Learning from Doing: Closing Knowledge Gaps in Integrated Landscape Research

Landscape-scale governance strategies that attempt to reconcile conservation and development objectives have been variably applied in both tropical and temperate landscapes for more than 30 years. The extent to which these approaches have been successful in delivering their objectives remains subject to ongoing investigation. However, the relative lack of objective outcomes or impacts has not diminished enthusiasm for their application with integrated approaches both enduring and generating renewed support from donors, policy makers, and academics. Indeed, such approaches are central to recent global environmental policy discourse and attract substantial investment. Despite their long evolution and widespread support, an agreed definition, or conceptual framework, for so-called integrated landscape approaches (ILAs) remains lacking. This conceptual ambiguity leaves the paradigm open to interpretation and in the realm of subjectivity and uncertainty, greatly enhancing the potential for the concept to be abused, mis-assimilated, or co-opted. Meanwhile, a lack of definition also implies an absence of basic norms and rules to follow with potential for conceptually weak and poorly designed implementation efforts.

Recent literature suggests that this has resulted in several knowledge gaps in the evidence base that are broadly related, but not limited, to: a more comprehensive characterization of integrated landscape approaches; adequate integration of knowledge systems; better incorporation of gender-related dimensions; a thorough appraisal of the potential and value of integrated approaches; stronger attention to deeply embedded socio-political issues; and a better understanding of cross-scale dynamics and inherent power structures, amongst others. This special feature collection welcomes articles that respond to these gaps in the knowledge base and/or share key lessons learned from experiences working with ILAs in various contexts. We are therefore particularly interested in empirical contributions but nevertheless welcome theoretical and conceptual frameworks that help to advance the conceptualization and practice of integrated approaches to landscape governance and management.

Open to submissions: 28 March to 30 November 2024.

Pre-submission inquiries to the guest editors are welcome.