The contribution outlines the goals, the organisational structures and the key issues of the NRP 48 (National Research Programme). In addition, it gives an overview of the subjects covered by the 35 on-going research projects. On this basis, the stakeholders dealing with subjects relating to Landscapes and Habitats are invited to take into account the knowledge gained from the NRP 48 within their field of activity. Furthermore, the author invites the reader to a dialogue with the research teams and the programme leaders.