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Tobias Plieninger @plieningerlab.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Local people's relational & intrinsic values matter for the conservation & restoration of urban waterscapes in Indian megacities. Our recent study of the lakes, ponds & riverfronts of Bengaluru, Hyderabat, Kolkata & Mumbai, led by K. Chowdhury, in @esandpeople.bsky.social. 🔗 doi.org/10.1080/2639...

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Reposted by Tobias Plieninger

Uni Göttingen @uni-goettingen.de · 02/09/2026

How to prevent wildfires? Wildfires in the Mediterranean region are increasing in frequency and intensity. Researchers at our Uni & Kassel call for a new approach to planning resilience by diversifying landscapes: www.uni-goettingen.de/en/3240.html..., iScience: doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2026.116741

Photo shows a hillside with an area of small green trees, strips of dry-looking ground and trees, as well as much more harsh and empty fields reaching up to a blue sky. It is an example of wildfire prevention through the revival of diverse land uses in northern Extremadura (Spain). Photo thanks to Fernando J. Pulido

Photo shows several goats (reddish brown, tan, white) on the side of a road with tall trees in the background. The ground looks dry and reddish brown with clumps of thick green grass. The image shows different landscapes leading to woody areas and mountains in the background. The sky is blue and stretches up from the mountains. This is an example of goat farming to diversify land use in northern Extremadura (Spain). Image thanks to Fernando J. Pulido

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Tobias Plieninger @plieningerlab.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

After 17 toolkits on participatory research methods published, what is our conclusion of their impact? Their contribution may not be immediate transformation itself, but the creation of relationships, trust & collective learning as basis of future transformation.🔗https://doi.org/10.14512/gaia.35.3.8

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Tobias Plieninger @plieningerlab.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

Forest patches in farming landscapes are islands of old-growth structures & key reservoirs of forest biodiversity. Our paper shows how landscape context shapes old-growth habitats & predicts their abundance. Led by P. Hansen, with @andreasmoelder.bsky.social & M. Tiebel. 🔗 doi.org/10.1186/s135...

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Tobias Plieninger @plieningerlab.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

Finally, a new journal that is fully focused on landscape approaches and multifunctionality: CABI Multifunctional Landscapes. The journal website is now open for submissions. www.cabidigitallibrary.org/journal/cabi...

cabidigitallibrary.org

CABI Multifunctional Landscapes Home

CABI Multifunctional Landscapes advances integrated landscape research and practice by providing a platform for critical dialogue on how integrated approaches, such as Integrated Landscape Management,...

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Tobias Plieninger @plieningerlab.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

#Relationality has become central to social-ecological research - but what does relational thinking actually mean? In our recent Editorial of People & Nature, we offer practical suggestions for recognizing & implementing deeper relationality in research. 🔗 doi.org/10.1002/pan3...

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Andreas Mölder @andreasmoelder.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

Old-growth forest structures in small-scale private forests are strongly shaped by landscape context and can be reliably predicted using freely available spatial data. Our new paper together with @plieningerlab.bsky.social ➡️ rdcu.be/fxynT #Forestry #Conservation #LowerSaxony #Biodiversity

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Tobias Plieninger @plieningerlab.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

Mediterranean grassroots initiatives are building wildfire-resilient landscapes through grazing, agroforestry, prescribed burning & more. They now need investment & long-term support to scale. Our new review: doi.org/10.1016/j.is...

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Tobias Plieninger @plieningerlab.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

How do farmers view soil conservation? Our Q-sorts study in 🇲🇦 🇪🇸 🇹🇳 reveals diverse perspectives - from #ConservationAgriculture to crop diversification and conventional tillage. Recognising these views is key to co-designing effective soil conservation. 🌱 #ConServeTerra doi.org/10.1080/2168...

doi.org

Photo-sorting reveals diverging preferences for soil conservation and land-use intensification among Mediterranean farmers

The Mediterranean region has diverse farming landscapes with a unique mix of traditional and modern farming practices. Soil degradation and sustainable land and water management are key regional ch...

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Tobias Plieninger @plieningerlab.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

To catalyse #TransformativeChange, landscape planning needs to: ➡️ Include diverse actors & knowledge systems ➡️ Better link planning with action for restoration & sustainable use ➡️ Be embedded in broader governance change Our paper in @esandpeople.bsky.social, Albert et al: 🔗 doi.org/10.1080/2639...

