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It honestly breaks my heart to witness the rapid transformation of my community here in Barangay Santol, Balagtas, as our once-vast rice fields are being swallowed up by massive factories. Here in the Philippines, this is becoming a common narrative of "progress," but the reality on the ground is a struggle for landscape democracy where the environmental and social costs are starting to outweigh the benefits. On one hand, you could argue that this industrialization brings a spark of economic hope to our province—providing local jobs for my neighbors and potentially increasing the funds available for municipal services. However, these gains feel hollow when compared to the daily challenges we now face; the cool breeze and the calming green horizon I grew up with have been replaced by towering concrete walls and the relentless, industrial hum of machinery that never seems to stop. Because we’ve lost so many trees and open fields to these structures, the heat has become almost unbearable—as if the land itself can’t breathe anymore—and our narrow streets are now constantly clogged with heavy trucks that bring constant noise, dust, and safety risks. It’s a frustrating situation because it feels like our voices as residents were sidelined in favor of rapid expansion, leaving us to navigate a degraded environment where the "right to a landscape" that nurtures our well-being is being traded away for an industrial future we never had a say in designing.

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Future vision of Stiftsplatz on urban development day, May 14, 2022

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Nowadays the Stiftsplatz is used as a parking space for cars and doesn't have any quality for humans to stay. The city of Bonn and its inhabitants wants to change that. Aspects like rainwater-management, an old bunker underneath the square and different opinions on the parking situation made the planning process quite difficult.

To integrate citizens, Bonn included a participation concept in the progress. The positive highlight was the day were the square temporary transformed into a lifely park, were all citizens could enjoy the possibilites of change plus mention their opinions.

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The Forest Research Institute in Dehradun, India is not just about studying forests, but about understanding how landscapes function as a whole. Its purpose lies in observing how soil, water, vegetation, and climate interact over time, and using that knowledge to guide sustainable land use. The campus itself reflects this thinking, where open spaces, tree avenues, and built structures are arranged with a sense of balance rather than decoration. It serves as a place where people learn to see landscapes as living systems that need careful management, conservation, and long-term planning, rather than something to simply shape or control. As urban areas grow, forests nearby are reduced or disturbed by construction and infrastructure. This affects natural systems like plant life, wildlife habitats, and water flow, making it harder for the area to maintain its ecological balance.

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Chitwan National Park (Sauraha), Ratnanagar, Nepal

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Chitwan National Park (Sauraha), Ratnanagar, Nepal

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Chitwan National Park (Sauraha), Ratnanagar, Nepal

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Sauraha, the gateway to the Chitwan National Park in southern Nepal is where the boundary between forest and human settlement often gets blurred. It is not uncommon to see one-horned rhino moving through village streets. While this has caused an exciting experience and significant influx of tourism. What appears as an unique experience is also rooted in a more complex reality.

For the local residents, these encounters are not always positive. The wildlife movement into agricultural land leads to crop damage, economic loss and risk to human safety. At the same time, tourism driven expansions has gradually pushed into buffer zones softening the ecological boundary.

In conclusion, this situation has caused both attraction and conflict in the region. Addressing this spatial challenge requires the development of wildlife corridors and shared territory design models that balances ecological conservation and human needs.

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Chiangmai Life Architects & Construction Co Ltd, Thanon Kan Klong, Nong Kwai, Hang Dong District, Chiang Mai, Thailand

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Chiangmai Life Architects & Construction Co Ltd, Thanon Kan Klong, Nong Kwai, Hang Dong District, Chiang Mai, Thailand

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Chiangmai Life Architects & Construction Co Ltd, Thanon Kan Klong, Nong Kwai, Hang Dong District, Chiang Mai, Thailand

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Really cool landscape democracy moves using bamboo as a way to converse closely to land and local laborers.

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Kawasan Ekowisata Danau Situ Tunggilis (Situsari), Setu Sari, Bogor Regency, West Java

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Degradation Risk in Community-Based Ecotourism Landscape: A Case of Situ Tunggilis, Bogor Regency

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Degradation Risk in Community-Based Ecotourism Landscape: A Case of Situ Tunggilis, Bogor Regency

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Situ Tunggilis is a community-based ecotourism area with important ecological and social value. However, increasing tourism activities without structured environmental management pose risks such as waste accumulation and potential water degradation.

This condition reflects a governance gap, where coordination between stakeholders remains limited. Without more integrated and participatory management, the sustainability of this landscape is at risk.

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Di balik Indahnya Panorama Pemandangan Situ Tunggilis Terdapat Cerita Misteri Yang Berkembang

"Meningkatkan kunjungan wisata untuk datang ke obyek wisata Situ Tunggilis Desa Situ Sari Kecamatan Cileungsi Kabupaten Bogor tidak sulit, asalkan ada kemauan komitmen untuk berkolaborasi lintas pelaku antara Pemerintah Daerah, Swasta dan Masyarakat yang memiliki tujuan sama untuk melestarikan kebudayaan dan potensi wisata daerah dengan cara lebih memperkenalkan obyek wisata Situ Tunggilis melalui publikasi berbagai media yang effektif dan mudah dipahami khalayak sehingga dapat meningkatkan pengunjung ".

Awalnya saya tidak terlalu memperdulikan keberadaan Situ Tunggilis yang ada di jalan raya arah Jonggol walaupun relatif sering melewati rute itu jika akan berkunjung ke Pondok Pesantren dimana anak saya belajar tetapi acuh saja menganggap Situ Tunggilis hal biasa namun kali ini saat menjemput anak tepatnya hari Sabtu, 27 Januari 2024 ada rasa penasaran akhirnya berhenti sejenak beristirahat menikmati pemandangan hamparan Situ Tunggilis yang memiliki luas sekitar 35,5 hektar dengan banyaknya pepohonan yang hijau nan rindang membuat suasana sekelilingnya semakin sejuk belum lagi saat mata tertuju ketengah situ terdapat logo BRI lampunya menyala jika malam hari menambah indahnya Situ Tunggilis yang memiliki potensi menjadi destinasi wisata local yang murah meriah sekarang ini kondisinya masih sebatas menjadi tempat aktivitas sejumlah warga, terutama warga desa Situsari dan juga ada para pengunjung yang melintasi beristirahat menikmati pemandangan sambil berselfi ria bersama keluarga maupun kawan kerja saat anda lapar jangan khawatir ada warung makan Resto Wulan Sari Situsari yang letaknya persis dipinggir situ tunggilis, dan ada juga makanan jajanan lainnya bahkan jika berkunjung di pagi hari anda akan disodori pilihan banyak ikan segar-segar dari para lapak pedagang ikan ada yang berasal dari hasil mancing di area Situ Tunggilis tetapi ada juga yang didatangkan dari Jakarta para pengunjung sudah mengetahui kalau ada penjual ikan segar dipinggir Situ Tunggilis

Letak Situ Gintung adanya tepat tepi jalan raya Jonggol - Cileungsi membuat lokasi ini mudah diakses dan sering menjadi lokasi istirahat sejenak para pengendara roda dua dan empat yang melintas di jalan raya tersebut. Lokasi wisata ini berada kurang lebih 12 km sebelah tenggara dari pusat Kecamatan Cileungsi , atau sekitar 9 km di tenggara Taman Wisata Mekarsari. Situ Tunggilis saat ini dikelola oleh Kementerian Sekretariat Negara Republik Indonesia sebagai penguasa lahan dan BUMDES Desa Situsari sebagai operator pariwisata dan ekonomi konon ceritanya dahulu lahan sekitar Situ Tunggilis juga sempat dikuasai oleh Siti Hutami Endang Adiningsih putri Presiden Soeharto sebagai dampak dari wacana Pemindahan Ibukota Indonesia ke Kota Jonggol pada akhir 1990 an, pada saat itu situ ini akan dijadikan edu wisata berkelas nasional namun sayang rencana ini gagal akibat kejatuhan Soeharto sebagai presiden RI tahun 1998.

Hanya sangat disayangkan dibalik indahnya panorama Situ Tunggilis yang sangat menggoda berkembang cerita misteri yang diyakini oleh sebagian masyarakat sekitar dan para pemancing bahwa Situ Tunggilis ada penunggunya konon sering ada penampakan sesosok laki-laki berbadan tinggi dengan penampilan serba putih namun tak lama kemudian sosok tersebut menghilang secara misterius, ada juga berkembang cerita terdapat siluman ikan misteri pemandangan gaib itu pernah terlihat oleh para pemancing saat melakukan aktifitas namun dari cerita misteri yang berseliweran itu sulit untuk dikonfirmasi kebenarannya meski begitu warga mengimbau para pemancing maupun pengunjung Situ Tunggilis senantiasa menjaga sikap, tidak merusak dan tidak bertutur kata sembarangan himbauan ini tidak lebih hanya sebagai upaya pencegahan agar tidak merusak citra situ tunggilis sebagai destinasi wisata local karena pada kenyataannya berkembangnya cerita mistis tidak membuat kapok para penggila mancing dan pengunjung bahkan semakin hari semakin banyak orang yang mancing terlebih jika dihari libur lebih banyak lagi orang yang mancing dan ramainya pengunjung namun yang sangat disayangkan banyaknya jumlah pengunjung di Situ Tunggilis belum diimbangi infrastruktur yang memadai sebagai contoh lahan parkir mobil tidak cukup memadai akhirnya banyak mobil yang parkir dipinggir jalan sampai memakan sebagian jalan sehingga tidak jarang menimbulkan kemacetan dan rawan kecelakaan karena jalan tersebut agak berbelok, minimnya arena bermain bagi anak-anak, dan tempat khusus bagi pengunjung untuk merasakan pemandangan indahnya Situ Tunggilis

Pemerintah Pusat maupun Daerah semestinya jeli dalam melihat potensi ini dengan mengembangkan keberadaan wisata Setu Tunggilis yang berkelanjutan tidak parsial tetapi menyeluruh dari semua aspek yang mendukung terhadap destinasi wisata local dan semua yang ada disekitar Situ Tunggilis memiliki potensi wisata jika dibuat semenarik dan sekreatif mungkin, dan bahkan masyarakat sekitar pun bisa merasakan manfaatnya serta banyak mengundang orang untuk berkunjung ke lokasi destinasi wisata Situ Tunggilis.... Wallahu A'lamu

Cileungsi, Ahad, 28 Januari 2024

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Di Balik Indahnya Panorama Pemandangan Situ Tunggilis Terdapat Cerita Misteri yang Berkembang

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Situ Tunggilis berpotensi menjadi salah satu destinasi wisata lokal di wilayah Kecamatan Cileungsi Kabupaten Bogor

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Valenzuela City in the Philippines has a lot of parks for gathering and social activities, as well as for jogging.

