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Gül Aslı Aksu

Land use patterns and spatial patterns are indicative of many ecologically
important processes. Therefore, in ecological researches, the effect of the
pattern on the process should be included in planning and management
decisions on a wide scale. It is necessary to develop conceptual models and
tools in order to make sustainable planning and management decisions
for urban landscapes, which have a complex structure due to their multi-
component feature.
The quantitative evaluation of ecological networks within the framework of
landscape ecology through the patch-corridor-matrix logic is also important
for the sustainability of the urban ecosystem (Jongman, 2004). Today,
especially in metropolises under intense urbanization pressure, the evaluation,
restructuring and design of the urban green system in terms of both landscape
pattern and landscape function has become one of the important issues of
urban planning (Forman, 2014).
With the rapid population growth in the world, urbanization results in spatial
transformations in the landscape pattern. Rapid transformations in urban
landscapes due to land use, pose an important factor of pressure, especially
on soil-water-plant-animal relations and energy/nutrient cycles. This pressure
causes serious problems in the long term, not only in an aesthetic sense, but
also economically and even on human health. Due to the effect of urbanization,
the water regime of the areas deteriorates, habitat fragmentation increases,
biodiversity decreases, natural relief changes, natural soil properties are lost,
urban heat island formations are observed (Aksu and Küçük, 2020).
Urbanization also has an intense impact on the sociological structure. The
cultural structure of the region changes, people are becoming alienated
from where they live. Further unplanned urbanization can even cause the
“Disidentification” of the region (Aksu, 2012). When the need for use is not
harmonised with the habitats, it becomes a factor that creates an element of
pressure on living environments (Aksu, 2020).
Çepel (1994) defines the concept of ”Cultural Landscape» as a landscape
type in which ecological processes are directed and affected by human influence
and intervention, dominated by anthropogenic ecosystems. Based on this
definition, it is understood that landscape ecology of «Cultural Landscapes»
which contains habitats and species, reflects the effects and consequences of
cultural activities realized within itself, and incorporates important indicators
for natural-cultural relations, should be put at the very center of landscape
planning, restoration and management activities (Aksu, 2021).
The ”European Landscape Convention (ELC)” is the most significant
document that specifies the concept and scope of landscapes (ELC-Florence,
2000). In addition, the International Council on Monuments and Sites

220 Journal of Environment, Urbanization and Climate