This article explores the dichotomy between the preservation of nature and natural resources and the actual territorial development in Slovakia, using the case study of Galanta city and Gáň village. We analyze the land use changes post-1990, observing a rise in urbanization at the expense of agricultural land and compromising the ecological quality of landscape. Our study focuses on identifying opportunities to enhance ecological stability of the landscape and improve planning practices to safeguard the natural capital and its associated ecosystem services. The evaluation results contribute to a discussion on optimal land utilization and better management of its development.