Charakterystyka Wrocławskiego Obszaru Metropolitarnego ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem systemu przyrodniczego

The article concerns the transformation of natural environment caused by human activities. Especially strong changes occur as a result of urban development. The metropolitan areas have the highest urbanization degree. The size of Wroclaw Metropolitan Area (WrOM) is 6725 km 2 and includes 9 districts. WrOM natural system is heterogeneous. The special importance of this system is connected with the legally protected areas, which are associated mostly with river valleys. In the planning of the metropolitan area development it is important to remember that valuable landscapes and natural areas are threatened by excessive anthropopressure and that they should not be treated merely as barriers to development. The appropriate study of planning documentation may protect the valuable qualities of areas and in parallel may steer development of the area. The prepared plans of development of metropolitan area must include hints of proper shaping of functional-spatial structures.