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Wayne Manchester Towers Apartments, East Wayne Avenue, Silver Spring, MD

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Wayne Manchester Towers Apartments, East Wayne Avenue, Silver Spring, MD

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Wayne Manchester Towers Apartments, East Wayne Avenue, Silver Spring, MD

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The construction of the Purple Line, an addition to the DC Metro system, is a great oppurtunity for expanding public transit and providing better connectivity, reducing traffic and more. However, it's contruction is displacing hundreads of individuals and forcing people to relocate and busnuisses to shut down

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Access and Use of the Nile River as Public Space

This photo shows a section of the Nile River in Cairo where different uses of the river coexist, including recreation and commercial activities. While the Nile is an important public landscape, access to it is increasingly shaped by privatized waterfront spaces such as cafés and restaurants. This reflects a landscape democracy challenge, where not everyone can equally access and benefit from the river. The value of the Nile as a shared public space is threatened, and I am concerned that ongoing commercialization may reduce accessibility and negatively impact the environmental quality of the river.

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Orchard meadows played their most significant role as a source of food and fodder from the 19th century through the mid-20th century. The intensification of agriculture, driven by clearing subsidies in the 1970s, as well as road construction and urban development, have severely reduced the area of orchard meadows. Nowadays many of them are with deseases, difficult do maintain and too much work for farmers to take care of.

From 1965 to 2000, the area of orchard meadows declined by 50%: in 1965, there were still approximately 18 million fruit trees in orchard meadows in Baden-Württemberg; by 2005, only 9.6 million trees remained.

They are now one of the most endangered habitat types in Central Europe and are listed on the Red List of habitat types.

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The lack of participatory planning in critical decisions—such as changes to the protected status of the Konyaaltı cliffs and the coastline—weakens democratic engagement by excluding the voices of local residents and civil society organizations.

Centralized interventions through massive housing projects and infrastructure works often bypass the planning authority of local governments, significantly restricting Antalya’s right to self-governance and local autonomy.

Rapid, rent-oriented urbanization and the transformation of agricultural lands into concrete jungles threaten the city’s collective memory and natural resources, undermining the democratic right of future generations to a sustainable environment.

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In recent years there has been a rapid increase in low-density development in the once rural community where my grandparents live. When I was young, the drive to their home took us through miles of untouched forests. Now the road to there home is almost fully developed having displaced hundreds of acres of woodland ecosystem.

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Urban Sprawl Threatens Sustainability of Communities

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Energy transition refers to the global energy sector’s shift from fossil-based systems of energy production and consumption including oil, natural gas and coal to renewable energy sources like wind and solar, as well as lithium-ion batteries (Kowalska-Pyzalska, 2024). According to Kowalska-Pyzalska (2024) the transition faces electrification of heating, transportation and industry to enable the better exploitation of renewable energy sources. This will transform the geographical layout of the energy system as we know whilst adding large point demands to it. The growing demand for electricity doesn´t necessarily follow the population density nor the main population centers but rather locate to more remote areas further from the place of consumption (Nielsen et al., 2023).

The Finnish national grid supports the energy transition by ensuring that energy produced by using renewable energy sources can be transferred efficiently. Without the development work on the national grid a formation of a bottle neck in renewable energy investments and transfer can become evident, potentially preventing the achievement of national sustainability goals (Energy Agency, 2023).

However, the shift in the geographical layout doesn´t come without oppositions. Many of the national grid´s projects are facing heavy critique by landowners and the general public, mostly advocating for their private rights as well as disturbance and decreasing landscape values.

The question therefore prevails: how does the goverment, private sector and the public navigate in the era of climate change to create domocratic landscapes and keep-up with the increasing pressure to built infrastructure that supports breaking path-depency from fossil fuels?

Literature:

Energy Agency, I. (2023). Electricity Grids and Secure Energy Transitions Enhancing the foundations of resilient, sustainable and affordable power systems. www.iea.org

Kowalska-Pyzalska, A. (2024). Introduction to innovative energy services (IES) in transitioning energy markets. In Diffusion of Innovative Energy Services (pp. 1–19). Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-822882-1.00007-X

Nielsen, S., Østergaard, P. A., & Sperling, K. (2023). Renewable energy transition, transmission system impacts and regional development – a mismatch between national planning and local development. Energy, 278. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2023.127925

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The Varsity College Park, Baltimore Avenue, College Park, MD

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The Varsity College Park, Baltimore Avenue, College Park, MD

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The Varsity College Park, Baltimore Avenue, College Park, MD

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As the University of Maryland continues development and expansion, the community of College Park is forced out with higher rent and more typical architecture. While economic growth is beneficial, landscape democracy would be beneficial in our community to better represent the resident's feelings.

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The location of the proposed County Public Garden.

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My county is proposing to build its first Public Garden. 100 acres of land was donated to the county for this purpose, which is very nice.

The County Executive said that, "This destination Public Garden will be a place where residents and visitors of all ages and abilities can come together, embrace nature’s beauty and deepen their connections with Mother Earth, while improving their physical and mental well-being in a peaceful setting."

HOWEVER, the location of this Public Garden is completely inaccessible to anyone who does not have a car. The Garden's location will be miles from the main residential areas in the county. There are no sidewalks, bike lanes, or bus routes to this proposed site. How can a municipality justify building a public garden that the public can't easily reach unless they have a car? This seems inequitable and unfair.

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In many parts of Addis Ababa, street space is dominated by vehicles, often at the expense of pedestrians. Sidewalks are frequently too narrow, poorly maintained forcing people to walk on the road. This creates safety risks  Although some central areas and newly built major roads include pedestrian walkways and bicycle lanes, these improvements are not consistently extended to other parts of the city. In neighborhoods such as General Wingate area(where I live), basic pedestrian infrastructure is often missing. In addition, these newer corridors lack shade, seating, and social spaces, making them uncomfortable for walking, resting, or informal gathering. As a result, streets function mainly as transit routes rather than inclusive public spaces for people.

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The Struggle for Mount Kaz: Top-Down Mining vs. Local Survival

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The Struggle for Mount Kaz: Top-Down Mining vs. Local Survival

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Mount Ida (Kaz Dağları) in Çanakkale is one of the most biodiverse and oxygen-rich ecosystems in the world, deeply woven into the local culture, agriculture, and water supply.

The main landscape democracy challenge here is the ongoing ecological destruction caused by massive, state-backed mining projects, specifically the Halilağa Copper Mine development by Cengiz Holding. Despite intense opposition from local villagers, scientists, and environmental organizations, thousands of acres of ancient forests are being cleared.

What worries me most is the complete disregard for public consent. The decisions are made top-down by the central government and large corporations, bypassing local communities whose water sources and agricultural livelihoods are directly threatened. Even when citizens physically protest to protect their forests, their voices are legally and politically ignored by the highest courts.

This represents a severe failure of landscape democracy, where corporate profit is prioritized over the ecological rights and survival of the local people.

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Changing Riverbanks in PulloopiKadav.

Pulloopi Kadav was traditionally a small crossing point where people depended on country boats to move across the Kuppam River. The bridge was constructed in recent decades (early 21st century, according to local development patterns), replacing this slower, community-based form of transport with faster road connectivity. While this improved accessibility, it has also increased traffic, construction, and pressure on the riverbanks.

Today, the landscape is changing through road expansion, waste accumulation, and reduced space for traditional river use. During the monsoon, heavy rains cause the river to swell, sometimes leading to flooding, erosion of the banks, and the accumulation of debris around the bridge.

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📍 Kakkad Pulloopi Kadav Pullooppi Kadavu Wetlands – a hidden gem in Kannur where nature ...Kakk

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Knocklyon Shopping Centre, Idrone Avenue, Knocklyon, Dublin 16

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Reseach and engagement in a Dublin suburb. 

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Knocklyon Community (Dodder River Watershed), Dublin, Ireland.

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Knocklyon Community (Dodder River Watershed), Dublin, Ireland.

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Knocklyon (from the Gaelic Cnoc Lín, meaning “Flax Mountain”) is a suburban community on the southern outskirts of Dublin. The city began as a Viking settlement in the 10th century, expanded under Norman rule from the 12th century, and grew further during centuries of British administration, becoming by the 18th century the second largest Georgian city in Europe after London. Following Irish independence in the early twentieth century, Dublin expanded rapidly and often in an ad hoc manner, producing a landscape of low-rise suburban sprawl now loosely contained within the M50 Motorway, constructed in stages between the late 1980s and early 2000s.

Knocklyon shares many characteristics of Dublin neighbourhoods built since the 1950s: low-rise housing, distributor roads with narrow footpaths, and a high dependence on the car. Housing estates often follow the shape of the agricultural fields on which they were built, as developers purchase farmland once it is rezoned for housing. Schools, shops, parks and other amenities appear somewhat arbitrarily distributed within this patchwork of concrete-tiled roofs, garden walls and expanses of open, closely mown but often underused parkland.

