Sammendrag
This paper concerns the use of voluntary, but formally binding private-public partnerships in use, maintenance and conservation of cultural landscapes. We have studied two of the totally 22 "Selected cultural landscapes in agriculture" (UKL) that have been given special national attention due to their documented landscape qualities (including bio-diversity and cultural heritage), and local will to participate in this national project. Our three research questions related to UKL are: 1) How well are landscapes, bio-diversities and cultural heritages maintained? 2) What characterizes local socio-cultural responses concerning support, accept and cooperation, and how do the farmers understand their roles as producers of social and environmental goods? 3) How well are the needs for perpetuity and, in particular, the legal and contractual aspects, ensured? The study is based on interviews, document analysis, participation in meetings and field studies. We have found that the UKL model is functioning well, both in terms of social relations and resource maintenance. The perpetuity and stability is quite fragile, since the partnerships are insufficiently grounded in legal regulations. Maintaining UKL will require continuous political and economic will on all administrative levels, and continued support and enthusiasm among the participants. A second concern is the future of farming in these areas; protection of important cultural and natural heritage depend on continuous use and maintenance, and many of the farms and properties involved face highly uncertain prospect with respect to successors in the next generation.
Private-public conservation partnerships, Governance, Cultural landscape, Natural and cultural heritage, Agriculture, Environmental law, Heritage maintenance
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