Landscape Governance: Collaborating Across Sectors and Scales from edX

Increasing global complexities and interconnectedness offer both opportunities and challenges to our collective ability to deal with climate change, food insecurity, resource depletion and degradation and the many conflicts that arise due to scarcity. The solutions to many of these issues need both global attention, but also local action.

Join this MOOC, to kick-start your efforts to unite stakeholders and design governance structures, processes and partnerships embedded in place that capitalize on strengths and balance and mitigate threats.

Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and building healthy and productive landscapes can only happen with effective stakeholder engagement. Landscape governance is therefore key to balance and manage the many trade-offs and interdependencies that happen across sectors and scales in and around landscapes.

Taking this online course requires you to look at a landscape and its governance from a new perspective. With the landscape as the place, you will think spatially and explore transboundary governance that flows from the natural landscape and overcomes static, traditional administrative levels and barriers.

Once you sign up, you'll be whisked away to exciting real-world landscapes to learn from global experiences and see how even in the most challenging circumstances, effective governance leads to innovation and sustainable development in landscapes.

You'll also be challenged to assess the roles of formal and informal institutions in a highly interactive fashion. By the end of this course, you have analysed the multi-actor, multi-sector and multi-scale character of a landscape which is necessary to create sustainable and innovative landscape governance arrangements.

Professional Certificate Programme: Sustainable and Inclusive Landscapes

This course is also part of the Sustainable and Inclusive Landscapes Professional Certificate Programme. Following the complete programme lets you harness the power of place and advance your career as a landscape leader. The programme consists of the following courses, which can be taken in any given order:

Landscape Leadership: Catalyse Sustainable Development in Landscapes
Landscape Finance: Investing in Innovation for Sustainable Landscapes
Climate Action in Biodiverse Landscapes
Landscape Governance: Collaborating Across Sectors and Scales (this course)

Collaboration

This course has been designed by Wageningen Centre for Development Innovation, with contributions from the Horn of Africa Regional Centre (HOAREC) in Ethiopia, and South Rift Association of Land Owners (SORALO) in Kenya. It has been financed by the Netherlands Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality.

What's inside

Learning objectives

How to apply an integrated and spatial approach and to think beyond traditional governance arrangements
Understand and manage landscape and stakeholder dynamics for successful landscape interventions
Learn why formal and informal institutions are key to landscape governance

Explore opportunities for achieving policy integration within your own landscape
Analyse the strengths and weaknesses within your landscape and create innovative governance arrangements at landscape level

How to apply an integrated and spatial approach and to think beyond traditional governance arrangements
Understand and manage landscape and stakeholder dynamics for successful landscape interventions
Learn why formal and informal institutions are key to landscape governance
Explore opportunities for achieving policy integration within your own landscape
Analyse the strengths and weaknesses within your landscape and create innovative governance arrangements at landscape level

Syllabus

1: Introduction to Landscape Governance

In this opening module, you will quickly get up-to-speed on landscape approaches and start to understand what landscape governance is all about. You will also start to look at your landscape in new ways and meet other professionals who are taking the course.

2: Getting to Know a Landscape

In this module you will explore landscape dynamics, looking at the internal and external stakeholders and processes that shape the landscape. You’ll learn cutting-edge analysis and process tools to help progress in your landscape.

3: Institutions and Change

Here, you’ll learn to identify, understand and use landscape institutions to help interventions and landscape stakeholders. You’ll also learn how to kick-off the institutional change that’s necessary for sustainable landscape development

4: Policies and Practice

In this module you’ll see how policies, whether ‘good’ or ‘ bad’ can shape landscapes and the livelihoods in them. You’ll also learn about designing suitable governance arrangements and how this fits in a landscape action plan.

