The influence of agricultural landscape diversity on biological diversity

Abstract

Until recently, the aim of agricultural activity was to provide food and fiber supplies for human communities. The possibility that farmers could play an important role in nature protection activities, mitigate threats to the environment, increase water retention and carry on many other activities important for the sustainable development of rural areas were not considered by farmers themselves, decision makers or the general public. However, increasing environmental problems in various parts of the world showed that neglecting ecological and sociological aspects of economic development had led to environmental degradation hindering not only economic systems but also threatening living natural resources. © 2007 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.