“Expanding human requirements and economic activities are placing
ever increasing pressures on land resources, creating competition
and conflicts and resulting in suboptimal use of both land and land
resources. If, in the future, human requirements are to be met in a
sustainable manner, it is now essential to resolve these conflicts and
move towards more effective and efficient use of land and its natural
resources. Integrated physical and land-use planning and manage-ment is an eminently practical way to achieve this. By examining all
uses of land in an integrated manner, it makes it possible to minimize
conflicts, to make the most efficient trade-offs and to link social
and economic development with environmental protection and
enhancement, thus helping to achieve the objectives of sustainable
development.”