Assessment of the traditional landscapes' state in mountain areas as the basis for their restoration (the Western Beskids, Poland).

The dynamic and magnitude of landscape changes have increased since the 18 and 19th centuries and accelerated after the Second World War. As a result, traditional landscapes are vanishing rapidly. In this paper, the problems of difficulties in traditional landscape restoration and conservation are discussed, based on studies conducted in the Western Beskids. In this area, the vanishing of the traditional landscape of seasonal mountain economy is observed mainly as a result of land abandonment. The method of historical analysis which draws from varied contemporary and historical data was used. The range of non-forest areas has decreased by more than half since 1848 in two study sites. The traditional landscape is relatively durable in areas that are still utilised by residents or protected using nature conservation activities. Nevertheless, individual landscape elements (terrain forms and objects) are relatively well preserved also in abandoned areas covered with forest. Preserved traces of past human activity are mainly connected with tillage and settlement as past mowing and grazing did not lead to the creation of tough terrain forms. Despite this region's traditional landscape was shaped by seasonal animal grazing and land cultivation, only pastures located in the higher parts of the study area are contemporarily protected. If the current nature conservation in the Western Beskids is continued, only small fragments of the traditional landscape will be preserved as a relic landscape. The study results show that landscape restoration and conservation is still a source of many questions concerning the possibilities, approaches, and effectiveness of these activities. Further studies should focus on assessing the possibility of restoring the historical state of the landscape, which can be the basis for the selection of elements to be protected, spatial range, and methods used. This will allow the development of effective strategies for preserving the traditional landscape. • The issue of landscape restoration and conservation is a source of many doubts. • Possibility of landscape restoration is crucial for landscape conservation. • Justifying conservation needs as a basis for landscape management. • Reconciliation of many voices is indispensable in landscape management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]