Introduction: Rural Development and Landscape Planning—Key Concepts and Issues at Stake

摘要: Landscape preservation and development of rural areas are two fundamental European Union’s policy objectives towards sustainable development, as defined, respectively, by the Convention Rural Development Policy, second pillar Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Agriculture has been shaping landscape for millennia in Europe with more than 47 % EU territory devoted to it, predominant form is indeed one. Whilst deep interlinks between policies/planning evident, these domains have developed, both research fields sectors, largely independently. Traditionally, policies featured a sectoral approach, conceiving agriculture an economic activity, without properly considering its territorial dimension; similarly, planning not paid adequate attention specific needs farmers designing measures. The challenges faces 21st century objective urge deeper integration domains. This particularly true after adoption, December 2013, CAP reform package comprising new regulations on programming period 2014–2020. introductive chapter provides overview key concepts issues addressed text: role landscape; ecosystem service conceptual framework; concept itself rurality; meaning multifunctionality areas. Subsequently, synopsis following chapters presented.