Landscape in Focus: The Czech Perspective on Sustainable Landscape Development

Abstract This paper presents the research background, methodology, case study examples, and final recommendations from five case studies conducted in the Czech Republic as part of the international project Landscape in Focus. This two-year project is implemented within the European educational program Erasmus+. Its main objective is to support and raise awareness among municipal representatives and citizens of small and medium-sized municipalities in planning, decision-making, and addressing landscape-related challenges. The project facilitates interactions between experts and local representatives, providing information, tools, and methodologies through a web platform, a brochure, and professional conferences. The project is built on case studies that showcase proven or innovative approaches to landscape management in four European countries: the Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, and Slovakia. The paper focuses on five case studies from the Czech Republic, selected for their strong conceptual and sustainable planning. These cases consider land use needs, environmental sustainability, climate change adaptation, and the preservation of local identity, cultural and historical values, as well as high-quality public spaces and architecture.