The Multifunctional Landscapes Research Group works at the interface of biodiversity, landscape ecology and socio-ecological transformation across urban, rural and productive landscapes. We combine long-term biodiversity and land-use datasets, field ecology, spatial and scenario analyses with transdisciplinary research, Living Labs, citizen science and stakeholder co-creation.
Our experience builds on major European and international projects: RuralFutures (biodiversity and land-use change in Uruguay), EdiCitNet (H2020; 60+ partners, 30+ cities), HEBEDI (biodiversity-focused community gardens), ecoFABULAnds (agroecological Living Labs in five European regions), FutureLands (COST Action; community-driven agroecological transitions) and ruralCOMMONS (commons, heritage and agroecological transitions). These provide extensive research and stakeholder networks, Living Labs and biodiversity, land-use and socio-ecological data.
A key strength is linking ecological evidence with societal perspectives and transformation processes. We co-design research with municipalities, farmers, schools, NGOs, communities and policy actors, addressing drivers and trajectories of ecosystem change, biodiversity responses, multifunctionality, trade-offs and pathways towards resilient socio-ecological systems.
Anthropology and ethnology
Biogeography
Conservation Biology
Ecology
Ethnobiology
Landscape ecology
Spatial planning and urban development
Urban Ecology
We are interested in joining a BiodivFuture consortium addressing novel ecosystems and their current and future socio-ecological trajectories, particularly at the interface of biodiversity, land-use change, multifunctional landscapes and societal transformation. We are especially interested in projects connecting ecological change and biodiversity responses with ecosystem functions, human perceptions, governance, trade-offs and pathways towards resilient futures.
We can contribute existing biodiversity and land-use data, study sites and Living Labs, together with extensive European and international research and stakeholder networks developed through RuralFutures, EdiCitNet, HEBEDI, ecoFABULAnds, FutureLands and ruralCOMMONS. We are particularly interested in comparative approaches across urban, rural and productive landscapes and regions.
Our group can contribute to biodiversity assessment, landscape and scenario analysis, socio-ecological research, stakeholder engagement, Living Labs, citizen science and co-creation, helping connect ecological evidence with societal perspectives, governance and actionable transformation pathways.
FutureLands COST Action CA25162 kick-off and networking activities (from October 2026); further upcoming conferences and events on biodiversity, landscape ecology, agroecology and socio-ecological transformations.