Wilderness Quality is in this project defined as the extent to which the nature is changed or disturbed due to influence from modern society. This project has attempted to assess wilderness quality in the Barents Region by applying methodology developed by the Australian Heritage Commission.

Wilderness Quality is assessed in terms of remoteness and naturalness. The concept is based on the fact that it is possible to have a continuum of values across the landscape ranging from urban to pristine. Ideally four separate indicators are measured. Three indicators have been measured to date; remoteness from settlement, remoteness from access and apparent naturalness. The fourth indicator, biophysical naturalness, has yet to be measured, but will form part of a future data acquisition exercise. A wilderness quality index has been calculated by the addition of standardized class values for the three measured indicators. Maps have been produced which show wilderness quality and each indicator measured.

The potential of using the wilderness quality assessment in a management context has been examined through the analysis of protected areas in relation to the apparent naturalness indicator. Other aspects addressed include; data issues; other potential applications; and suggestions for the future direction of this pilot project.

Tags: Arctic Barents Sea