5: Put Your Knowledge into Action

In this final module, you will apply your newly-acquired knowledge to your own landscape. Incorporating theory and tools from previous modules, you will deliver your ambition for change in your landscape.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides theoretical and practical knowledge that is applicable to any landscape-related industry or topic

Taught by Ilse Hennemann and Assumpta Uzamukunda, who are known for their expertise in landscape governance and development

Covers topics such as stakeholder engagement, policy integration, institutional analysis, and landscape action planning, which are fundamental to landscape governance

Involves contributions from practitioners in Ethiopia and Kenya, offering real-world insights and case studies

Structured with interactive modules, discussions, and assignments that promote active learning and knowledge application

Part of a larger Professional Certificate Programme in Sustainable and Inclusive Landscapes, providing a comprehensive pathway for career advancement

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Landscape Governance: Collaborating Across Sectors and Scales with these activities:

Read 'Landscape Governance for Sustainable Development' by P. Reed

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This book provides a comprehensive overview of the landscape governance and will aid in your understanding of the principles and practices of landscape governance.

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Find a copy of 'Landscape Governance for Sustainable Development' by P. Reed.
Read the book and take notes on the key concepts.
Discuss the book with other students or professionals in the field.

Review equations used in Landscape Governance

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Start by reviewing the equations used to calculate landscape indicators to solidify your understanding of quantitative research methods in Landscape Governance.

Browse courses on Landscape Governance

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Gather notes and resources on landscape governance equations.
Review the definitions and formulas for each equation.
Practice solving problems using the equations.

Volunteer with an organization that works on landscape governance

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Volunteer with an organization that works on landscape governance will solidify your understanding of multi-level environmental issues.

Browse courses on Landscape Governance

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Find an organization that works on landscape governance that you are interested in.
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Participate in volunteer activities and learn about the organization's work.
Network with other volunteers and staff.

Four other activities

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Attend a workshop on landscape governance

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Attend a workshop on landscape governance to learn the latest research.

Browse courses on Landscape Governance

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Find a workshop on landscape governance that is relevant to your interests.
Register for the workshop and attend all of the sessions.
Take notes and ask questions during the workshop.
Network with other participants and learn from their experiences.

Develop a policy brief on landscape governance

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Create a policy brief that outlines the key issues, challenges, and recommendations for landscape governance in your area.

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Research the current state of landscape governance in your area.
Identify the key issues and challenges facing landscape governance.
Develop recommendations for improving landscape governance.
Write a policy brief that outlines your research, findings, and recommendations.

Contribute to an open-source project related to landscape governance

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Contribute to an open-source project related to landscape governance to broaden your practical knowledge and understanding.

Browse courses on Landscape Governance

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Find an open-source project related to landscape governance that you are interested in.
Join the project and start contributing.
Work with other contributors to improve the project.
Fix bugs and improves the project's documentation.

Mentor a student in landscape governance

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Mentor a student in landscape governance to reinforce your understanding by instructing and sharing knowledge.

Browse courses on Landscape Governance

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Find a student who is interested in learning about landscape governance.
Develop a mentoring plan that outlines the goals of the mentorship.
Meet with the student regularly to provide guidance and support.
Provide the student with feedback on their work.

Career center

Learners who complete Landscape Governance: Collaborating Across Sectors and Scales will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Conservation Officer

Conservation Officers are tasked with protecting wildlife and natural resources. This often involves working with stakeholders, landowners, and other agencies to develop and implement conservation plans. The Landscape Governance course can help Conservation Officers build the skills they need to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, understand landscape dynamics, and create innovative governance arrangements.

See salaries and explore the career path for Conservation Officer

Natural Resource Manager

Natural Resource Managers oversee the management of natural resources, such as forests, water, and minerals. They work with stakeholders to develop and implement plans for the sustainable use of these resources. The Landscape Governance course can help Natural Resource Managers understand the complex dynamics of landscapes, develop collaborative governance arrangements, and create sustainable and inclusive management plans.

