis was made for identifying driving forces on effects on Aksu landscapes. Agriculture, unplanned urbanization and population growth, tourism and transportation/infrastructure were identified as driving forces for the landscape of the district. A questionnaire study was conducted to local people and experts. In general the local people like Aksu landscapes. According to the experts, correct planning is so important for increasing the quality of Aksu landscapes. In the scope of the data gained from the study, the landscape quality objectives for Aksu were identified on sectoral basis (such as agriculture, forestry) and suggestions were given on the protection, planning and management of the landscapes of Aksu.