Abstract

While welcoming the European Landscape Convention and acknowledging the successes of conservation organizations such as the National Trust in Britain, the Czech Village Restoration Scheme and the French eco-musées, this paper identifies some of the pitfalls that must be avoided if the fine words of the Convention are to be translated into effective action. These include problems with designation, conflicts between different types of conservation, and the side effects of gentrification and increased tourism. There is a call for more research to break down barriers to understanding between countries, between disciplines, and between academics and practitioners.