Land use - Why care? (Poland)

Poland’s environment is spatially diversified to a significant degree as a result of geographical, historical, and economic conditions. The level of environmental transformation varies from areas only slightly transformed by humans, where the landscape is almost original in character (part of the Białowieża Forest), through areas of natural landscape (large forests, marshy areas, etc.), cultural landscape (urban and agricultural areas), to areas of devastated landscape (raw materials extraction in open-cast mines).

Generally, however, the Polish landscape is only slightly transformed compared to western European countries and is characterised by high natural values.

Therefore, proper management of the space and environmental resources is important to ensure that the further development of the country will not lead to the degradation of the natural wealth and landscape diversity.