Hence, the identification of suitable locations for any type of cultivation or mining increasingly requires a thorough knowledge of the land’s con-servation value, its carbon stock, its potential for carbon sequestration, its biodiversity, its potential for environmental services other than carbon storage and its contribution to cultural identity etc. The production of biomass, for instance, should – according to the EU Renewable Energies Directive – contribute to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and the preservation of biodiversity. Accordingly, areas with a high conservation value as well as areas with a high carbon stock are excluded from conver-sion into agro-fuel production areas. On the other hand, degraded lands are now identified as possibly suitable areas for sustainable bio energy production. Preservation of biodiversity, of high conservation value areas, and of ecosystem services, avoiding emissions from carbon stocks and reducing emissions from deforestation and degradation are becoming im-portant objectives of land development.