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Sustainable land use

sustainable land use

We work together to create fair and future-proof land use, balancing biodiversity, production and livability.

To meet the growing pressure on land, an integrated approach is needed that connects ecological, social and economic values. Within the Sustainable Land Use programme, we combine knowledge on soil, water, agriculture, environment and spatial planning to develop resilient solutions.

We work transdisciplinarily with governments, businesses, NGOs and local communities on sustainable land use that supports food security, biodiversity and climate resilience. Through shared learning and experimentation, we co-create balanced solutions for complex land use challenges — from urban expansion to nature restoration and agricultural transitions.

Our ambition is to make the use of land fairer and more sustainable, ensuring that people and nature can thrive together in the future.

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Expertise

Subjects

Governance for sustainable land use

Natuurherstel richt zich op het herstellen van ecosystemen, het versterken van biodiversiteit en het opnieuw verbinden van landschappen, met oog voor de samenhang tussen ecologisch herstel en duurzaam landgebruik.

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Positive perspectives for agriculture and nature

Positive perspectives for agriculture and nature focus on balancing productive farming with ecological restoration, showcasing practical solutions that benefit both farmers and the environment.

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Healthy soils

At Wageningen University & Research, we work on healthy soils to support sustainable agriculture, enhance ecosystem services, and develop indicators and management strategies for resilient landscapes.

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Why partner with WUR

Why choose us

We offer:

  • Clear trade-offs between land functions
  • Robust strategies for soil and water
  • Landscape design linking nature and economy
  • Transdisciplinary collaboration with stakeholders
  • Scenarios for resilient, just decisions
Highlight
Our integrated land-use scenarios helped regions make choices that restore biodiversity, strengthen agriculture, and improve water safety.

Contact us

Contact

Do you have a question regarding sustainable water management? Contact our expert for collaboration, advice or more information.

dr.ir. E (Esther) Ronner

Sustainable Land Use Programme

Focus areas

Biodiverse environment

Wageningen University & Research supports transformative change to halt and reverse biodiversity loss. We help governments, businesses and civil society actors understand the systemic drivers of decline and identify opportunities to restore the living fabric of our planet.

Green cities

We develop integrated solutions for healthy, climate-resilient, and nature-positive cities, where ecosystems, water and people coexist in balance.

Sustainable land use

We work together to create fair and future-proof land use, balancing biodiversity, production and livability.

Sustainable water management

Water is the foundation of life, ecosystems and society — yet the global water cycle is increasingly out of balance. Droughts, floods and pollution are rising, threatening food production, biodiversity and human wellbeing. To secure a sustainable future, we must rethink how we manage and value water.

Green climate solutions

We accelerate climate and biodiversity action through science-based solutions for a climate-proof and nature-positive future.

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