Nature conservation policies and procedures have recently acquired a wider mission. Disciplinary advances, the approval of international guidelines and regulations, and the increasing number and variety of protected areas require to overcome the traditional rigid separation between designated areas and the rest of the territory. In particular, the challenge of biodiversity protection and the attention devoted to protected landscapes require innovative approaches. The paper provides a disciplinary framework and illustrates the methodology used in drawing up a management plan for the Paneveggio-Pale di San Martino Natural Park, an alpine protected area located in Trentino, Italy. The Park is characterised by ecological values and spectacular Dolomite scenery, but also by man-made landscapes and the presence of economic activities. The key planning instrument applied is the “landscape unit”, which integrates the different values to be protected in a way that reflects the identity of local communities and the shared perspective of nature conservation.