Landscape values of the Island of Jakljan, Dubrovnik – Neretva County in Croatia

This paper aims to present an approach to landscape evaluation, on the example of the island of Jakljan, which is a part of the Elaphiti Islands in the Dubrovnik Neretva County. Special emphasis is placed on the evaluation of natural, cultural, and visual qualities, which were identified in order to direct their protection in future development processes taking into account their role in the landscape. After determining the main qualities, the submodels of individual landscape qualities were determined. Next, the relationship between landscape quality and potential quality degradation was analysed, and a database of spatial data was prepared. Natural qualities included biodiversity valuation and perception of naturalness of the most dominant landscape patterns in this area. Cultural qualities included agricultural landscape evaluation and cultural-historic heritage. Finally, based on the evaluation of the visual units and visually attractive and authentic elements of the landscape and the analysis of visual exposure, a final model of visual landscape qualities was carried out. Evaluation maps were obtained using the GIS tools. The paper pointed out the most important values which must not be lost if the existing character of the space is to be preserved.