Landscape Ecology is a science that studies the diversity and transformation of the landscape, at various scales, taking into account the biophysical, economic and sociocultural character of its causes and consequences. Above all, Landscape Ecology provides an holistic approach to the study of Landscape, focusing in its different components and in the operation of the several systems that compose it, promoting a vision of integrated synthesis. It is therefore an interdisciplinary science, essencial as a tool to support the integrated management of the land.

The Portuguese Society for Landscape Ecology (APEP) is a nonprofit organization established in 1999 by a group of scientists and technicians with an interest in the study and conservation of landscapes in Portugal.

The APEP is part of the International Association for Landscape Ecology (IALE), representing in Portugal, and IALE-Europe.

The APEP focus especially in the following activities:

• Organization of meetings, debates, colloquia and conferences about Landscape Ecology topics, as well as other scientific and cultural character events
• Promoting exchanges with other entities, universities and research centres national or foreign, beyond the technical or administrative institutions whose competences are integrated in Landscape Ecology
• Development and execution of applied research projects, individuals or colective, regarding Landscape Ecology
• Carrying out works of Landscape Ecology, in response to external requests

Usually the APEP organizes two national encounters/journeys with international participation. In 2001 the society organized the 1st Iberic Journeys of Landscape Ecology in collaboration with its spanish counterpart. In 2005 organized the European IALE Congress 2005. The APEP participates in events organized by IALE and other national or international entities regarding landscape ecology, such as APDR, SPECO or IUFRO. The APEP has also been an active participant in the affairs of IALE and IALE Europe, that helped create.

The APEP members are researchers, university professors, technical staff and other profissionals of several scientific fields with landscape ecology interests.