The European Landscape Convention is an agreement that is aimed at enhancing and protecting the landscapes of Europe. It was adopted in Florence in 2000, and it seeks to promote sustainable development through the management of landscapes.
The Convention defines landscape as « an area, as perceived by people, whose character is the result of the action and interaction of natural and/or human factors ». It recognizes the important role played by landscapes in the cultural, ecological, and social well-being of communities.
The Convention sets out a series of objectives and principles for the sustainable management of landscapes. It emphasizes the need for participation and consultation with stakeholders, including local communities, in the development of landscape policies.
The agreement also recognizes the importance of integrated landscape management, which takes into account economic, environmental, and social factors. This involves balancing the different needs of stakeholders and ensuring that the landscape is managed in a way that benefits everyone.
The Convention has been signed by 43 countries, including most European Union member states. It provides a framework for policymakers at national and local levels to develop landscape policies that are aligned with sustainable development.
In addition, the Convention provides a platform for international cooperation and exchange of best practices related to landscape management. This allows countries to benefit from each other`s experiences and to develop common approaches to landscape management.
The European Landscape Convention is an important agreement that recognizes the importance of landscapes in Europe`s cultural, ecological, and social well-being. Its objectives and principles provide a framework for the sustainable management of landscapes, which can help to ensure that they are preserved for future generations.