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The landscape is the system of both tangible and intangible heritage. A key element to evaluate a landscape is its integrity intended as the wholeness and intactness of natural and/or cultural heritage. The problem of identifying the integrity of a landscape is twofold: on one side it is necessary to identify the element that determines the intactness of a landscape and on the other side the methodology to study and quantify the integrity. Different methodologies have been developed in literature to assess and measure landscape integrity: some of them are more quantitative, while others are more qualitative. This paper presents two different methods for landscape integrity evaluation: the Valutazione Storico Ambientale (VASA) and the Landscape System Historical Analysis (LaHSA) one. The comparison of the two methodologies is carried out in a portion of the Ticino river (North Italy) and more specifically in the municipality of Morimondo. The two methods are compared considering a set of elements taking into account both the understanding of tangible and intangible permanencies and data accessibility/accuracy to carry out the analysis.

In rural landscapes, historical values and traditional crops are in conflict with recent commercial demand and social needs. For sustainable development, it is essential to find a methodology able to conjugate cultural and historical values with socio-economic trends. In order to identify shared actions, strategies and policies for the management of rural historical site, an integrated empirical work was developed. The main goal was to understand how to promote a bottom-up planning approach, including stakeholder perceptions in policy actions and planning strategies for historical rural landscapes. Pralormo municipality (Piedmont, north-west Italy) was chosen as case study. We developed a methodological framework to understand if the participatory approach can contribute to landscape planning from the local to the regional level. Field observations, landscape and historical analysis, farmers’ interviews and two focus group meetings were performed. This study shows that complex socio-cultural and economic drivers affect the future of the studied rural area. The assessment of land use scenarios can play an important role in promoting the understanding of such uncertain systems. Shared actions, strategies and policies were identified for the planning of rural historical site. In the case of Pralormo, which is transferrable to other European historical rural areas, we promoted the adoption of a new local landscape planning strategy with positive fall-out on the regional scale. Linking food and landscape quality, preserving ancient settlement, maintaining traditional land uses and promoting educational activities in farm are considered the most important issues for sustainable development.