Implementation of European Landscape Convention in Denmark

Signature 20.10.2000, ratification 03.20.2003
The ELC entered into force in Denmark on 1 March 2004. Since the ELC was signed in 2000, focus on landscape aspects in Danish planning has been enhanced. An example of this is the development of a more holistic approach to spatial planning as expressed by the Danish Ministry of the Environment in its Introduction to spatial planning in Denmark.

Another example is the introduction of the concept of Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) to Danish planning. In Denmark, it is the responsibility of the municipalities to identify landscape conservation interests and values as an important foundation for planning, particularly in rural areas. Municipalities are encouraged to use the LCA method to describe the rural landscape, identify sensitive areas and determine how they should and should not be developed. The LCA is carried out in four different phases: 
  1. Mapping, according to natural, cultural and spatial and visual appearance criteria.
  2. Assessment, based on a number of parameters, such as the strength of landscape features, special visual experience opportunities, how intact or undisturbed the landscape is, or how susceptible to change.
  3. Strategy, which divides the landscape zones based on the mapping and assessment results and specifies suggestions for how to integrate landscape interests in the planning and management of each zone, with the premise that special characteristic landscapes should be protected and maintained, while those of weaker character can be allowed to change.
  4.  Implementation

Contact

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Ministry of Environment 
The Danish Forest and Nature Agency
Harraldsgade
53 2100 Copenhagen

Mrs Tanja Holmberg
Email
Tel +45 3947 21622

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