Unlike many Dublin suburbs that developed around historic villages, Knocklyon has no traditional centre. Instead, a loose civic focus has formed around a cluster of buildings including a shopping centre, church, community centre, parish hall and one of the largest primary schools in Europe - St. Colmcille’s National School.

Territorially, Knocklyon lies within the watershed of the River Dodder. In the pre-industrial era the river powered a chain of mills along its course. Today it functions primarily as a public amenity, well used by sports clubs, walkers and dog owners. The local authority has begun implementing nature-based initiatives to reduce water pollution caused by urban runoff and by pipe misconnections from house extensions that inadvertently divert wastewater from washing machines and showers into the river.

Through my architecture practice and my teaching at the School of Architecture, University College Dublin, we have been exploring how neighbourhoods like this can become more connected to their local rivers and ecosystems. We hope soon to receive modest support through a national water awareness programme to implement a number of small measures aimed at engaging local residents and fostering a healthier relationship between this community and the natural systems of which it is a part.

I look forward to sharing my experiences with and learning from the other seminar participants.

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Saravan Forest Landfill: A Crisis of Landscape Democracy.

The Saravan landfill in northern Iran, located within a dense forest landscape, has evolved into a long-standing environmental and social crisis. Over decades, continuous waste accumulation driven in part by seasonal tourism and insufficient waste management infrastructure has severely degraded this ecologically and culturally valuable area.

Beyond visible landscape destruction, pollution from landfill leachate has affected groundwater, nearby rivers, and surrounding agricultural lands, with reported impacts on local health and livelihoods. Despite multiple governmental plans and interventions, the problem remains unresolved.

This case reflects a critical failure of landscape democracy. Local communities, who are directly affected, have had limited influence over decision-making processes. Their repeated protests and resistance highlight a deep conflict between top-down planning approaches and local needs, values, and rights.

The Saravan landfill raises essential questions for democratic landscape transformation: How can decision-making processes become more inclusive, transparent, and accountable? And how can local knowledge and community agency be integrated into long-term, sustainable landscape strategies?

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The "périphérique parisien", here separating Paris from Gentilly. 

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The “périphérique parisien” (Paris ring road) is the motorway that encircles Paris, creating a visible divide between Paris and its suburbs. This motorway is the focal point of many tensions.

The ring road effectively reflects the territorial divide between Paris and its suburbs: on one side, a Paris that is small in area but wealthy, concentrating centres of power, leisure and employment. On the other, suburbs that are all very different from one another, and which should not be caricatured : sometimes very wealthy but sometimes also very poor. Yet most of these suburbs share one thing in common: they are used to serve the Parisian area (housing for the workers who enable Paris to function and remain clean… / the relocation of the incinerator that processes Paris’s waste, which is highly polluting and dangerous for residents / the gentrification of Paris pushing less affluent residents to live outside Paris, and even further afield…). Furthermore, questions regarding decision-making on the ring road reflect this division. When the (former) mayor of Paris decided to lower the speed limit on the ring road in order to reduce pollution, some argued that the speed reduction should have been decided in consultation with those living in the suburbs, who are the main users (only 18% of users live in Paris).

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In Dinkelsbühl, there has been an ongoing debate for years about the future of mobility. As a small, rural town with low population density and weak connections to larger cities, many people rely on cars.

For a long time, young people have been advocating for the reactivation of the railway line to better connect the town to public transport. Instead, the focus has continued primarily on car infrastructure: the main road through the town has been expanded, and construction of a bypass will begin in May 2026.

This new road represents a major intervention in the landscape. Large areas are being sealed, and the surrounding landscape is going to be heavily fragmented by the road.

This illustrates a clear conflict between sustainable mobility development, land conservation and the local infrastructure decisions.

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The Konkan region, framed by the Sahyadri Hills and the Arabian Sea, features lateritic plateaus, fertile valleys, and a rugged coastline shaped by monsoonal rivers. Its geography sustains agrarian and fishing communities, defining the region’s cultural and economic fabric.

The Konkan region is a vital part of the Western Ghats ,a globally recognized biodiversity hotspot known for its exceptionally high levels of endemism.

Growing up in the Konkan region, I experienced how ecology is not separate from life, but something you grow with over time.Today, these relationships are under pressure. Changing rainfall patterns, soil degradation, and climate change acts as major challenges. At the same time, younger generations are moving away, and with them, knowledge systems that once sustained these landscapes are slowly disappearing.

What concerns me is that these transformations often go unnoticed in formal planning. The landscape is seen as land to be developed, rather than a living system shaped by people and ecology together. The challenge is how to recognize and sustain these intimate, intergenerational relationships in the face of environmental and social change.

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The city of Porto has, in recent years, faced a number of challenges related to inclusivity. Its historic centre is classified by UNESCO as a site of both cultural and intangible heritage. This area contains buildings of significant historical and architectural value, as well as museums, public squares, local commerce, schools, day-care centres, community associations, and, above all, the charismatic people who have shaped its intangible heritage.

Both the historic centre and the broader city centre have traditionally been socially deprived areas, with a highly degraded built environment. This led many residents to move to the suburbs in search of better living conditions.

With the urban rehabilitation process—implemented more systematically since 2005 and largely driven by incentives for private owners and investment funds—the predominant housing typologies in the historic centre have become small units, such as studios and one-bedroom apartments.

This lack of larger housing options has made it difficult for families to return to or settle in the historic centre. While the wider city centre does offer some larger typologies, the imbalance remains significant.

At the same time, the exponential growth of tourism has progressively eroded the city’s unique identity. Porto is increasingly becoming a homogenised global city, shaped by mass tourism and the proliferation of franchise businesses that dominate many cosmopolitan urban centres.

Today, our city struggles to be inclusive. There is a lack of intergenerational public spaces—places where children can play, elderly people can rest and socialise, and communities can gather. Local commerce is disappearing, replaced by bars and tourist-oriented businesses. The car remains the dominant mode of transport, shaping urban space around its needs, while public space has not been meaningfully rethought since 2001.

There is a clear absence of infrastructure for active mobility, as well as a lack of urban strategies addressing climate change adaptation.

Although civic movements are actively advocating for a more inclusive and resilient city, there is no comprehensive, long-term strategy. Most importantly, there is a lack of participatory approaches that work with local communities to address their needs—often resulting instead in their displacement to less attractive areas and contributing to the ongoing gentrification of historically vulnerable neighbourhoods.

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Madh Island is located on the periphery of Mumbai. The region's landscape functioned as a shared ecological system sustaining local livelihoods (fishing communities).

Today, this balance is increasingly disrupted. Rapid urbanization, tourism-driven development, and the concretization of coastal edges have altered natural water flows and degraded mangrove ecosystems. With rising sea levels and intensified flooding due to climate change, local communities face growing vulnerability, while having limited voice in decision-making processes.

Over the past two decades, human relationships with water have shifted from a shared resource to treating it as a commodity. Amidst climate change and sea-level rise, the case of Madh Island acts as a testament to shifting human ties with water.

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Montería, Departamento de Córdoba, Kolumbien

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Montería, Departamento de Córdoba, Kolumbien

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Montería, Departamento de Córdoba, Kolumbien

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Ronda del Sinú Norte, the northern section of the Sinú River, is a symbolic place in the region, as it represents the connection between the city, nature, and local identity.

The main challenge is between preserving the natural river ecosystem and increasing infrastructure.

Additionally, there are different communities with diverse interests and expectations regarding these projects, which can lead to conflicts or unequal participation in making decisions.

Even though there are many trees forming a buffer along the river, houses close to the area have recently been affected by flooding due to heavy rains in Córdoba. This particularly impacts vulnerable communities. In response, the government plans to support these communities by relocating them to safer areas and by preventing construction in zones with inadequate soil studies or high environmental risk.

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Ekang Ikpai Road (Trip to my hometown).

The Ekang Border Road

The Ekang Border Road, commonly referred to as the Calabar–Oban–Ekang Road, is a vital transportation corridor located in Cross River State, Nigeria. It connects the city of Calabar to the border community of Ekang, serving as a crucial link between Nigeria and Cameroon and playing a significant role in cross-border trade and regional integration.

This road supports the movement of goods, agricultural produce, and commercial activities between both countries, making it an important economic route within the West and Central African sub-region. However, the terrain it traverses, characterized by dense rainforest and hilly landscapes, makes construction and maintenance both complex and costly.

Despite its strategic importance, the Ekang Border Road has long suffered from neglect and poor conditions. This has resulted in prolonged travel times, increased transportation costs, and reduced efficiency in trade. Although there have been recent government efforts aimed at rehabilitating and upgrading the road to improve connectivity and stimulate economic activities, little tangible progress has been recorded.

For many residents, including myself, traveling to our hometown remains a difficult and often exhausting experience. As illustrated in the accompanying image, my family and other passengers regularly endure avoidable hardships due to the poor state of the road. While the road may still be passable during dry periods, conditions worsen significantly during the peak rainy season, typically between mid-May and August. During this time, only motorcycles can navigate certain sections, and transportation costs often increase dramatically, sometimes tripling.

In summary, the Ekang Border Road remains a critical yet underdeveloped infrastructure asset, with immense potential to drive economic growth if properly rehabilitated and maintained.

Natural Resources Along the Ekang Border Road

The Ekang Border Road corridor is richly endowed with natural resources, owing to its location within one of Nigeria’s most ecologically important rainforest regions. The road passes near the Cross River National Park, highlighting its environmental as well as economic significance.

The area is particularly known for its timber resources, with abundant hardwood species such as mahogany, iroko, and obeche. These have historically supported logging and wood processing industries, although sustainability concerns remain.

Agriculture also thrives in the region due to fertile soils and high rainfall. Major crops include cocoa, oil palm, cassava, plantain, and rubber, cultivated both for subsistence and commercial purposes. Smallholder farmers form the backbone of this agricultural activity.

