Sustainable urban land management is referring to a SDG Goal 15: Sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, halt biodiversity loss. Land-use transition through agricultural production and the development of the countryside settlement structure are closely related to one another and the rural ecosystem services. There are a number of factors related to the transition of agriculture to the urban land. Most important is the pressure on high quality soils by new settlements, which lead to urban sprawl and high level of soil sealing. Also demographic change and migration from rural to urban areas play important role in this process. However transition process also offers chances for experiments, new users and uses. Limited natural resources such as water and soil should be used and managed following the principle of sustainability, in order to preserve them for the next generations.
Due to high levels of urbanization in Europe, keeping balance between urban and rural areas became a crucial issue especially in the context of soil protection and land management in peri-urban and rural areas. Effects of loss of high quality agricultural land due to other land uses, e.g. energy production became a challenge for development of the rural areas. It should avoid extensive use of land, ensure soil protection, limit soil-sealing. Improvement of management measures for the cultivation of agricultural land is a very urgent topic because it addresses people worldwide. Implementable solutions with regard to the regional adaptation are necessary. An international implementation of improved management measures will have a tremendous impact for small- and large-scale farmers. Sustainable use of the soil and multifunctional rural development could contribute to tackle societal challenges without losing soil quality. Environmental issues in rural areas are almost always related to environmental-development relationships like productivity and sensitivity of natural systems, as well as environmental hazards risk. Research in the field of “Rural Areas, Landscape Transition and Ecosystem Services” is needed on management and steering mechanisms, the development of the land/real estate market and environmental compensation measures linked to ecosystem services. Other important field of research related to the management of rural, areas are: innovative management of agricultural land. respecting their multi-functionality, pressure on high quality soils by settlement and species conservation, public awareness, on the economical, ecological and social value of landscape, biodiversity versus fertility of soils, role of soil-sediment-water-systems in planning procedures, long-term safeguarding of food security.