RECONNECT focuses on the connections and, in particular, the disconnect of biodiversity conservation from other aspects of contemporary landscapes and societies. Fragmentation, contestation, and disconnection can be institutional, ecological, and social. This manifests in interrupted ecological flows through habitat networks, siloed sectoral planning, and plural lifestyles and values - leading to tensions between conservation, equity, and production goals, and to clashing governance priorities and landuse practices. We will collaborate with stakeholders to generate in-depth knowledge about ways to manage institutional, ecological, and social boundaries in four case sites. The sites, located in France, Germany, South Africa, and Sweden each extend across urban to rural gradients with different types of conservation governance of protected areas and surrounding landscapes. We will also synergise with existing projects in Finland through this project.

2023

2026