Policy Brief: Where in the agricultural landscape is bird conservation worthwhile?

A publication in “Agrarforschung Schweiz” summarizes the results of a recently published research article in a practice-oriented manner. As part of the study, a focus map by Agroscope, ETH Zurich and the University of Lausanne shows where in the Swiss agricultural landscape biodiversity measures could have a positive effect on birds and where not. Based on these findings, land use can be better planned.

What happens when the soil that sustains agriculture also becomes the foundation for building cities?

When I arrived in Madagascar three years ago, I was struck by an unexpected sight—piles of red bricks scattered across rice fields near Antananarivo. Curiosity led us to farmers and brick-makers, where we observed, interviewed, and pieced together a complex story—one of adaptation, resilience, and trade-offs.

New article in Ecosystem Services: Uncertainties in ecosystem services assessments and their implications for decision support

How assessing uncertainties can improve uptake of ecosystem services assessments in decision making

New article in Cities: Predicting Settlement Development Pathways

Analyzing 120 years of settlement development reveals how archetypical pathways can be predicted and shifted.

New article in Renewable Energy – Advancing shared energy transition through strategic regional future developments

To advance energy transition, it is essential to understand residents’ views on regional energy transition and how it relates to local spatial development. This insight is key to identifying shared solutions.

PLUS - Planning of Landscape and Urban Systems

Research at PLUS focuses on advancing knowledge on how the interactions of humans with their environments shape landscapes and vice versa.