Landscape ecology determinants for countryside planning and revitalisation

Ingrid Belčáková

SUMMARY

Landscape is a vital part of our natural and man-made environment and is considered by many to be one of most important components of a healthy, enjoyable life. During the latter part of this century, we have witnessed its vulnerability in the face of its economic growth and social change. Often, we have failed adequately to predict, recognize or deal with the impact of new development. The result has been serious erosion of the character and quality of many of our urban and rural landscapes. Rural development plans and environmentally friendly management of rural production processes represent good alternative towards landscape enhancement and protection. Methods of landscape ecological planning and agro-environmental schemes belong to most effective methods of landscape ecology.

Keywords: renewal, Slovakia, landscape ecology, landscape, development, city, countryside