Additionally, the region provides valuable non-timber forest products such as medicinal plants, spices, bush mango (ogbono), and various wild fruits, which contribute to local economies and traditional practices.

The surrounding forests are rich in biodiversity, hosting rare wildlife species and offering potential for eco-tourism and conservation initiatives. However, poor accessibility continues to hinder full economic utilization of these opportunities.

There are also indications of solid mineral resources within the wider region, including limestone and other materials used in construction, although these remain largely underexploited.

Overall, the corridor represents a resource-rich environment with significant potential across agriculture, forestry, trade, and eco-tourism. Unlocking this potential will require improved infrastructure, effective regulation, and sustainable management practices.

Impact

The Ekang Border Road has considerable potential to transform the economic landscape of Cross River State due to its strategic position linking Nigeria to Cameroon and providing access to resource-rich areas.

Improved road conditions would facilitate the efficient movement of agricultural produce, natural resources, and trade goods, while reducing transportation costs and expanding market access. This, in turn, would boost local production, attract investment, and strengthen key sectors such as agriculture, forestry, and eco-tourism, particularly around the Cross River National Park.

However, the current poor state of the road continues to restrict these opportunities, leaving much of the region’s economic potential untapped.

In conclusion, the Ekang Border Road remains a critical enabler of sustainable development and regional trade integration, with its full benefits dependent on proper rehabilitation and long-term maintenance.

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Gleem Bay, Glime Beach, San Stefano, El Raml 1, Alexandria, Egypt

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Gleem Bay, Glime Beach, San Stefano, El Raml 1, Alexandria, Egypt

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Gleem Bay, Glime Beach, San Stefano, El Raml 1, Alexandria, Egypt

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Location: Gleem Bay, Alexandria, Egypt Challenge: Coastal Vulnerability & Rising Sea Levels

Gleem Bay is one of several vibrant bays along the Alexandrian coastline. I selected this specific site because of its profound personal and architectural significance,it sits directly across from my alma mater, the Faculty of Fine Arts (Architecture Department) at Alexandria University, and holds many cherished memories for me.

The most pressing landscape challenge here is the existential threat of climate change. Driven by global warming and polar ice melt, rising sea levels put Alexandria at severe risk. Year after year, the encroaching water threatens to eventually submerge these vital coastal public spaces. The potential loss of Gleem Bay and the wider Alexandrian shoreline to the sea remains one of my greatest environmental fears.

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San Salvador is the capital city of El Salvador. It covers an area of approximately 72.25 square kilometers and has 2.4 million inhabitants. The main landscape democracy challenge it faces is the unequal access to green public spaces (parks, shaded areas, gardens) due to the economic inequality in the country. Many low income communities, particularly the ones in informal hillside settlements, lack access to safe well maintained outdoor areas. While wealthier neighborhoods benefit from better infrastructure, private parks and gardens. This imbalance limits people from experiencing the environmental, health and social benefits from green spaces. The unequal distribution of green spaces contributes to social segregation, as wealthier people and lower income residents rarely interact in shared spaces. Showing broader issues which reflect that urban planning decisions are often made without strong community participation. As a result the landscape is not shared or shaped equally, making access to nature and public space a central challenge for landscape democracy.

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Lake Artemesia is an artificial lake in College Park, Maryland constructed during the completion of the D.C. Metro's Green Line in the late 1980s. While it is on one hand a great community amenity with fishing piers and miles of walking trails, its construction necessitated the relocation of about a third of the African-American Lakeland community from their homes. Historically, construction projects have disproportionately burdened low-income communities and people of color with increased pollution and community displacement.

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I grew up in Cârța, a rural commune in Sibiu County, Romania. One of the main landscape democracy challenges in my area is rural depopulation and youth immigration.

Many young people leave the village to study or work in bigger cities or abroad, and only a few return. As a result, the local population is aging, and fewer people are actively involved in decisions related to land use and landscape management.

This affects landscape democracy because there are fewer voice participating in shaping the local enviromanet. Traditional knowledge about land management is gradually being lost, and community engagement becomes weaker. In some cases, agricultural land is abandoned, which changes the structure and identity of the landscape.

At the same time, decisions are often made by a small group of stakeholders or external actors, without strong community participation. This creates a gap between local needs and planning processes.

In conclusion, rural depopulation reduces both the capacity and diversity of participation, making it harder to achieve inclusive and democratic landscape governance.

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In Santiago, one of the main problems is the lack of connectivity between neighborhoods, not the lack of 15-minute cities; People with limited resources are concentrated mainly in the outskirts, where there is no public infrastructure readily available, and to get to work they usually have to commute for more than two hours, because their workplaces are on the other side of the city, and public transportation connections are also poor because they don’t connect all parts of the city

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Rheinhessen is well known for its vineyards and wide open landscapes, which are valued for their scenic quality and recreational function. Nevertheless those landscapes are being increasingly distorted by wind turbines. Although these are important as they are a form of renewable energy, they severly damage and disturb the region' s overall landscape image. Planning begins with regional authorities defining suitable areas, followed by municipal land-use decisions. During project development, citizens can review plans, submit objections, and participate in public hearings or dialogue events. While citizens can influence outcomes, final approval lies with administrative authorities within legal frameworks. Therefore decisions are shaped through negotiation between public interests, local identity, and national climate goals rather than direct public control.

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View from the 15th floor of the Town Hall (the clock on the forground and Perret's Architecture on the second ground). Luckily, it was a sunny day. 

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Le Havre is one of the most flourishing ports of France. Many container ships (which nowadays are very large) stop there because the infrastructures are adapted. The city center is also a UNESCO site as it was entirely rebuilt by A.Perret after the Second World War (the British bombed the city which had already been emptied from all nazi occupation. The real motive was for commercial competitivity... Real friends, these British). Anyway, the city is facing multiple problems, especially concerning the sea (tht Channel sea). The storms are getting way stronger than usual, leading to destruction of several infrastructures, even further in the land. The sea level is also rising and one big question is about either "lifting the city" or "leaving the city". Lifting would mean to seal the ground floor of most of the buildings and maybe develop potential water transports (just like in Venice, Italy). It is a temporary solution and it is not profitable. The other solution envisonned is to leave progressively the city. First of all, the city is already losing its inhabitants. It is not attractive anymore and struggles finding new ways to bring people. Second of all, for such port placed at a strategic point, it would be a huge loss for the regional economy. Citizens either leave to find a better city for education and more job offers or stay and deny the fact that the economy and natural factors are working against them.

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The Landscape Democracy connecting Intramuros, Pasig River, and Chinatown in Manila, Philippines

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Intramuros, Pasig River Esplanade, and Chinatown, Manila, Philippines

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Intramuros, Pasig River Esplanade, and Chinatown, Manila, Philippines

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The corridor connecting Intramuros, Chinatown, and the Pasig River Esplanade illustrates both the spatial and social dynamics of Manila, revealing the challenges of landscape democracy.

Intramuros, the historic walled city established by the Spanish, was designed as a center of protection and colonial authority. While its walls preserved heritage, they also restricted flexibility and public engagement, leaving the space largely fixed in the past.

Chinatown, located just outside the Spanish walls, developed as a resilient community where Chinese migrants settled, traded, and thrived despite colonial restrictions and occasional resistance. Its dense streets, markets, and communal life demonstrate a form of social and cultural resilience that contrasts with Intramuros’ preserved but static character.

The Pasig River Esplanade, designed to provide a public green corridor, attempts to bridge these areas physically and socially, yet it remains fragmented, with access, maintenance, and usability challenges limiting full community engagement.

Although physically adjacent, these three areas remain distinct in their functions, histories, and user experiences: Intramuros as heritage, Chinatown as a living, resilient community, and the Esplanade as a partially realized public space.

Mapping this corridor highlights both the separations—historical, social, and economical—and the potential connections, emphasizing that true landscape democracy requires inclusive design, participatory stewardship, and continuous care to unite heritage, commercial life, and public green spaces into a cohesive and accessible urban landscape.

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Alun-Alun Kota Bogor, Jalan Kapten Muslihat, RT.04/RW.06, Pabaton, Bogor City, West Java

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Alun-Alun Kota Bogor, Jalan Kapten Muslihat, RT.04/RW.06, Pabaton, Bogor City, West Java

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Alun-Alun Kota Bogor, Jalan Kapten Muslihat, RT.04/RW.06, Pabaton, Bogor City, West Java

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Alun-Alun Kota Bogor is a 1.7-hectare public square in the heart of Bogor, West Java, that functions as a vibrant community hub bridging the city’s colonial history with its modern transit systems. Located directly next to Bogor Station, this "front yard" of the city occupies the historic site of the late 19th-century Taman Wilhelmina and the former Taman Topi. Today, the park is organized into four distinct functional areas: a Botanical Zone for relaxation, a Sports Zone featuring a jogging track and gym equipment, a Plaza Zone with an amphitheater for cultural events, and a Religious Zone that integrates seamlessly with the Bogor Great Mosque.

The primary values threatened are historical continuity and social inclusivity. As a site integrated with the 19th-century building (Bogor Railway Station), alun-alun represents a link between colonial heritage and modern transit. There is a risk that "modernization" might strip away its historic character in favor of generic urban design, potentially displacing the informal social gatherings and street vendors that give the space its authentic community soul.

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Sheffield aims to reduce car traffic in its city center, yet many sealed parking spaces still dominate the urban core, taking up large areas and contributing to environmental challenges. Transforming these sealed surfaces into green spaces and natural retreat areas is an important step in adapting to climate change, as plants and trees help cool the surroundings, provide shade, and absorb rainwater, reducing heat islands and the risk of flooding. Repurposing parking spaces offers significant potential: instead of impermeable surfaces, green areas or sustainable mobility options can be created. At the same time, reducing parking availability encourages a shift toward public transport, cycling, and walking, leading to more livable, climate-resilient cities with better air quality and an overall higher quality of life.

