Multispecies landscape planning

Planning landscapes where humans and more-than-human life can thrive together

Landscapes are not solely shaped by humans—they are dynamic living systems shared with countless animal, plant, fungal, and microbial species. Multispecies landscape planning recognizes that sustainable futures depend on understanding and supporting these interdependencies, moving beyond anthropocentric perspectives toward planning approaches that account for the needs and agency of diverse forms of life.

At the Research Group Landscape Planning, we investigate how more-than-human concept can be integrated as a central principle in spatial planning without hindering human development and supporting nature-positive economy. Our research explores how silent stakholders can be considere using innovative governance scheme and alternative instruments.

A particular focus lies on developing planning concepts and tools that acknowledge coexistence, co-adaptation, and co-benefits between humans and more-than-human life. By combining ecological science with innovative planning methods and participatory tools, we seek to design landscapes that are not only functional for people but also hospitable for the multitude of species with whom we share ressources. In doing so, we contribute to a future in which biodiversity is not merely conserved but actively enabled to flourish.