Spatial forms of nature conservation in spatial planning and management

Space may be divided into two basic components: the natural environment and the anthropogenic environment. Both components permeate one another. The desire for constant development exposes the natural environment to numerous threats; therefore, particularly important areas are included under legal protection. To make more efficient use of limited space, planning documents are adopted, the content of which has to take into account the environmental determinants, including issues related to environmental protection. The paper presents the Polish system of nature conservation and spatial planning, along with mutual dependencies that connect both systems and their reciprocal influences.