Biological diversity - the variability among living organisms and the ecological complexes – is indispensable to human survival and plays an essential role in the functioning of ecosystems.

Landscape, defined by the European Landscape Convention as "area, as perceived by people, whose character is the result of the action and interaction of natural and/or human factors."  - evolves through time and forms a whole, consisting of both natural and cultural components.

Conservation and sustainable use of biological and landscape diversity are essential ways to prevent its decline, due to pressure from human actions.

One way of supporting conservation of biological and landscape diversity is the establishment of protected areas and  ecological networks, aimed at maintaining the proper conditions necessary for continued resource existence, using the natural resources sustainably, and restoration of the favorable conditions.

IUCN defines a protected area as: "an area of land and/or sea especially dedicated to the protection and maintenance of biological diversity, and of natural and associated cultural resources, and managed through legal or other effective means.

More definitions and explanations can be found on the Carpathian Convention biodiversity page

In rural communities biological and landscape diversity is often better preserved, due to their remoteness from population centers, however, it is facing a growing pressure from the development processes.

Links with other thematic areas

Biological and Landscape diversity provides a number of services to people, including provision of food and water, supporting the local agriculture, medicinal plants, spirituality, inspiring formation of local identity and cultural heritage, and can become an attraction for tourism, often the main source of revenue for a rural community, however, attention should be paid to prevent undesirable effects from unsustainable tourism development. Education for sustainable development and intergenerational learning in rural communities are often based on discovering and  sharing knowledge about the local landscape, plants and animal species, or traditional agriculture - land use practices.

The functions of protected areas have evolved from strict nature protection, to providing economic and social benefits to the neighboring communities, including economic development, tourism, education and research. An important factor of their successful management is participation of the local communities, a wide array of stakeholders, and combination of various forms of knowledge, including that of administrators, scientists, traditional knowledge of older community residents, and communication and technological skills of the younger population. Intergenerational learning and Education for sustainable development are important ways to increase awareness of the local residents and visitors, ensure acceptance by the communities and inspire the younger generation to engage in conservation of Biological and Landscape diversity both professionally and as volunteers.