Phase 4: Dialogic encounter between approaches from the theoretical (top-down) and from the communities (bottom-up). Generation of the final assessment

Phase 4 is the last stage of the process of rural landscape assessment proposed by this methodology. This stage involves a process of conversation among participants that is more complex than in previous phases. This stage involves anew analysis of the results that emerged from Phases 2 and 3, that will link and articulate both stages. The results of Phases 2 and 3 are presented graphically in tabs representing different landscape indicators, and will facilitate the exchange of views (Figure 1).

This dialogue aims at eventually producing proposals for actions to improve the territory. Therefore, we propose it as a dialogic encounter, since generating changes in the territory should be born out ofdifferent parts of it. In this sense, knowledge of the landscape produced by this methodology is at the service of all who are involved (communities, research and development centers, public institutions, etc.).

In concrete terms, this phase is rooted in face-to-face meetings between actors who have participated in some phase of the process as well as new players who want to join. It provides open spaces forcritical reflection around the different values ​​of the landscape that have been identified.

The result of this dialogue is then not only a systematization of the landscape but a convergence around actions that promote their sustainable development.

Figure 1: Summaries of landscape indicators for use in the Phase 4 workshop

Workshop in Quebrada Alvarado.

On March 19, 2016, an open call meeting was held with the local community in the village of Quebrada Alvarado. In this instance, although various topics associated with the results of Phases 2 and 3 were addressed, the final reflections were mainly oriented around the importance of sclerophyllous forest. During the Phase 4 different indicators involving the forest (such as anthropization, vegetation, hills and drainage areas) were highlighted.Together these allow an analysis of the forest’srelevance in the landscape,at the ecosystem level and also atan aesthetic and emotional level, as it brings beauty and tranquility.

The above dialogue allowed the perceived need to develop actions for the care and conservation of foreststo emerge collectively. While it is important to note that this is an idea that is present among different actors in the town, and indeed has already been transformed into concrete actions in some cases, this methodology provides that such reflections are placed in a collective and community space, rather than as an expression of private interests.