How can landscape approaches tackle biodiversity loss?

Learn about the vital role of biodiversity and its impact on environments and societies. Discover landscape approaches, a holistic method addressing biodiversity loss by integrating conservation, production, and consumption. Learn how these approaches balance economic priorities with environmental sustainability and provide insights into social and ecological processes.

The video advocates for a comprehensive strategy, emphasizing resilience, rights, and governance to address the interconnectedness of ecosystems and human communities. Join us at the Global Landscapes Forum (GLF), the world’s largest knowledge-led platform on integrated land use, dedicated to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and Paris Agreement on climate change.

About Blended Learning for Biodiversity in Agriculture

The Global Landscapes Forum, in collaboration with Wageningen University and Research and Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO), addresses the critical need for informed policy decisions in the agriculture and environment sectors through a comprehensive six-module course. Specifically targeting government and technical experts capable of influencing policy, this initiative focuses on Mainstreaming Biodiversity across Agricultural Sectors, aligning with FAO’s goals for a sustainable and diverse environment.

The post Biodiverse Landscapes – A Landscape Approach for Biodiversity appeared first on Global Landscapes Forum.

Who this course is for

This course targets a diverse group of participants, including environmentalists, agricultural professionals, students, and policymakers. Whether one is looking to deepen their understanding of sustainable practices, aiming to implement changes in their work, or simply passionate about biodiversity and agriculture, this course will offer valuable insights and practical skills.

Course content

• Interplay Between Agriculture and Biodiversity: Learn how biodiversity and agriculture support each other and explore the systemic thinking and landscape approaches necessary for sustainable agricultural practices.
• Challenges and Opportunities in Sustainable Agriculture: Dive into the drivers of biodiversity loss and discover sustainable pathways for food production that support biodiversity.
• Global Policy and Biodiverse Agriculture: Examine the role of agriculture in global policy arenas, including international treaties and frameworks that support biodiversity-friendly agricultural practices.

Learning objectives

Upon completing, participants will have a comprehensive understanding of:

• Adopt a systemic lens to understand the deeply interdependent role of biodiversity, agriculture and livelihoods in landscapes.
• Holistically understand the challenges and opportunities of agriculture and biodiversity.
• Evaluate the importance of the global policy arena and integrate the changing position of global priorities towards food production and biodiversity.

About Blended Learning for Biodiversity in Agriculture

The Global Landscapes Forum, in collaboration with Wageningen University and Research, addresses the critical need for informed policy decisions in the agriculture and environment sectors through a comprehensive six-module course. Specifically targeting government and technical experts capable of influencing policy, this initiative focuses on Mainstreaming Biodiversity across Agricultural Sectors, aligning with the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) goals for a sustainable and diverse environment.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17528/GLF/TM.35699

The post Module 1: Biodiverse Agriculture in Landscapes appeared first on Global Landscapes Forum.

Who This Course Is For

This course is designed to target participants interested in the nexus of agriculture, biodiversity, and sustainable development. It is ideal for environmentalists, agricultural professionals, students, policymakers, and anyone keen on understanding and contributing to sustainable agricultural practices that promote biodiversity.

Course Content

1. Understanding the ecology of agriculture:
   Dive into the ecological foundations of agriculture, exploring how agriculture can function as a domesticated, human-managed ecosystem, and the management of biodiversity within agricultural contexts.
2. Sustainable and Biodiversity-Friendly Agriculture:
   Examine sustainable, biodiversity-friendly agricultural practices and approaches, transitioning from uniformity to diversity, and understanding the principles of sustainable and integrated approaches across landscapes.
3. An Integrated Approach to Agriculture:
   Learn about managing multi-functionality and integrated approaches for a healthy planet, focusing on creating sustainable agricultural landscapes that support biodiversity at all levels.

Learning Outcomes

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of the ecological processes essential for agriculture and the sustainable management of biodiversity within agricultural systems.
• Learn to identify, analyze, and apply sustainable and biodiversity-friendly agricultural practices.
• Understand the significance of integrating these principles and practices across scales for the benefit of our planet.

About Blended Learning for Biodiversity in Agriculture

The Global Landscapes Forum, in collaboration with Wageningen University and Research, addresses the critical need for informed policy decisions in the agriculture and environment sectors through a comprehensive six-module course. Specifically targeting government and technical experts capable of influencing policy, this initiative focuses on Mainstreaming Biodiversity across Agricultural Sectors, aligning with the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) goals for a sustainable and diverse environment.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17528/GLF/TM.35700

The post Module 2: Integrating Biodiversity In Agriculture appeared first on Global Landscapes Forum.

How does biodiversity impact agriculture, and vice versa?

Explore the vital link between biodiversity and agriculture, revealing how they impact each other. Learn about the threats of industrial agriculture to biodiversity and how it jeopardizes sustainable farming and livelihoods.

The video advocates for diversified agricultural landscapes, showcasing global examples of sustainable practices. Discover the power of agroecological systems, blending scientific and traditional knowledge for a holistic and sustainable agricultural transformation.

