Citizens in governance practices

In his staff-project, Arjen Buijs focuses on the role of citizens and grassroots in nature conservation practices across Europe. He critically assesses the role of active citizens in the consumption and production of natural landscapes through leisure, self-governance, and public participation.

Focusing on the Global North, his research engages with topics such as biodiversity protection, management of urban and peri-urban green and wildlife. Ongoing projects relate to the opportunities of mosaic governance to enhance the contribution of active citizenship for Urban Green Infrastructure, the cultural diversity in social representations of nature, conflict and collaboration in human-wildlife interactions and cultural citizenship of youth and adults.
Special attention is given to the social impact of his research through policy evaluations and advice and workshops and presentations for e.g. PBL, SBB, Ministry of Economic Affairs and other actors from policy and society.