In addition to flora and fauna, important protected assets include soil, groundwater and surface water, climate and the landscape. An area can also be designated as a landscape conservation area due to its particular importance for recreation. Areas in which nature-friendly use by humans is to be preserved or reintroduced can also be placed under landscape protection. In comparison to nature conservation areas, abiotic resource protection is in the foreground.

As self-governing authorities, the administrative districts and independent cities are responsible for designating landscape protection areas by statutory order. If the landscape protection area extends beyond the area of a district or a municipality not attached to a district, the district is responsible for issuing the protected area ordinance.

Protected areas can be divided into zones with correspondingly graduated protection. If necessary, their surroundings can also be protected.