Nature-inclusive development of multifunctional open spaces

Conceptual image of open landscape and housing (Shutterstock)

Details

Area-based working is central to the 2024-2029 Environment Policy Document. This approach enables pragmatic inter-administrative cooperation, tailor-made solutions and well-founded decisions. The Flemish Government is committed to cooperation between different levels of government, area-based investment agendas and support for local coalitions. Integrated area-based working must result in a multifunctional open space, where there is room for agriculture, nature, climate mitigation and adaptation, water storage, entrepreneurship, recreation and relaxation, among other things.

INBO wants to provide scientific support for nature-inclusive area-based working. We do this as much as possible through existing area-specific planning processes that work with local coalitions, such as the Landscape Parks, Water-Land-Schappen, National Parks, etc. In doing so, we strive for win-win situations between the various actors in the field, taking into account the policy objectives and the carrying capacity of the landscape and the natural system. Based on pilot projects, we formulate recommendations for policy and practice. We will therefore actively engage in forums that support area-based operations, such as the Open Space Platform (ORP) and the Landscape Park Programme Team.

To operationalise this, INBO will use various scientific frameworks, such as: socio-ecological systems thinking, landscape ecology, polycentric governance, multiple valuation, participation and co-creation. The priority research objectives for 2025-2029 are:

• We apply systems thinking at the landscape level to better understand complex cause-and-effect relationships and policy contexts. These insights support future scenarios and strategic decision-making.
• We conduct (landscape) ecological analyses to understand how land use interventions affect ecosystems and to develop well-considered management measures. In doing so, we build on knowledge from other programmes such as nature networks, agriculture and biodiversity.
• We analyse actors and their needs by identifying the values they attribute to the landscape and how they see its future. In this way, we also identify potential frictions.
• Finally, we investigate the policy context of area-based action and how policy instruments and area coalitions can contribute more effectively to sustainable land use. Case studies help to identify success factors for inclusive and targeted cooperation.

Teams

• Nature & Society
• Landscape Ecology and Nature Management
• Environment and Climate
• Nature Report and Advice Coordination
• Freshwater Habitats
• Management Team
• Biotope Diversity
• Own Capital INBO
• Estuaries

INBO Research theme(s)

• Agriculture
• Nature & society
• Protected nature