"Landscape means an area, as perceived by people, whose character is the result of the action and interaction of natural and/or human factors." (European Landscape Convention, 2000)

The European Landscape Convention (ELC) is the first international convention to focus specifically on landscape, and is dedicated exclusively to the protection, management and planning of all landscapes in Europe.

The convention highlights the need to recognise landscape in law, to develop landscape policies dedicated to the protection, management and creation of landscapes, and to establish procedures for the participation of the general public and other stakeholders in the creation and implementation of landscape policies. It also encourages the integration of landscape into all relevant areas of policy, including cultural, economic and social policies and promotes European co-operation, mutual assistance and information exchange on landscape issues

Specific measures include:

• raising awareness of the value of landscapes among all sectors of society, and of society's role in shaping them;
• promoting landscape training and education among landscape specialists, other related professions, and in school and university courses;
• the identification and assessment of landscapes, and analysis of landscape change, with the active participation of stakeholders;
• setting objectives for landscape quality, with the involvement of the public;
• the implementation of landscape policies, through the establishment of plans and practical programmes