About Blended Learning for Biodiversity in Agriculture

The Global Landscapes Forum, in collaboration with Wageningen University and Research and Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO), addresses the critical need for informed policy decisions in the agriculture and environment sectors through a comprehensive six-module course. Specifically targeting government and technical experts capable of influencing policy, this initiative focuses on Mainstreaming Biodiversity across Agricultural Sectors, aligning with the FAO’s goals for a sustainable and diverse environment.

The post Synergies: Agriculture and Biodiversity appeared first on Global Landscapes Forum.

About the 2023 Landscape Leadership Workshop

On 9 and 10 October, the 2023 Landscape Leadership Workshop was held in Nairobi, Kenya, to set the scene for the GLF Nairobi 2023 Hybrid Conference: A New Vision for Earth. Co-designed by the Global Landscapes Forum (GLF), the Youth in Landscapes Initiative (YIL), and the Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN), the workshop brought together 45 brilliant young minds from Africa and around the world selected from over 700 applicants to drive impactful and transformative change.

Together, we brainstormed out of the box to find landscape solutions to the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, social injustices and other major challenges. We held hands while sharing our feelings about the world. We harnessed the power of art to challenge dominant narratives. We will forever cherish the memories we made, and we will continue to nourish these new relationships with care.

Facilitating change in multi-stakeholder landscapes

This presentation introduces the concept of Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships (MSPs) as cooperation arrangements to address specific issues. It emphasizes the importance of mapping stakeholders in landscapes, exploring power dynamics, and recognizing the roles of different actors. The presentation discusses the 7 principles of effective MSPs, including embracing systemic change, transforming institutions, and fostering collaborative leadership. It encourage understanding power, conflict resolution, and effective communication.

The audience is prompted to reflect on the obstacles to communication and how MSPs bring people together to address landscape challenges. The presentation concludes by providing tools and key resources for working with power and managing conflict.

Learn more

2023 Landscape Leadership Workshop

Download this presentation

The post Facilitating change in multi-stakeholder landscapes appeared first on Global Landscapes Forum.

About the 2023 Landscape Leadership Workshop

On 9 and 10 October, the 2023 Landscape Leadership Workshop was held in Nairobi, Kenya, to set the scene for the GLF Nairobi 2023 Hybrid Conference: A New Vision for Earth. Co-designed by the Global Landscapes Forum (GLF), the Youth in Landscapes Initiative (YIL), and the Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN), the workshop brought together 45 brilliant young minds from Africa and around the world selected from over 700 applicants to drive impactful and transformative change.

Together, we brainstormed out of the box to find landscape solutions to the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, social injustices and other major challenges. We held hands while sharing our feelings about the world. We harnessed the power of art to challenge dominant narratives. We will forever cherish the memories we made, and we will continue to nourish these new relationships with care.

Landscape approaches and landscape leadership

This presentation explores the concept of landscapes and collaborative governance. It urges participants to consider the meaning of “landscape” in their language. It then delves into the landscape approach, discussing the ideal size, personal perceptions, and the aim of this approach.

The presentation emphasizes that landscapes can be any size, support various activities, and contribute to broader area-based development. It introduces the notion of landscape leadership, defining key characteristics and their role in fostering awareness and understanding. The presentation concludes by sharing key resources, including videos on landscapes in different languages and the landscape approach. Overall, it aims to engage participants in thinking about and leading within landscapes for sustainable development.

Learn more

2023 Landscape Leadership Workshop

Download this presentation

The post Landscape approaches and landscape leadership appeared first on Global Landscapes Forum.

About GLF Nairobi 2023: ‘A new Vision for Earth’

The GLF Nairobi 2023 Hybrid Conference, held on October 11 and 12, convened global thought leaders to set the stage for COP28, the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference. This pivotal event mobilised action on critical issues affecting humanity, biodiversity, and our planet.

The conference featured two focused days: Day 1 centered on “Africa’s Sovereign Solutions,” exploring pathways to a sustainable and prosperous future for the continent. Day 2, dedicated to climate, aimed to craft a “Survival Guide for a Planet in Crisis,” paving the way for a fairer world ahead of COP28.

GLF Nairobi brought together a diverse coalition of influential voices, ranging from scientists, activists, and Indigenous leaders to financiers, women, youth, policymakers, and private sector representatives. As a united front, we collectively championed change and passionately advocated for meaningful action in these pivotal times.

About John Colmey

John Colmey, Director at the Global Landscapes Forum envisions mobilizing a billion people to create landscapes that are productive, prosperous, equitable, and resilient. Emphasizing a commitment to science, knowledge, respect, inclusiveness, equity, and hope, the quote encapsulates a call for action grounded in a holistic approach towards a sustainable future:

“We are going to create a movement of a billion people to build a vision of landscapes that are productive, prosperous, equitable, and resilient. And we’re going to do it as we always have — guided by science and knowledge. We will proceed with science, knowledge, respect, inclusiveness, equity, and hope.”

