Using the connoisseur method during the introductory phase of landscape planning and management

The methods developed in the connoisseur approach included in-depth interviews during field walks, walk-and-talk encounters, designating favourite places and routes on maps and management meetings between connoisseurs (local people, planners, and experts). Such concrete methods, which benefit from being mainly conducted outdoors, sought to empower local people, nurture a sense of belonging to a place and the management process, raise awareness of the local landscape and its potential, and identify shared values. The connoisseur approach proved to be a useful tool in the introductory phase, by clarifying the varying interests of local user groups, and was successful in creating links between the user groups, manager team, local politicians and administrators. Although unfamiliar to many people, the connoisseur method may effectively complement standardized, expert-dominated, top-down concepts of planning. (C) 2012 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.