Integrating biodiversity conservation with rural development

The interaction of sustainable agriculture and rural development, with the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and the need for integrated land-use planning as mentioned in Agenda 21.

Particular attention should be given to rural areas where, in many cases, the continuation of agricultural activities is necessary to avoid losses of biodiversity and habitat degradation. A rural development policy with biodiversity components has the potential to protect and enhance these environmental assets. By encouraging land conservation and higher environmental standards of land use, agri-environmental measures form an essential instrument for the sustainable development of land use, enabling conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.