Land-use strategies for climate change and biodiversity loss

Abstract

Climate change and land use transformations are closely interconnected and have complex interactions. Uncertainty is the common narrative in this discourse that involves natural resources and multiple human development drivers. This Policy Brief highlights how the elaboration of land-use strategies for climate change and biodiversity loss is an urgent priority to protect natural landscapes, local communities’ well-being, food and water security and economic development. The Alentejo Region in Portugal has been selected as a case study to analyze some of the main challenges and prospects associated with rapid changes induced by anthropogenic and climatic processes. Here, intensive agriculture, greenhouses, photovoltaics, silvopastoral systems (decrease) and urbanization are directly and indirectly connected with climate change, affecting rural land uses, landscapes and natural resources of the Region. In this context, understanding place-based climate change and biodiversity challenges could support top-down public policymaking, creating a solid foundation for different and unique rural regions leading through behavioural transformations to move toward a climate-neutral and resilient society and economy. The framework above permits the identification of both a policy area of mitigation and adaptation and an opportunity for social transformation through a just and inclusive transition.