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Bogor Botanical Gardens, Jalan Otto Iskandardinata, Paledang, Bogor City, West Java

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Bogor Botanical Gardens, Jalan Otto Iskandardinata, Paledang, Bogor City, West Java

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Bogor Botanical Gardens, Jalan Otto Iskandardinata, Paledang, Bogor City, West Java

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Bogor Botanical Garden (BBG) is the oldest botanical garden in Indonesia and serves as an important green space in Bogor, a satellite city of Jakarta. It hosts tens of thousands of well-documented plant specimens used for research, education, and conservation.

BBG has contributed to major conservation successes, including the flowering of rare endemic species such as Amorphophallus titanum and Rafflesia arnoldii. Established during the Dutch colonial era, it has a long history in plant research and conservation.

Today, BBG faces challenges from rapid urban development, which threatens groundwater availability and landscape connectivity. Its multi-stakeholder management must be carefully monitored to protect its ecosystem.

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Plato’s Academy Archeological Park, Αθήνα

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Plato’s Academy Archeological Park, Αθήνα

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Plato’s Academy Archeological Park, Αθήνα

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Plato’s Academy Park in Athens is both a historic archaeological site and a green public space where one of the most important schools of Western thought once existed. It’s located in the Akadimia Platonos neighborhood, about 3 km northwest of the Acropolis. Within the park you can see the foundations and ruins of ancient gymnasium buildings and other structures associated with the academy’s activities.

Today it functions as a public archaeological park and urban green space. Locals use it for walking, jogging, playing, picnics, and relaxation under shaded walkways, plane and olive trees. The atmosphere is peaceful and contrasts with the surrounding urban environment.

Plato’s Academy Park blends ancient heritage with everyday urban life.

Does this particular character of the grove—as a green, public, and open space for everyone, with its natural terrain and its widespread popular use in the center of Athens—ultimately make it a place worthy of protection? The new municipal administration, which chooses the grove precisely for these characteristics, has so far avoided taking a position on the destructive plans that have led residents and authorities into legal dispute.

A redevelopment that includes the cutting of 580 trees and the construction of a museum inside it. A redevelopment, among other things, without a strategic environmental impact assessment, without the necessary permits, without a traffic study. One could say a redevelopment without a picnic.

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Clearing First, Planning Later: Landscape and Ecology at Risk in Belize

In Belize, we are surrounded by nature, but that doesn’t always mean we are working with it in the right way. I saw this first hand through a family lot in Belmopan, where the land was cleared and subdivided to prepare it for sale. The natural vegetation and ecological structure of the site was largely removed before any clear design intention or long term vision was defined.

What stood out to me is how normal this has become. In many cases, development begins by clearing the land completely, without considering how the existing landscape could be integrated into future use. This is not necessarily done with bad intentions, but there is a clear lack of urban and landscape design guidance.

As a result, ecological value is lost early in the process. Soil conditions, natural drainage, vegetation, and microclimates are disrupted before they are even understood or considered as part of the design.

At the same time, in places like Belize City, limited access to well planned land pushes some communities into flood prone areas, showing how environmental conditions and planning decisions are deeply connected.

Belize is still in a position where development can happen in a more thoughtful and integrated way. For me, the challenge is how to move toward a model where design, ecology, and development work together from the beginning, instead of reacting after the landscape has already been altered.

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The tension between water management and land use

In the summer of 2024, many basements in Freising were flooded. There were several downpours within the space of just one week. The sewerage system was overwhelmed. In large parts of the town, there is still no separate stormwater and wastewater drainage system. Furthermore, many buildings are situated in areas at risk of flooding.

Although people are aware of the danger, construction continues in these areas. Just one year later, new flats were built there.

This is certainly also because Freising lies within the Munich catchment area and offers sought-after housing. Furthermore, two universities attract students, who are also looking for accommodation. Another factor is that many houses were built at a time when awareness of the flooding problem was still low. Nowadays, such events occur more frequently and with greater intensity, partly due to climate change.

On the one hand, the demand for affordable housing is growing, but the amount of land available for building is not. On the other hand, environmental and natural hazards are set to increase.

So how will cities deal with this situation in the future?

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Butembo connaît une croissance urbaine rapide caractérisée par une urbanisation non planifiée. Cette expansion se fait souvent au détriment des paysages naturels, des terres agricoles et des espaces verts. Les constructions se multiplient sans respect des normes urbanistiques, ce qui entraîne une occupation anarchique du sol.

Valeurs menacées:

-Environnement naturel : déforestation, disparition des espaces verts

-Terres agricoles : réduction des zones de production locale

-Qualité de vie : manque d’espaces publics, insalubrité, problèmes de drainage

-Organisation urbaine : absence de planification durable et de contrôle

Problèmes observés:

-Construction dans des zones à risque (pentes, zones inondables)

-Insuffisance des infrastructures (routes, drainage, assainissement)

-Dégradation du paysage urbain et naturel

-Manque d’intégration des principes d’architecture durable

Ce défi met en évidence la nécessité de repenser la relation entre urbanisation et paysage, afin de construire des villes africaines plus résilientes, inclusives et respectueuses de l’environnement.

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The future of Mysore and Chamundi hills?

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A city named after the demon the patrion diety of the city rid from , mysore and espically the Betta (hills) are an integral part of this identity and its essence. What will happen if this very breath of the city is compromised due to lack of care and necessary concern.

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The beautiful temple on the Chamundi hills.

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Waiting for Waste Collection –Ago-Lagos, Nigeria

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This image shows a roadside in Ago, Lagos (Nigeria) where residents dump household waste along the median, hoping it will be collected by Lagos Waste Management Authority. Over time, the waste accumulates, spilling into the public space and creating an unsanitary environment.

The value of a clean and healthy public landscape is being threatened. What should serve as a shared and functional urban space is instead becoming a site of pollution, affecting air quality, movement, and overall well-being.

This reflects a landscape democracy challenge where there is a disconnect between public systems and everyday users. Residents are left to improvise waste disposal methods, while the lack of efficient and responsive waste management limits their ability to maintain a dignified environment.

The result is a cycle where public space is degraded, and responsibility becomes blurred between citizens and institutions.

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Stadt-Umland-Bahn Nuremberg-Erlangen

The Stadt-Umland-Bahn (StUB) is a planned 26 km light rail line connecting Nuremberg to Erlangen and Herzogenaurach, aiming to improve regional public transport, connecting the cities in Nurembergs metropolitan region. Landscape architecture conflicts arise from route alignments through sensitive areas like the Regnitz Valley, involving land sealing, habitat fragmentation, and green space loss, with past plans rejected for excessive environmental impact.

A narrow 2024 citizen referendum in Erlangen (52.4% yes vs. 47.6% no) highlights democracy tensions: residents fear noise, property impacts, and green destruction, while city and economy push for mobility gains. As of March 2026, planning advances on the first segment, but lawsuits from nature groups, landowner disputes, and calls for deeper participation slow progress ahead of the 2026 approval.

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The Graveyard of Ship.      ©photo:  NatGeo

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The shipbreaking industry in Bangladesh, centred along the coast of Chattogram, is a major economic driver that supplies essential steel and creates jobs for thousands. However, its environmental impact is severe: toxic waste from dismantled ships—including oil, asbestos, and heavy metals—is often dumped directly onto beaches and into the sea, contaminating soil, water, and air. This pollution destroys coastal ecosystems, wipes out marine species, and degrades farmland, threatening the health and livelihoods of local communities who depend on fishing and agriculture. Additionally, workers and residents face hazardous conditions, with exposure to toxic substances leading to serious health problems and increased risk of injury or death. Despite its economic benefits, the industry’s lack of proper waste management and weak enforcement of environmental and labour regulations continue to pose significant risks to both the environment and the people living and working in the region.

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View on Chrobry Boulvard from the entrance highway to the city (2019)

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"The city cut off from the river"

The River Oder gives shape and character to the city of

Szczecin as a port and former Hanseatic city. Many

important buildings are located in close proximity to the

waterfront. Despite its representative location, at the foot

of Wały Chrobrego (museum-theatre complex with

terraces), the “Chrobry” Boulevard, remains the last

neglected stretch of Szczecin's embankment and is, in a

way, cut off from the urban fabric by car aterials.

For over seven years, the area was the subject of a

property dispute, delaying much-needed modernization.

Today, the space is dominated by car traffic and entirely

unfriendly to pedestrians, making access to the water

difficult. Although the museum complex with the terraces

are designed to provide a panoramic view of the Oder and

the surrounding area, they are paradoxically cut off from

the river with which they were meant to correspond. There

is a lack of greenery, seating, and small-scale urban

infrastructure that would make the area attractive for all

people. The boulevards have great potential to become a

true showcase for the city, but a comprehensive vision for

their revitalisation is still lacking.

T.Lipczynska

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HUMAN-WILDLIFE CONFLICT - A CASE OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND HUMAN/ANIMAL RIGHTS

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In recent years, Juja, a suburb of Nairobi, Kenya, has experienced a series of distressing hyena attacks that have raised significant alarm among residents and, tragically, led to several fatalities. These incidents, often occurring during nighttime hours, have resulted in injuries and loss of life, intensifying fear and anxiety within the community. Local authorities and wildlife officials attribute the attacks to the encroachment of urban development into previously natural hyena habitats. However, drought and famine due to climate change has also pushed the hyenas out of their hiding. In response to this growing crisis, efforts are being initiated to address human-wildlife conflict, including awareness campaigns and discussions on potential relocation strategies to ensure the safety of residents while considering wildlife conservation. The situation highlights the urgent need for approaches that balance urban expansion with the protection of both people and wildlife, as well as the negative effects climate change has on wildlife.