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Agrar Fakultät Uni Göttingen @agrarunigoe.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

#news Eine neue Studie zeigt: Traditionelle Landwirtschaft kann Ernährung sichern und zugleich Ökosysteme, Biodiversität und kulturelle Identität bewahren. Dafür wurden 22 landwirtschaftliche Weltkulturerbe-Systeme in 13 Ländern untersucht. 🔗 Mehr zur Studie: www.uni-goettingen.de/de/3240.html...

uni-goettingen.de

Presseinformationen - Georg-August-Universität Göttingen

Webseiten der Georg-August-Universität Göttingen

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Tobias Plieninger @plieningerlab.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

Traditionally farmed landscapes produce food while protecting nature & keeping cultural traditions alive. Our study of how Globally Important Agric.l Heritage Systems integrate natural & cultural heritage. Paper: ecologyandsociety.org/vol31/iss2/art3/ Summary: uni-goettingen.de/en/3240.html?id=8206

The Ghout oasis system near El Oued in Algeria: the ground here has been excavated down to the level of the ground water. The date palms are planted at a depth of around one metre and their roots manage to reach the water without the need for additional irrigation. Photo: GIAHS Algeria – Ghout System

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Tobias Plieninger @plieningerlab.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

🌿🐺Sharing landscapes with wildlife: Our editorial in People & Nature. Livestock depredation is only one among many pressures on pastoralism. Coexistence with large carnivores requires not only compensation or fencing, but broader systemic societal-policy changes. 🔗https://doi.org/10.1002/pan3.70366

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Tobias Plieninger @plieningerlab.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

We are looking for an inter- and transdisciplinary sustainability scientist for our research project "A social-ecological analysis of co-production of Mediterranean terrace landscapes". This is a 3-year postdoc position (100%). Application deadline: 30.06.26. drive.google.com/file/d/1l1e_...

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Tobias Plieninger @plieningerlab.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

From A (like 🎨Arts-based methods) to V (like 🎥Video development): Our Participatory Research Methods for Sustainability toolkits are now complete🎉. Check out toolkit #17 on #Storytelling by M. Jay et al. 🔗 Storytelling toolkit: doi.org/10.14512/gai... 🔗 All 17 toolkits: gaia.oekom.de/index.php/ga...

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Tobias Plieninger @plieningerlab.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

“Urban foraging is one of the things that keeps people connected to their local ecosystems, it gives you a sense of place and cohesion with your neighbourhood” (S. Dhyani). Great report on food gathering from blue spaces in India's megacities. @mongabay.com. india.mongabay.com/2026/05/the-...

A woman shows her collection of Indian apple snails from near Vembanad lake in Kochi, Kerala. It is a common edible freshwater snail native to India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka, and a high-protein, low-fat food.

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Tobias Plieninger @plieningerlab.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

To establish agroforestry in degraded, tree-less agricultural landscapes is a challenge. Can farmers' voices, expressed in poets, help? Find out in Claudia Heindorf's beautifully visualised field report from Türkiye, Morocco & Tunisia. #PeopleNatureLandscapesBlog. medium.com/people-natur...

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Tobias Plieninger @plieningerlab.bsky.social · 30/05/2026

#IntegratedLandscapeApproaches that mitigate wildfires through pastoralism, tree crops, agroforestry & traditional forest uses are on the rise across the Mediterranean. Nice to see the food- & landscape-related co-benefits of these initiatives covered in @nytimes.com. www.nytimes.com/2026/05/25/w...

nytimes.com

How Wine, Truffles and Honey Could Help Europe Fight Wildfires

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Tobias Plieninger @plieningerlab.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

#TransformativeChange toward sustainability takes place in the personal, political & practical spheres. In this new study, we use such lens to identify complex legal barriers & enabling factors for the scaling of #Agroforestry in Germany. 3rd PhD paper of Marina Klimke. doi.org/10.1007/s104....

