Landscape analysis as a tool for risk reduction

We live in an era defined as postmodern. Socio-economic developments require a knowledge that keeps pace with the dizzying speed of technological evolution. The disconnect between progress, society, and environment triggers unpredictable side effects on the planet: that is the Anthropocene paradigm. How can this be changed? Shared awareness seems to be the only possible solution that can be only reached through knowledge, which is provided by science. Landscape, as the perceivable expression of our planet, becomes a strategic tool in communicating Territorial Sciences, aiming at involving society in a common action toward a sustainable future. The awareness of being part of an ecosystem is achieved through the knowledge and the experience of the environment. The risk prevention must necessarily be based on cognitive processes that activate in society conscious knowledge, as well as virtuous practices. Knowledge is wisdom, the first step towards the so-called “civil self-protection”. A lot of initiatives have been started in the last years, all around the world. Most of them are devoted to the school activities. However, the facies sociale of the decision makers is not enough involved in the topics we have talked about. So the voters, the policymakers, the territorial planners, are more interested in those problems related to the “here and now”. They have to be sensitized on what prevention means, on environmental protection, on territorial valorization. The landscape encompasses a lot of meanings and trigger emotions, thus it provides us with the most effective tools to share the essential concept of Earth Sciences, especially those ones that can help individual/community/society to better behave, toward a healthier planet and a shared well-being.