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Kivu Nord, Democratic Republic of the Congo

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The artisanal mining industry in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is rife with forced and child labor, unreported deaths and human rights abuses. (Siddharth Kara, https://www.independent.co.uk/climate-change/news/phone-electric-vehicle-congo-cobalt-mine-b2277665.html)

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Kivu Nord, Democratic Republic of the Congo

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Kivu Nord, Democratic Republic of the Congo

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The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) holds 60% of the world’s coltan reserves, a vital mineral used in electronics, but its extraction relies heavily on over 40,000 child miners in Kivu province, who face hazardous conditions, exposure to radioactive substances, abuse, and trafficking. Despite laws and international certification schemes like the Kimberley Process and Dodd-Frank Act, enforcement is weak due to corruption, insufficient funding, and miners circumventing inspections, allowing illicit coltan to enter global supply chains. A new approach is needed, including stronger prosecution of violators, incentivizing education for children, harmonizing certification standards, and empowering local civil society groups to monitor and report child labor, as current measures have failed to protect these vulnerable minors.

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Around Lake Velence illigal spray painting has became a huge issue since the lake became one of the biggest turist attraction in the country. Due to the opportunity of large number sport related activities people love to visit and enjoy Hungary's culture. Graffiti is not just damaging the cultural estetic of the landscape but has toxic chemicals in them which gets into the air while its being painted. In conclusion these spray painting damages the landscape in estetic and endangeing plant and animal life.

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Cennet Koyu, Gölköy, Bodrum/Muğla, Türkiye

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Cennet Koyu, Gölköy, Bodrum/Muğla, Türkiye

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Cennet Koyu, Gölköy, Bodrum/Muğla, Türkiye

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Cennet Koyu (literally "Paradise Bay") is a stunning and somewhat secluded bay located in Bodrum, Turkey — specifically near the Göltürkbükü area. It's famous for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, lush pine forests, and peaceful atmosphere. It’s often described as one of the most beautiful and unspoiled spots on the Bodrum Peninsula.

Cengiz Holding is undertaking a significant ''tourism development project'' in Cennet Koyu (Paradise Bay), located in the Gölköy area of Bodrum, Turkey. The project involves constructing a luxury resort in partnership with Bulgari Hotels & Resorts, aiming for an opening in 2026. The development is situated on a 678,000-square-meter plot in Cennet Koyu, a region designated as a "Natural Site - Sustainable Conservation and Controlled Use Area.

The construction threatens the natural habitat of endangered species, notably the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus), which relies on the secluded coves of Cennet Koyu for breeding. Additionally, they plan to build seven breakwaters and other coastal structures that could alter marine currents and sedimentation patterns, adversely affecting the bay's delicate aquatic ecosystem. The development entails clearing significant areas of pine forest, leading to loss of biodiversity and increased risk of soil erosion.

Cengiz Holding purchased the land from the Privatization Administration in 2012. However, the Council of State annulled the privatization decision twice, though these rulings were not enforced. Despite the area's protected status, the Ministry issued a "No Environmental Impact Assessment Required" decision for the project's capacity increase, sparking criticism from environmental groups.

Local residents, environmental organizations, and political figures have expressed strong opposition to the project, citing threats to the ecological integrity of Cennet Koyu and infringement on public rights. Protests and legal actions have been initiated to challenge the development.

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What does community engagement for civic futures look like in research communities (incl. scientists, pilots, engineers, operators and support crew) that may be extensions of national paradigms, but in extraterritorial spaces? Antarctic is supposed to be an international collaborative space. What does this look like when some bases have several hundred inhabitants, or in anticipation of more? I am interested in Rothera and Scott bases as case studies and points of departure (points of arrival?).

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What does community engagement for civic futures look like in research communities (incl. scientists, pilots, engineers, operators and support crew) that may be extensions of national paradigms, but in extraterritorial spaces? Antarctic is supposed to be an international collaborative space. What does this look like when some bases have several hundred inhabitants, or in anticipation of more? I am interested in Rothera and Scott bases as case studies and points of departure (points of arrival?).

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Sečovlje is a saltworks landscape with a mix of active and inactive working landscapes. The landscape, which only exists through consistent salt extraction activities, is caught in conflicts between the protection of nature and cultural heritage, the municipality’s economic aspirations, local population, private investors.

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Changes Affecting the Historical Gardens of Shiraz

Shiraz is renowned for its historical gardens, such as Eram Garden and Delgosha Garden, which are not only significant cultural and architectural heritage sites but also serve as vital components of the city's green infrastructure. These gardens have traditionally played a crucial role in moderating the local climate, supporting biodiversity, and providing recreational spaces for residents and visitors.

However, in recent years, the condition of these gardens has been negatively impacted by a combination of climate change, prolonged droughts, and unsustainable human activities. The excessive extraction of groundwater, urban sprawl, and poor water management have all contributed to the decline in vegetation health and the shrinking of green spaces. Additionally, rising temperatures and irregular rainfall patterns have made it increasingly difficult to maintain the lush, water-intensive landscaping that defines these historic spaces.

As a result, Shiraz is witnessing a gradual degradation of its green infrastructure, threatening both the environmental balance and the cultural identity tied to these iconic gardens. Urgent action is needed to preserve and restore these historic sites through sustainable irrigation techniques, native plant reintroduction, and integrated urban planning that values ecological heritage.

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This place should be a mangrove forest. The government states that this area is a mangrove forest but a fish pond area. Indeed, there are mangrove trees (Rizhophora mucronata). However, the trees are only planted along the embankment. Please look at the aerial photos; the fish pond dominates the site. Only several mangrove trees on an embankment are claimed as mangrove forests. We designed this area's landscape and put mangrove trees on the planting plan. We created a circle pattern different from the current grid embankment pattern. By this circle pattern, we hope that the planting of mangrove trees does not follow the embankment again; otherwise, the trees will be planted on the embankment again, and the results will be similar to the existing condition. We also design the silvofishery model for planting the mangroves. The total area of the hardscape of infrastructures, including buildings and concrete decks, is only a maximum of 4 percent of the total Area. it is a good guideline because the most important is achieving the landscape character of mangrove trees can be emerged.

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Ecological Preservation:

Degradation of Forests and Natural Habitats

The Zagros Mountains, which border the Shiraz region, have unique ecosystems under threat from human activity and climate stress.

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1200px-منطقه_نوژیان

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Canale Navile, Bologna, Metropolitan City of Bologna

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Canale Navile, Bologna, Metropolitan City of Bologna

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Canale Navile, Bologna, Metropolitan City of Bologna

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A historic waterway with untapped potential for public use and ecological restoration. Once a key transportation route, parts of the canal are now neglected, with limited accessibility and environmental degradation. While some sections have been revitalized, others remain overgrown, underutilized, or difficult to integrate into the urban fabric. Also, many sections of the canal suffer from poor maintenance and pollution.

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Gorgan, located in northern Iran near the Caspian Sea and the Alborz Mountains, is known for its diverse and picturesque landscape.

Surrounded by the ancient Hyrcanian forests—one of the oldest and most ecologically significant forest regions in the world—the area features lush greenery, rolling hills, and a mild, humid climate.

The Gorgan River runs through the region, and the nearby mountains add to the dramatic scenery with misty peaks and hidden waterfalls.

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Korail Slum: A Landscape of Informality, Insecurity, and Power

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Korail slum—locally known as Korail Bosti—is one of the largest informal settlements in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Spread across 90 to 100 acres, it lies adjacent to the city’s most affluent neighborhoods, Gulshan and Banani. Despite its proximity to wealth, Korail is home to over 50,000 residents who live in densely packed housing, navigate narrow alleys, and survive with limited access to basic services such as clean water, sanitation, and electricity.

The community faces numerous challenges rooted in its informal status. Without legal land tenure, residents are excluded from formal urban planning and are under constant threat of eviction. This lack of recognition also prevents them from accessing public resources or support for community development efforts like urban agriculture. Efforts to improve living conditions often rely on NGOs or grassroots initiatives, which are constrained by the absence of formal governance. In this vacuum, informal power structures take hold. Local strongmen or brokers frequently mediate access to essential services, permits, and protection. These services—often acquired through unofficial means—are distributed not based on civic rights or need, but rather on political allegiance or payment. Ironically, Korail residents often pay higher rent per square foot than many in the formal city, yet receive none of the protections or infrastructure.

One of the most alarming consequences of this informality is the recurring threat of fire. Fires are frequent in Korail and are often viewed not merely as accidents, but as instruments of control within a larger political ecology. With the land being so valuable due to its location, suspicions often arise that these fires are intentionally set to displace residents, weaken community resistance, or clear space for development. Fires in Korail serve as brutal reminders that its residents lack both physical and political ground to stand on.

In sum, Korail is more than a dense cluster of tin shacks, it is a deeply contested urban space where poverty, politics, and power collide. Its residents continue to show resilience, but they live within a system designed to keep them marginalized, unstable, and unheard.

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This is Al-Maadi, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Cairo, Egypt. Its unique radial urban pattern has created a number of circular roundabouts nestled between residential blocks. In some areas, these roundabouts function as quiet, semi-private green spaces for the surrounding residents.

In the past, such spaces played a vibrant role in daily life, hosting a range of social and recreational activities. Today, however, they are largely underused. This decline is mainly due to a lack of essential amenities—there are no benches, pavements, lighting fixtures, or other elements that might invite people to linger and engage with the space.

Yet, the potential remains. In one of these roundabouts, residents took the initiative to place just four benches. This simple intervention was enough to draw people back into the space, proving that with minimal improvements, these neglected green pockets can once again become beloved community hubs. It’s a clear sign that people still value these spaces and are drawn to them when given the opportunity.

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The US-Mexico border is 1,954mi (3,145km) long, with about 700mi (1,126km) currently split with physical walls. The US proposes additional construction of border walls that pose threats to human life and well-being as well as threats to wildlife. The wall construction projects are expensive non-solutions to issues such as illegal immigration and smuggling and will cause more dangerous and potentially life-threatening obstacles for migrants. Some proposed sections of the wall would also divide Native American tribal lands. Other sections would divide wildlife refuges and contribute to further habitat fragmentation.