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Tobias Plieninger @plieningerlab.bsky.social · 16/05/2026

I'm happy to join the Editorial Board of @esandpeople.bsky.social. E&P has developed into a central journal of the social-ecological community. I appreciate its author-friendly approach & its coverage of unconventional topics & regions. If you attend the ESP Prague conference, visit the E&P booth!

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Tobias Plieninger @plieningerlab.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

Motivations, practices & perceived benefits & barriers shape farmers'. Our study on a mental modeling workshop series with pioneer farmers in the Mediterranean. We find that soil health & other on-farm benefits are key motivators for transitioning to #ConservationAgriculture. doi.org/10.1007/s116...

Causal loop diagram to depict a simplified mental model of pioneer farmers’ implementation of conservation agriculture

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Tobias Plieninger @plieningerlab.bsky.social · 30/04/2026

How do mental models shape the way people understand food systems? Maria Chiara Camporese, Chaima Mobarak & Roxane Bradaczek report on their experiences from the Malmö Agroecology Forum in our #PeopleNatureLandscapesBlog. medium.com/people-natur...

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Tobias Plieninger @plieningerlab.bsky.social · 13/04/2026

Traditional irrigation systems have shaped Mediterranean mountains, plains & oases - supporting agricultural production, biodiversity & cultural heritage. We're happy to share our review of community-based stewardship of traditional irrigation systems. doi.org/10.1016/j.co...

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Tobias Plieninger @plieningerlab.bsky.social · 08/04/2026

Using the opportunity to highlight our study on peatlands & people. Claudia Heindorf et al. elicited societal values of a peat landscape under transformation in the form of participant-voiced poems. Top cited in @britishecologicalsociety.org's "People & Nature". doi.org/10.1002/pan3...

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Tobias Plieninger @plieningerlab.bsky.social · 07/04/2026

🧑‍🌾🐃🌾🐸 FAO-Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems introduce a cultural heritage perspective to #IntegratedLandscapeManagement. In this study, we identify 4 #GIAHS types, varying in how they balance food production & nature conservation. 1st PhD paper by MC Camporese. doi.org/10.5751/ES-1...

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Tobias Plieninger @plieningerlab.bsky.social · 06/04/2026

🥀 #Natura2000 protects the crown jewels of Europe's nature. How can this protected area network be future-proofed against environmental backlash? Here are some ideas how a biocultural perspective may help. 👉 Press release: www.uni-goettingen.de/en/3240.html... 🔗 Full paper: doi.org/10.1111/con4...

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Tobias Plieninger @plieningerlab.bsky.social · 19/03/2026

Reciprocity (the mutal care between humans & ecosystems) is a core value of a nature-positive society. Here, we disentangle the multiple dimensions of reciprocity between farmers in Myanmar & farm trees. @khant-htet.bsky.social @laurakmoch.bsky.social @esandpeople.bsky.social doi.org/10.1080/2639...

Native farms trees of Myanmar’s Central Dry Zone: (a) Toddy palm, (b) Jujube and (c) thanakha

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Tobias Plieninger @plieningerlab.bsky.social · 18/03/2026

Repeat photography is a simple but effective method for visualising changes & assessing long-term developments of landscapes. Participatory research methods for sustainability Toolkit #16, now out in GAIA. By Matthias Bürgi, Elena Siegrist, Susan Lock & Tamara Estermann. doi.org/10.14512/gai...

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Tobias Plieninger @plieningerlab.bsky.social · 16/03/2026

🫎 🐸🌳Happy to share a Perspective on how a biocultural approach can strengthen the Natura 2000 network. It may help future-proof protected areas in times of populism, environm. backsliding & land-use conflicts. With M. Jay & @thartel.bsky.social. @consletters.bsky.social. 🔗doi.org/10.1111/con4.70038

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Tobias Plieninger @plieningerlab.bsky.social · 16/03/2026

🫎 🐸🌳Happy to share our Perspective on how a biocultural approach can strengthen the European Natura 2000 network. Such approach may help future-proof protected areas in times of populism, environmental backsliding & land-use conflicts. With M. Jay & @thartel.bsky.social. 🔗doi.org/10.1111/conl.12958

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Tibor Hartel @thartel.bsky.social · 14/03/2026

New paper out in @consletters.bsky.social. We propose 5 leverage points for maintaining biodiversity in N2K sites: people, network design, monitoring, funding, and research. Nice collaboration with @plieningerlab.bsky.social and Marion Jay. Link: conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...

