The Zanzibar (Unguja) character mapping was
initiated in 2012 to describe the current landscape of the island
systematically as a synthesis of land cover and physical landforms
combined with land use and forest management practices, socio-economic
conditions and historical and anticipated future land changes. The
character map is a digital database with 18 generic landscape types and
45 unique landscape areas with quantitative and qualitative descriptions
and photographs. The process consisted of an interactive dialogue
between landscape experts from the University of Turku and Zanzibar
government experts who use the character map as a policy-supporting
instrument for land and forest planning and management. This chapter describes the landscape character
mapping and assessment process which was initiated in 2012 in Zanzibar, a
semi-autonomous region of the Republic of Tanzania, for the island of
Unguja. The character mapping sprouted from the long-term research and
development collaboration between the Government of Zanzibar and the
University of Turku in Finland on matters of land and forest mapping and
management. The landscape character mapping and assessment process in
Zanzibar is discussed especially from the perspective of collaborative
dialogue between scientists and practitioners with the help of practical
examples of participatory methods along the course of the mapping
process. On top of the practical action of Landscape Character
Assessment, there is also a need to strengthen the landscape approach
and landscape recognition in Zanzibar planning policy and legislation,
or otherwise to secure the reliability of the approach in relation to
other planning policy and guidelines.