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Κολυμβητήριο Μυτιλήνης, Μυτιλήνη

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Κολυμβητήριο Μυτιλήνης, Μυτιλήνη

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Κολυμβητήριο Μυτιλήνης, Μυτιλήνη

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Το κτήριο του κλειστού κολυμβητηρίου Μυτιλήνης παραμένει κλειστό επι δεκαετία. Είναι (ήταν) ένας ανοιχτός δημόσιος χώρος με αρκετούς συμπληρωματικούς χώρους άθλησης (ping pong, ενόργανη, γυμναστήριο, κ.α) που δεν χρησιμοποιείται ενώ βρίσκεται σε κεντρικό σημείο της πόλης δίπλα στο λιμάνι. Καθώς, έχει παρεκπέσει, λόγω εγκατάληψης και μη συντήρησης, αποτελεί και κίνδυνος ασφάλειας για τους περαστικούς. Έχει μόλις αποφασιστεί να προχωρήσει η δημιουργία ανοιχτού κολυμβητήριο σε περιοχή εκτός του οικισμού της Μυτιλήνης. Πράξη μικρότερης κοινοτικής σημασίας. Δεν έχουν ακολουθεί συμμετοχικές πρόσεγγισεις για την επιλογή και χρηστή αξιοποίηση. https://www.stonisi.gr/post/85107/kleisto-gymnasthrio-mytilhnhs-sthn-oytza-sxediazei-o-moytzoyrhs

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κολυμβητήριο Μυτιλήνης | Lesvosnews.net

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κολυμβητήριο Μυτιλήνης

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Bulakan’s transformation from fertile lands and peaceful rivers to a flood-prone industrial zone highlights the devastating impact of the airport’s construction. Once a thriving agricultural hub, the town now suffers from severe flooding due to the destruction of wetlands and farmlands, natural flood buffers sacrificed for large-scale development. The airport stands as a symbol of failed landscape democracy where economic and political interests silenced local voices. Farmers and fishers, once stewards of the land, were excluded from decision-making, leading to the erasure of heritage, livelihoods, and ecological balance.

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Seeing the greens go away day by day because people wanted to live in the city, resulting to a point of no return. All the agricultural land used for commercial building and doing it in an unplanned manner because the political leaders thought this was the way to boot the economy of the capital. However this has affected the cultural and historical value of the place. And also loosing the authenticity of the city structure and the use of material, it is sad to see go by.

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This area has a controversial history. Much of downtown beirut was privatized and rebuilt by private companies.

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Lack of management. Citadel employees are usually on strike, which restricts access to the historic site and has allowed vegetation to overtake the structure.

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I'll governmental management, leading to failed projects such as the old Railway.

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Venetian Lagoon, Metropolitan City of Venice

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Venetian Lagoon, Metropolitan City of Venice

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Venetian Lagoon, Metropolitan City of Venice

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Ticket services system it will be official since april 2025. Tying a city to tourism monoculture means sealing it off and packaging it; it means—especially in the case of Venice—definitively depopulating it and increasingly denying its residents access to housing and services. It is a very clear political choice, which becomes evident with a quick "economic" calculation. The costs of managing the entry ticket are very high, and these resources could have been used for residential policies instead—for example, to cap unaffordable rents, renovate abandoned public housing, or increase funding for public grants.

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Illegal privatization of protected public areas. Locals are kicked out in favour of constructing private resorts/controlled public access

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Scarce governmental funding for agricultural production. Food availability largely relies on imported products

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Karachi, A city in Pakistan facing seriously populated areas being the metropolitan hub of the country. Due to housing and public spaces shortage a lot of people from different zones of Pakistan migrate to Karachi. The public transportation facilities are good to none sadly due to non-vigilance. But I am sure with a little observance and care, This city has a good potential.

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Waslet Dahshur Rd, First Al Sheikh Zayed, Giza Governorate, Egypt

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Waslet Dahshur Rd, First Al Sheikh Zayed, Giza Governorate, Egypt

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Waslet Dahshur Rd, First Al Sheikh Zayed, Giza Governorate, Egypt

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Dahshur Road is considered as a main axis in 6 oct. city, this side of the road was planned to be a public recreation area with green areas, water elements, walking tracks and play grounds for children.

After a while the government sell the plots along this road to investors for entertainment and services projects such as Cafes and restaurant. Now the city has lost a large part of the proposed public green area in addition that people also has also their accessibility to a public area without being directed to a certain type of entertainment which is expensive for the majority. Furthermore, it also affect the well being of the individuals as most of new restaurants in the area are fast food, so instead having fun in a park with family and friends you would rather buy some junk food. Eventually, we can see the dramatic impact of user experience as a result of changing the land use, and how it the individuals' consumption behavior.

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Closed military area - potential green public space

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Budapest, Pesti alsó rkp., 1052 Magyarország

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Community Access to the Danube Riverbank in Budapest

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Budapest, Pesti alsó rkp., 1052 Magyarország

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Budapest, Pesti alsó rkp., 1052 Magyarország

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Community Access to the Danube Riverbank in Budapest

The Danube Riverbank in Budapest is a crucial public space, yet its accessibility and use have been a topic of debate. While some areas remain open for public enjoyment, others are increasingly privatized, limiting free access to the waterfront.

Key Challenges:

1. Privatization and Commercial Development

Many sections of the riverbank have been transformed into high-end residential or commercial areas, restricting public access.

Restaurants, hotels, and private docks occupy spaces that could otherwise serve as open community areas.

2. Lack of Continuous Public Walkways

Although Budapest has beautiful promenades along the Danube, gaps in accessibility prevent a seamless experience for pedestrians and cyclists.

Some parts of the riverbank remain underdeveloped or blocked by infrastructure.

3. Community Involvement in Planning

Local residents and grassroots organizations often demand greater participation in decision-making.

Projects like the Valyo (City and River Association) advocate for making the Danube more accessible to the public.

4. Balance Between Green Spaces and Urban Development

Efforts to create more green, recreational areas sometimes clash with economic interests.

The challenge is to ensure sustainable development that benefits both the city and its residents.

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My hometown Binuangan is an island barangay located at the confluence of the Binuangan and Muzon Rivers, Manila Bay coast. It is a small community with a strong cultural tradition. The site provides support for diverse marine life, and the people practice traditional fishing activities as their main source of income. Since I was a child we still experience flooding in our barangay, given that it was located along the coast. The flooding has thus largely occurred whenever there has been a typhoon.

Unfortunately, the development of the transportation hub, specifically the airport started in 2022. The area for this project was reclaimed and has environmental concerns, particularly regarding the loss of mangrove forests. Today, Binuangan usually suffers from severe flooding due to rapid sea level rise, which previously did not occur. Coastal communities become increasingly threatened by coastal erosion, flooding, loss of biodiversity, and declining fisheries, affecting their livelihoods and well-being. Local communities have raised concerns about the social and environmental impacts of the project up until now. This development highlights the need for more transparent and community-friendly engagement practices in large-scale infrastructure projects to become sustainable for both people and the environment.

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Dalat has a unique cultural identity shaped by its history, architecture, lifestyle, and highland nature. The city’s charm lies in its old French villas, the bustling Dalat Market with local specialties like grilled rice paper, and a slow-paced life wrapped in mist. However, many tourist attractions have diluted this identity by incorporating overly eccentric design languages and copying architectural styles from various places, creating a fragmented atmosphere that disconnects from Dalat’s original cultural and natural essence.

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I witnessed and experience landscape democrarcy in many ways and different situations. One of the most common form of it is present to some public parks located at a municipality where local vendors of a community isn't welcome due to being hindrance to aesthetics. This situation occurs when community is not considered to design and planning phase or stage. The park is used not because residents needed to but due to having no options or choices, it is a sign and characteristics of poor planning that should be centered for equal and fair rights to open spaces.

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I once experienced a non-democratic situation in our public park in Baliwag. I was mistaken for a stray kid, or 'Batang Hamog,' and prevented from entering the park because some high-profile or important individuals were going to use the area. I understood their intentions, as the park at that time was primarily a space for picnics and dining. However, the presence of random skaters riding their skateboards in the center of the park gave the area a disorganized appearance.

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наб. канала Грибоедова, 131, Санкт-Петербург, Россия, 190068

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Road expansion prioritizing parking over public green spaces

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My hometown is Saint Petersburg, Russia, listed by UNESCO as a "Historic Centre of Saint Petersburg and Related Groups of Monuments." It is distinguished by a harmonious blend of expansive open spaces (including squares, embankments, gardens, andboulevards) and densely built building blocks. This unique urban layout not only preserves the city's architectural heritage but also caters to the recreational and social needs of its residents, fostering community interaction and enhancing the cultural landscape.

Road expansion prioritizing parking over historical site preservation, often resulting in the reduction or replacement of green spaces. This transformation impacts not only the greenery but also the urban landscape and historic atmosphere, affecting whether a city feels livable or becomes like a "concrete jungle."

Due to this landscape change and also over-commercialisation of the central zone, local people lose a sense of the place, they are pushed away from the zone where they used to live.

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Bolivar Beach Bar, Λεωφόρος Ποσειδώνος, Άλιμος

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Bolivar Beach Bar, Λεωφόρος Ποσειδώνος, Άλιμος

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Bolivar Beach Bar, Λεωφόρος Ποσειδώνος, Άλιμος

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One of the most important features of Greece is our seaside landscapes. More and more people are coming to Greece to see them, yet we are changing the character of our coastlines, mainly for the sake of impressing , to the point where they no longer resemble a Mediterranean landscape. As a result, Greece’s identity is gradually being lost.