The post John Colmey’s vision for Earth appeared first on Global Landscapes Forum.

About GLF Nairobi 2023: ‘A new Vision for Earth’

The GLF Nairobi 2023 Hybrid Conference, held on October 11 and 12, convened global thought leaders to set the stage for COP28, the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference. This pivotal event mobilised action on critical issues affecting humanity, biodiversity, and our planet.

The conference featured two focused days: Day 1 centered on “Africa’s Sovereign Solutions,” exploring pathways to a sustainable and prosperous future for the continent. Day 2, dedicated to climate, aimed to craft a “Survival Guide for a Planet in Crisis,” paving the way for a fairer world ahead of COP28.

GLF Nairobi brought together a diverse coalition of influential voices, ranging from scientists, activists, and Indigenous leaders to financiers, women, youth, policymakers, and private sector representatives. As a united front, we collectively championed change and passionately advocated for meaningful action in these pivotal times.

About the GLF’s 10-Year Speaker Series

Join us in celebrating a decade of the Global Landscapes Forum (GLF), a journey marked by impactful dialogues and transformative visions from speakers worldwide. Over the years, thousands of voices have converged, each contributing to the collective mission of co-creating the landscape approach. Today, we honor some of our finest speakers, whose inspiring words continue to resonate and guide our path towards a better future. Tune in to be inspired by their insights and passion for positive change.

The post Celebrating a decade of inspiration: the GLF’s 10-Year Speaker Series Vol 1 appeared first on Global Landscapes Forum.

About GLF Nairobi 2023: ‘A new Vision for Earth’

The GLF Nairobi 2023 Hybrid Conference, held on October 11 and 12, convened global thought leaders to set the stage for COP28, the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference. This pivotal event mobilised action on critical issues affecting humanity, biodiversity, and our planet.

The conference featured two focused days: Day 1 centered on “Africa’s Sovereign Solutions,” exploring pathways to a sustainable and prosperous future for the continent. Day 2, dedicated to climate, aimed to craft a “Survival Guide for a Planet in Crisis,” paving the way for a fairer world ahead of COP28.

GLF Nairobi brought together a diverse coalition of influential voices, ranging from scientists, activists, and Indigenous leaders to financiers, women, youth, policymakers, and private sector representatives. As a united front, we collectively championed change and passionately advocated for meaningful action in these pivotal times.

About the GLF’s 10-Year Speaker Series

Join us in celebrating a decade of the Global Landscapes Forum (GLF), a journey marked by impactful dialogues and transformative visions from speakers worldwide. Over the years, thousands of voices have converged, each contributing to the collective mission of co-creating the landscape approach. Today, we honor some of our finest speakers, whose inspiring words continue to resonate and guide our path towards a better future. Tune in to be inspired by their insights and passion for positive change.

The post Celebrating a decade of inspiration: the GLF’s 10-Year Speaker Series Vol 2 appeared first on Global Landscapes Forum.

• Peatlands play a significant role in the global carbon and methane cycles
• This study found that methane emissions are high in peatlands experiencing disturbances and specific microtopographical conditions
• Methane emissions in the studied Andean peatlands were higher than in other regions of the Andes, and they were associated with certain vegetation types and human disturbances

Why managing and restoring Andean peatlands is vital for climate change mitigation

Peatlands, often overlooked ecosystems, play a crucial role in the global carbon and methane cycles. A recent study focused on peatlands in the Andes, specifically investigating methane emissions. Previous research suggested that methane emissions were low in mountain peatlands due to cushion plants in central and southern regions. However, the new study revealed that disturbances and specific microtopographical conditions influence methane emissions. Methane fluxes were found to be positively correlated with the water table, particularly when it was high or above the surface, and were directly linked to soil temperature.

Surprisingly, the Andean peatlands exhibited higher methane emissions compared to other regions in the Andes, and these emissions were associated with certain vegetation types and human disturbances. Contrary to earlier assumptions, cushion plants showed only a minor contribution to methane emissions, with higher emissions observed from the hollows between cushions, even in undisturbed areas. Additionally, sites dominated by sedges and the moss Sphagnum had higher emissions when the water level was high or when the plants were submerged.

The study emphasizes the significance of managing and restoring Andean peatlands, as disturbed peatlands were found to be significant sources of methane. Intriguingly, restoration efforts involving peat rewetting initially led to higher methane emissions. Nevertheless, in the long term, restoration activities can contribute to reducing methane emissions. Despite these important findings, there is still a lack of clear understanding regarding belowground processes related to methane production and transport in these ecosystems, which hampers the development of effective management strategies. Therefore, further research is needed to improve our knowledge and ensure the preservation of these vital peatland ecosystems and their contribution to the global climate.

Learn how our Restoration Steward David Cardenas is Restoring tropical mountain peatlands in the Colombian Andes

The post Spatial and temporal patterns of methane emissions from mountain peatlands in the northern Andes across a disturbance gradient appeared first on Global Landscapes Forum.