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Tobias Plieninger @plieningerlab.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

What motivates actors to collaborate in #IntegratedLandscapeManagement? The work group “Navigating trade-offs & synergies between biodiversity & society in protected multifunctional landscapes” is happy to present its first output. With F. Turkelboom, M. Torralba et al. doi.org/10.5751/ES-1...

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Tobias Plieninger @plieningerlab.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

Protected areas are boundary objects that facilitate multiple connections between people and nature. Marion Jay showcases narratives of nature experiences by visitors & users of Natura 2000 reserves in Germany in our #PeopleNatureLandscapesBlog. medium.com/people-natur...

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Tobias Plieninger @plieningerlab.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

🌿@ipbes.net defined archetypes of human-relationships, the "Life Frames" (living in, as, from & with nature). How do life frames define the perception of nature's values by residents around protected areas? Our new study, out now in "Biological Conservation", led by M. Jay. 🔗 doi.org/10.1016/j.bi...

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Tobias Plieninger @plieningerlab.bsky.social · 30/01/2026

Congrats to Abul Polas for defending his PhD on "A people-centered approach to counter ecosystem degradation & support restoration" at @unikassel.bsky.social: 📍Sense of place: doi.org/10.1080/2639... 🌱Degradation/restoration: doi.org/10.1016/j.fo... 🌿Human-nature-connections: doi.org/10.1111/rec....

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Tobias Plieninger @plieningerlab.bsky.social · 29/01/2026

Degraded nature is increasing Europe's exposure to risks. The EU #NatureRestorationRegulation is thus not an environmental luxury, but provides basic risk management, says this interesting position paper from @easac.bsky.social. easac.eu/publications...

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Tobias Plieninger @plieningerlab.bsky.social · 28/01/2026

Interested in learning about #TransformativeChange of agriculture toward sustainability? At @unikassel.bsky.social we have an exciting interdisciplinary Master programme "Agriculture, Ecology & Societies". Application deadline for international candidates: 01.03.26

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Tobias Plieninger @plieningerlab.bsky.social · 14/01/2026

Paludiculture (wet agriculture) can align peatland restoration with farming, yet remains in a niche in Germany. Our new PLOS Sustainability & Transformation study examines pioneer farmers’ motivations & barriers. With M. Merkelbach, @laurakmoch.bsky.social & C. Heindorf. doi.org/10.1371/jour...

doi.org

Readiness to transform: Pioneer farmers’ motivations and barriers for adopting paludiculture in Germany

Author summary The destruction of peatlands releases large amounts of greenhouse gases, highlighting the need for sustainable alternatives to conventional farming on drained wetlands. Paludiculture, a...

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Tobias Plieninger @plieningerlab.bsky.social · 29/12/2025

3 days to go to the International Year of Rangelands & Pastoralists! Some work from our group: 🌱🐄Biocultural diversity & livestock: doi.org/10.1016/j.an... 🌿🌍High nature value farming: doi.org/10.1002/pan3... 🏷️🐑Geographic Indication: doi.org/10.1080/1747... 🏜️🤝Pastoral values: doi.org/10.1016/j.la...

International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists

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Tobias Plieninger @plieningerlab.bsky.social · 25/12/2025

A powerful call by Amitav Ghosh for locally led climate solutions. In the Sundarbans of Bangladesh & India this means moving away from embankment construction, shrimp farming & assisted migration, toward community-based agroecology approaches. www.equator.org/articles/bey...

equator.org

Beyond the Apocalypse • EQUATOR

How visions of catastrophe shape the ‘climate solutions’ imposed by aid agencies

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Tobias Plieninger @plieningerlab.bsky.social · 22/12/2025

Many Indigenous philosophies acknowledge respect & reciprocity between people & nature. Affective ties to land & home are also at the heart of Tamazirt thinking of Amazigh communities in Morocco. Tamazirt could serve as an Indigenous anchor point for rural revitalisation. 🔗 doi.org/10.1007/s132...