See salaries and explore the career path for Natural Resource Manager

Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists study the environment and its components, and develop solutions to environmental problems. They often work with stakeholders to develop and implement plans for protecting the environment. The Landscape Governance course can help Environmental Scientists understand the complex dynamics of landscapes, develop collaborative governance arrangements, and create sustainable and inclusive solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

City Planner

City Planners design and manage the use of land and resources in cities and towns. They work with stakeholders to develop plans that meet the needs of the community, including plans for land use, transportation, and housing. The Landscape Governance course can help City Planners understand the complex dynamics of landscapes, develop collaborative governance arrangements, and create sustainable and inclusive plans.

See salaries and explore the career path for City Planner

Landscape Architect

Landscape Architects design and manage outdoor spaces, including parks, gardens, and streetscapes. They work with stakeholders to create spaces that are both beautiful and functional. The Landscape Governance course can help Landscape Architects understand the complex dynamics of landscapes, develop collaborative governance arrangements, and create sustainable and inclusive designs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Landscape Architect

Project Manager

Project Managers oversee the planning and implementation of projects. They work with stakeholders to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required standards. The Landscape Governance course can help Project Managers develop the skills they need to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, understand landscape dynamics, and create innovative governance arrangements.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts develop and analyze policies that affect the environment and natural resources. They work with stakeholders to identify problems and develop solutions. The Landscape Governance course can help Policy Analysts understand the complex dynamics of landscapes, develop collaborative governance arrangements, and create sustainable and inclusive policies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Urban Planner

Urban Planners design and manage the use of land and resources in urban areas. They work with stakeholders to develop plans that meet the needs of the community, including plans for land use, transportation, and housing. The Landscape Governance course can help Urban Planners understand the complex dynamics of landscapes, develop collaborative governance arrangements, and create sustainable and inclusive plans.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner

Sustainability Consultant

Sustainability Consultants help organizations to develop and implement sustainability plans. They work with stakeholders to identify opportunities for reducing environmental impact and improving social and economic well-being. The Landscape Governance course can help Sustainability Consultants understand the complex dynamics of landscapes, develop collaborative governance arrangements, and create sustainable and inclusive plans.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant

Water Resources Manager

Water Resources Managers oversee the management of water resources, such as rivers, lakes, and groundwater. They work with stakeholders to develop and implement plans for the sustainable use of these resources. The Landscape Governance course can help Water Resources Managers understand the complex dynamics of landscapes, develop collaborative governance arrangements, and create sustainable and inclusive management plans.

See salaries and explore the career path for Water Resources Manager

Soil Scientist

Soil Scientists study the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils. They work with stakeholders to develop and implement plans for soil conservation and management. The Landscape Governance course may help Soil Scientists understand the complex dynamics of landscapes and develop collaborative governance arrangements.

See salaries and explore the career path for Soil Scientist

Wildlife Biologist

Wildlife Biologists study the biology and ecology of wildlife. They work with stakeholders to develop and implement plans for wildlife conservation and management. The Landscape Governance course may help Wildlife Biologists understand the complex dynamics of landscapes and develop collaborative governance arrangements.

See salaries and explore the career path for Wildlife Biologist

Geographer

Geographers study the Earth's physical and human landscapes. They work with stakeholders to develop and implement plans for land use, conservation, and development. The Landscape Governance course may help Geographers understand the complex dynamics of landscapes and develop collaborative governance arrangements.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geographer

Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers design and manage systems to protect the environment and human health. They work with stakeholders to develop and implement plans for reducing pollution and improving environmental quality. The Landscape Governance course may help Environmental Engineers understand the complex dynamics of landscapes and develop collaborative governance arrangements.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Engineer

Landscape Ecologist

Landscape Ecologists study the interactions between humans and the environment. They work with stakeholders to develop and implement plans for sustainable land use and management. The Landscape Governance course may help Landscape Ecologists understand the complex dynamics of landscapes and develop collaborative governance arrangements.

See salaries and explore the career path for Landscape Ecologist