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Abdali Boulevard: A Gated Luxury in the Heart of Amman – But at What Cost?

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Abdali Boulevard in Amman is a prime example of gentrification, where a high-end, modern development contrasts starkly with its surrounding urban fabric. Marketed as the new downtown, the project introduced luxury apartments, office spaces, and retail outlets that cater to affluent residents and international businesses. However, this transformation displaced local communities, altered the city's socio-economic balance, and created an exclusive enclave disconnected from its historical and cultural surroundings. The rising costs of living in the area pushed out lower-income residents, reducing diversity and limiting public accessibility. Instead of integrating with the existing urban environment, Abdali Boulevard stands as an isolated, out-of-context project that prioritizes commercial interests over inclusive urban development.

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Bogotá, as the capital of Colombia, has historically been a destination for internal migration due to economic opportunities and the search for a better quality of life. In recent years, it has also received a high number of Venezuelan migrants, which has increased its cultural diversity but has also created challenges in terms of integration and the appropriation of urban space.

With more than 8 million inhabitants, the city faces a social fragmentation marked by class differences, which hinders the democratization of the landscape. Although community initiatives exist that seek to strengthen social cohesion and improve the urban environment, many of them lack the necessary government support to expand and consolidate.

In this context, Bogotá is undergoing a significant transformation with the construction of its first metro system, a project discussed for more than 50 years in territorial planning documents. Being an elevated metro, its impact on the urban landscape is noticeable, and although it is still under construction, its structures are already redefining the environment. However, the urban dynamics under these new infrastructures have not yet been fully assimilated by the citizenry, which represents both a challenge and an opportunity for the evolution of public space in the city.

Adriana Perez Rubiano

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Budapest, MOL Campus, Dombóvári út 28, 1117 Magyarország

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Budapest, MOL Campus, Dombóvári út 28, 1117 Magyarország

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Budapest, MOL Campus, Dombóvári út 28, 1117 Magyarország

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The MOL Campus was completed and handed over in 2022, becoming the tallest building in Budapest (also in Hungary) with its 143 m. The skyscaper is super-modern, but very controversial.

The huge building breaks the pattern of the city and affects its character. This relatively new element is visible from various frequently visited points of the city which makes it too dominant and striking.

For example this photo was taken from Gellért Hill and from its viewpoints the mentioned element can be easily spotted, not fitting into its landscape due to its parameters.

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Point Lookout State Park, Point Lookout Road, Scotland, MD

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Point Lookout State Park, Point Lookout Road, Scotland, MD

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Point Lookout State Park, Point Lookout Road, Scotland, MD

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Point Lookout is a site rich with American history that dates as far back as the Revolutionary War. Unfortunately, due to sea level rise, the park has lost about half of its land since that time. And within the next 50 years, Point Lookout is at risk of losing most of its land. With design interventions to preserve the marshes, coastal land, and history, we can hopefully mitigate the impacts of rapid sea level rise.

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Έδεσσα, Ελλάδα

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Hydroelectric power plant of Edessaios river

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Έδεσσα, Ελλάδα

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Έδεσσα, Ελλάδα

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The city of Edessa is located atop a steep cliff, with the Edessaios River flowing through its streets and creating stunning waterfalls. These waterfalls are the largest in Greece and form a unique natural landscape that serves as the city's main tourist attraction. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the cliff's edge was used as an industrial zone with water-powered factories. In the 1960s, the construction of the Edessaios power plant at the base of the cliff deprived factory owners the right to use water as a power source. Combined with Greece's broader trend of deindustrialization, this led to the abandonment of the industrial zone. Today, the area remains largely abandoned, though it is listed as a monument. This has resulted in a disconnection between the city and the landscape that once defined it. This situation presents several challenges, particularly in terms of preserving the heritage of the man-made infrastructure in contrast to the natural environment, and in understanding the relationship between today's citizens and the city’s modern infrastructure.

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Carbon Credit Deals and The loss of Maasai Ancestral Land: A Case Study of the Longido and Monduli Rangelands Carbon Project (LMRCP).

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Carbon Credit Deals and The loss of Maasai Ancestral Land: A Case Study of the Longido and Monduli Rangelands Carbon Project (LMRCP).

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The Longido and Monduli Rangelands Carbon Project (LMRCP) presents a complex challenge as it aims to generate carbon credits while potentially impacting the Maasai community and their ancestral lands. Despite the project's goals of environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation, there are concerns regarding the inclusivity and representation of the Maasai in decision-making processes related to land use and carbon trading. The monetization of carbon credits raises questions about land rights, cultural preservation, and the socioeconomic implications for the Maasai, who have historically relied on these rangelands for their livelihoods. As policies governing carbon credit deals evolve, the lack of transparent governance and participatory frameworks may undermine the rights and interests of Indigenous populations, necessitating an urgent examination of how these initiatives can be aligned with their needs and values.

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The West Bank faces severe landscape democracy challenges due to political and planning restrictions. The division of land into Areas A, B, and C limits Palestinian urban expansion, leading to overcrowding and unregulated construction. Israeli settlements and the Green Line further fragment the natural landscape, harming ecosystems and reducing agricultural land. Sustainable planning is needed to balance development with environmental protection.

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The Pálffy Distillery is a historic industrial building in Malacky, Slovakia, located near the Malina creek, across from the old Pálffy estate. Built around 1918, it once produced alcohol from potatoes and is now the last preserved part of the former manor’s economic complex.

Today, the building is abandoned and deteriorating, despite being a national cultural monument. It holds great potential for community use — as a cultural, educational, or public space — but remains closed and without a clear future.

This is a clear landscape democracy challenge: decisions about its future are made without involving local people. The community lacks a voice in whether it’s preserved, reused, or privatized. Restoring the distillery through a participatory process could transform it into a shared public space, reflecting both history and today’s civic needs.

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I witnessed Landscape democrary in the Philippines, one example and common is the discrimination and hierarchy to landscape spaces. Some public parks aren't open for vendors which is sign that community isn't considered in planning state. Lack of consideration sometimes results to forced use where users use the area not because they needed to but because they don't have options which is a characteristic of a unsuccessful design and planning of spaces.

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Himachal Pradesh faces landscape problems stemming from its mountainous terrain, including vulnerability to natural disasters like landslides, cloudbursts, and floods, exacerbated by factors like unscientific construction and climate change.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Natural Disasters:

Landslides:

The hilly terrain and loose soil make Himachal Pradesh highly susceptible to landslides, which are a major cause of damage and loss of life.

Cloudbursts and Flash Floods:

The state experiences heavy rainfall, leading to frequent cloudbursts and flash floods, particularly in the summer months.

Avalanches:

During winter, snow avalanches pose a significant threat in the higher reaches of the Himalayas.

Earthquakes:

Himachal Pradesh is located in a high seismic zone, making it vulnerable to earthquakes.

Droughts:

Despite being a mountainous region, some areas can experience droughts, especially during periods of low rainfall.

Environmental Issues:

Deforestation:

Infrastructure development, hydropower projects, and unsustainable land use practices contribute to deforestation, leading to soil erosion and loss of biodiversity.

Land Subsidence:

The fragile nature of the landscape can lead to land subsidence, particularly in areas with heavy construction or mining activities.

Soil Erosion:

The combination of landslides, deforestation, and heavy rainfall contributes to soil erosion, impacting agricultural productivity and water resources.

Water Scarcity:

While Himachal Pradesh has abundant water resources, some areas are facing water scarcity due to climate change, unsustainable water management practices, and the drying up of springs.

Hydropower projects:

The proliferation of hydropower development has unleashed challenges such as deforestation, fragmentation, soil erosion and loss of forest biodiversity for the local terrestrial ecosystems.

Tourism:

The influx of tourists, especially during peak seasons, can lead to environmental degradation, including pollution and overexploitation of resources.

Illegal Mining and Deforestation:

These activities, often with political backing, have a huge environmental impact.

Human-Induced Factors:

Unscientific Construction:

Building infrastructure without proper geological assessments and environmental considerations can exacerbate the risk of landslides and other disasters.

Climate Change:

The changing climate is leading to more frequent and intense extreme weather events, such as heavy rainfall, droughts, and heatwaves, which further strain the fragile ecosystem.

Increased Human Activities:

Population growth, urbanization, and increased tourism put additional pressure on the environment and natural resources.

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Green Infrastructure - Social Infrastructure Nature is so close but how do we connect as a community, the 'more than human' and the ecological communities to benefit and improve health outcomes?

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Str. Ghirlandei 7, București 077042, Romania

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"Apusului" community garden and local composting station. January 2025. 

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Productive urban landscapes in a post-socialist context - the situation of urban agriculture practices and legislation in Bucharest

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Productive urban landscapes in a post-socialist context - the situation of urban agriculture practices and legislation in Bucharest

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Urban agriculture practices and gardening on public land (in this example, the green spaces adjacent to socialist collective housing) are not supported by legal frameworks. This leads to a constant state of unpredictability, as public authorities have administrative rights and have the power to keep or dismantle existing gardens without taking into account the wishes of the informal gardeners and nearby residents. Even more, urban agriculture is frowned upon as being "uncivilized".

In this context, a community composting advocacy group is struggling to get the attention of the authorities and implement sustainable local waste management solutions for kitchen scraps.

What form of legislation and policy is useful in this situation? Can it support existing gardening practices and encourage the development of new ones?

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Karoon River Side, Ahvaz, Khuzestan Province, Iran

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Karoon River Side, Ahvaz, Khuzestan Province, Iran

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Karoon River Side, Ahvaz, Khuzestan Province, Iran

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The Ahvaz Karoon riverside faces major landscape democracy challenges, including wildlife loss, pollution, mismanagement, and urbanization, all of which harm biodiversity and water quality. Limited public access and social inequality further restrict community engagement, while climate change worsens water scarcity. Sustainable planning and community involvement are key to addressing these issues.