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Tobias Plieninger @plieningerlab.bsky.social · 20/12/2025

How do multiple & interconnected social-ecological crises (water scarcity, economic crisis, sociocultural value crisis) affect traditional rural lifeways & drive land abandonment and migration decisions in Morocco's High Atlas? Our new paper, led by @laurakmoch.bsky.social. 🔗 doi.org/10.1007/s132...

Conceptual representation of how residents’ mobility and land abandonment decisions are shaped by proximate and underlying causes

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Tobias Plieninger @plieningerlab.bsky.social · 20/12/2025

"Iran’s greatest current existential crisis is what hydrologists are calling its rapidly approaching water bankruptcy." Great essay on Iran's existential water crisis & how restoration of ancient qanat water collection technologies could provide a sustainable solution. e360.yale.edu/features/ira...

e360.yale.edu

After Ruining a Treasured Water Resource, Iran Is Drying Up

Iran is looking to relocate the nation’s capital because of severe water shortages that make Tehran unsustainable. Experts say the crisis was caused by years of ill-conceived dam projects and overpump...

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Uni Göttingen @uni-goettingen.de · 15/12/2025

Wie lassen sich Europas #Agrarlandschaften so wiederherstellen, dass die #Ökosysteme und auch die #Gesellschaft profitieren? Forschende haben Empfehlungen für eine sozial inklusive Umsetzung der neuen EU-Verordnung veröffentlicht. Mehr: www.uni-goettingen.de/de/3240.html...

Die Etablierung von Bäumen und Sträuchern auf Agrarflächen wie hier auf dem Hof Werragut in Eschwege bietet die Möglichkeit, verarmte Agrarlandschaften zu renaturieren und gleichzeitig die landwirtschaftliche Produktion fortzuführen und zu diversifizieren – Foto: Tobias Plieninger

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Tobias Plieninger @plieningerlab.bsky.social · 10/12/2025

The EU #NatureRestorationRegulation may sound dry, but it can inspire ideas for reconnecting people with nature. Our policy article outlines how to foster active learning, cultural values, caring attitudes, land-use synergies & collaboration. doi.org/10.1111/rec.... www.uni-kassel.de/uni/aktuelle...

Multifunctional agricultural landscape in Lower Saxony / Germany

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Tobias Plieninger @plieningerlab.bsky.social · 07/12/2025

@ipbes.net flags conserving & regenerating places of value to nature & people as key for #TransformativeChange. Our India study shows urban lakes, ponds & canals act as such places, supporting livelihoods while shaping #BioculturalDiversity & urban #FoodSystemSustainability. doi.org/10.1038/s442...

A woman selling freshly foraged greens on a Bengaluru street, connecting urban consumers with wild local foods.

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Uni Göttingen @uni-goettingen.de · 04/12/2025

Urban Blue Spaces: the overlooked rivers, lakes and wetlands in cities. Researchers surveyed 1,200 people in 4 cities in India and found foraging to be widespread, providing valuable food, income, culture, connections: www.uni-goettingen.de/en/3240.html... #NatureCities: doi.org/10.1038/s442...

The photograph shows three women in colourful clothes wading in greyish green water on a sunny day. They are bent over to collect food from the floor of some drying wetlands in Kolkata (a megacity in India). The rocks and mud on the banks are grey-brown. It isn’t visible from the photo but the women are collecting small fish, snails and other aquatic foods. This image provides a glimpse into the everyday lives of urban household workers from a wetland in Kolkata on their way home. Image thanks to researcher Sukanya Basu.

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Tobias Plieninger @plieningerlab.bsky.social · 05/12/2025

The #NatureRestorationRegulation is a landmark for EU policy. How can National Restoration Plans boost human–nature relations? Some ideas in our article: ✨Positive restoration stories 🎨Cultural values 🏺Heritage sites/products 🌾Multifunctional landscapes 💡Shared ideas platform doi.org/10.1111/rec....

Restoration through multifunctional agroforestry

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Tobias Plieninger @plieningerlab.bsky.social · 03/12/2025

🌍 New study: Foraging in India’s urban blue spaces is widespread yet overlooked. Surveying 1,200 people in 4 cities, we found that lakes & wetlands provide food, income, culture & social ties. 👉 Recognizing foraging can support more equitable, resilient urban food systems. 🔗 doi.org/10.1038/s442...

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