Towards living in harmony with nature

Introduction

A world of living in harmony with nature, how to get there? That requires focusing on these interlinked transition pathways.

Horizon

Wageningen University & Research (WUR) has been working towards this goal for many years through the “Wageningen approach”. From numerous disciplines, our ecologists, soil scientists, plant and animal scientists, technologists, economists, behavioural scientists, transition scientists and other experts study biodiversity issues that affect land, freshwater systems and the seas. Moreover, they are in close contact with involved parties in the chain, all over the world.

The global biodiversity, food and climate problems cannot be seen separately and can only be solved with an integrated scientific (evidence-based) approach. This will only be truly successful if all parties in these fields join forces. Not only scientists, but also companies, governments and civil society organisations. As a global connector, WUR wants to take the lead in developing new innovations and integral solutions that will restore biodiversity in a sustainable and equitable way.

Black: The historical biodiversity loss curve before 2010. Green: with effort through more sustainable production and consumption. Orange: without more sustainable production and consumption. Grey: if we continue on our current path.

Transition paths biodiversity

Transition

Agroecological and regenerative practices restore soil health and create heterogeneity in and around fields and farms to enhance biodiversity, such as insects and birds. The growing number of agroecological initiatives worldwide reflects rising concerns among farmers and a clear need to move away from unsustainable practices towards more nature-inclusive farming systems. Farmer learning communities, in which peer-to-peer exchange of experiences is central, accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices within specific regions.

Read the article: Building networks for biodiversity and food system transformation in Nature reviews Biodiversity

We work on transition paths for multifunctional land and seascapes.

We work on transition paths for sustainable food and diet.

We work on transition paths for inclusive finance and trade.

Decision-making processes that foster local engagement and community connection are often overlooked in global policy frameworks, such as the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy and the Biodiversity strategy Connected communities are central to driving change in how landscapes are managed and how food is produced and consumed. Food naturally connects people — to each other and to the ecosystems that sustain them. When individuals recognize and value what is required to produce food, they become increasingly aware of its broader effects on biodiversity and climate.