Overview of Landscape Observatories in Europe 
based on the LOD Project (Landscape Observatory Documentation)

“Landscape observatories, centres and institutes" (LO) are one of the recommended instruments for the implementation of the European Landscape Convention (ELC). Their mission is to study and monitor the landscapes dynamics, and to facilitate the collection, production and exchange of information and study protocols between states and local communities (See the Recommendation on the Guidelines for the implementation of the ELC, CM/Rec (2008)3 Appendix 1, 10; II.3.3).
The existing situation presents centres for landscape observation, at various territorial levels, established by institutional bodies, as much as by civil society. The symposium was born in the context of the Landscape Observatories Documentation Project (LOD). The contribution aims to present methods and results concerning LOD. The LOD project promotes the scientific cooperation among the existing LOs, aiming at reducing the fragmentation of the local initiatives and coordinate their potentials (http://areeweb.polito.it/LOD/index.htm). The LOD project aims are:
mapping Landscape observatories, centres and institutes;
linking people involved (scholars, public officials, citizens, etc.);
exchanging information among LO on key-issues;
promoting shared initiatives.
Between 2013 and 2015 several initiatives were developed under the auspice of the European Landscape Networks UNISCAPE - RECEP - CIVILSCAPE. Scientists and civil society representatives were directly involved. At this stage 68 LOs in Europe have been listed.