Council of Europe

10/29/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/29/2024 09:47

Protecting Europe's landscapes for future generations

A conference on the Council of Europe Landscape Convention is focusing on improving cooperation among member states, in line with the new priorities set out by the Heads of State and Government during the 4th Summit of the Council of Europe, held in Reykjavík, Iceland in May 2023.

The conference will serve as a platform for dialogue on future activities linked to the convention, as well as its role in advancing the Council of Europe's broader objectives in the fields of human rights and the environment. Participants will consider the key points of the Reykjavík Declaration, reflecting the heightened commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development across Europe.

By fostering cooperation among member states, the conference aims to strengthen the collective efforts toward sustainable land management and environmental protection, in line with the evolving challenges posed by climate change and biodiversity loss.

The Council of Europe Landscape Convention, also known as the Florence Convention, was adopted in 2000 to promote the protection, management, and planning of landscapes across Europe. It recognises landscapes as a fundamental part of Europe's identity, shaping cultural, ecological, and economic life. The convention encourages public authorities and local communities to engage actively in the sustainable stewardship of their landscapes.