Landscape Science and Natural Resource Management

Dear Colleagues,

Human activity over the last 50 years has transformed the Earth's landscapes to such an extent that there is a scientific consensus, despite some objections, that we have entered a new geological period or division known as the Anthropocene (Fagan, 2019; Fu et al., 2022; Malhi, 2017; McCarthy et al., 2023). Research related to human interaction with nature and landscapes, described as landscape research, landscape science, geo-ecology, or landscape ecology, traditionally a scientific branch of geography, gained considerable interest amongst researchers (Gordon et al., 2001; Slaymaker et al., 2021; Vasiliev & Greenwood, 2022).

Landscapes as multifunctional, highly complex systems provide a platform for disciplinary, interdisciplinary, and transdisciplinary research (Jauker & Diekötter, 2022), aiming to combine sustainability and high-quality productivity, under the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations and the provisions of the Landscape Convention of the European Council (United Nations, 2022). The use of landscape science can significantly enhance natural resource management strategies by providing a comprehensive understanding of the ecological processes and spatial dynamics within an ecosystem (Suzette Lorilla et al., 2023). Additionally, landscape science can aid in the assessment of ecosystem services (Vigna et al., 2024), such as water purification (Boix-Fayos et al., 2020; Glushkova et al., 2020), carbon sequestration (Gaglio et al., 2019), and biodiversity conservation (Perino et al., 2022). By integrating landscape science into natural resource management strategies, decision-makers can make informed choices that promote sustainable land use and preserve biodiversity (Nagendra et al., 2013).

Halting landscape degradation, developing cultural landscapes, and maintaining semi-natural landscapes can guarantee clean water and air, fertile and healthy soils for food and other ecosystem services, and a green and biodiverse environment, all essential attributes of landscapes for the survival and well-being of humans in coexistence with nature. Landscape research must generate knowledge, innovations, and responsible decision rules for achieving these aims (Schirpke et al., 2021). Big data gathering and scenario modelling are important for knowledge generation in a globalised world. International long-term experiments, observatories, and monitoring systems deliver data for comprehensive ecosystem models and decision support systems (Caro et al., 2020; Kopacz et al., 2021). Technical innovations must be embedded in cultural solutions for the evolvement of landscapes, and this understanding can help identify key areas and determine optimal land use practices and mechanisms, thus mitigating the impacts of habitat fragmentation and ecosystem degradation (Nagendra et al., 2013; Nolè et al., 2021; Terrado et al., 2016). Concepts such as regenerative landscape development and sustainable land use management are vital for thriving ecosystems and resolving environmental conflicts, particularly those where resources are shared by multiple countries (Brown et al., 2022; Kallio & LaFleur, 2023).

Overall, landscape science plays a crucial role in understanding and managing the complex interactions between natural resources and human activities. By combining knowledge from various disciplines, such as ecology, geology, climate, humanities, and socio-economic studies, landscape science provides a holistic approach to natural resource management (Fouad et al., 2022). This holistic approach considers not only the ecological aspects of an ecosystem but also the integration of science, practice, culture, and spirituality through regenerative development, which could lead to a future where landscapes not only sustain but thrive.

This Special Issue aims to support the better understanding, monitoring, and managing of landscapes, using multiple approaches, with technological, artistic, cultural, social, economic, and technical considerations of innovations, from rural agricultural land and water management to urban landscapes, and the implications climate change will have on landscape sustainability. We invite authors to present novel tools for ecosystem modelling and forecasting of landscape processes and creating knowledge, rules, and approaches for handling the multifunctionality of landscapes. This Special Issue aims to be a knowledge base and a communication tool for informed decisions regarding the development of landscapes, enlarging our horizon and field of action by building bridges between scientific communities, scientific disciplines, researchers, and citizens. Both interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches will be considered, guaranteeing the pertinent contribution to a comprehensive understanding of the importance of landscape science.

References:

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Brown, K., Schirmer, J., & Upton, P. (2022). Can regenerative agriculture support successful adaptation to climate change and improved landscape health through building farmer self-efficacy and wellbeing? Current Research in Environmental Sustainability, 4. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crsust.2022.100170

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Dr. Luís S. Santos
Dr. Robert Mazur
Guest Editor

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• ecological restoration
• sustainable agriculture
• ecology