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Other publication2024Open access

Compendium Forested Landscapes : analysis & governance

Randrup, Thomas (ed.); Mercado, Geovana (ed.); Christoffersen, Lisbet (ed.); Lundqvist, Sixten (ed.)

Abstract

The international Forest & Landscape program, taught at SLU at Bachelor level, began in 2021. In its essence, the program tries to combine the very best from forestry and landscape management. This unique program gives in-depth knowledge of forests and landscapes, taking a holistic approach to trees and forests and their importance to society, by focusing on the different perspectives of the forested landscapes and the management of them. Students are expected to gain adequate knowledge to work as e.g. a specialist or advisor at governmental authorities, municipalities, forestry companies, NGOs or in nature communication.

In developing the program, we as educators have developed new courses, and in doing so we have discussed and carefully selected the specific frameworks, theories and models to be presented and discussed during the program. It has been a challenge to make this selection, and not at least to select the best possible literature to support our teaching. Many terms and concepts are under constant debate within the academics, but certainly also in practice. And some have a long history, while others are brand new. But will the newer concepts sustain, and what do they bring to the future professions as forest and landscape managers?

Before we start, it is critical to distinguish between frameworks, theories, and models, as these concepts are frequently used as the foundation of academic discourse and practice. Frameworks organize key elements and their relationships, setting the stage for deeper analysis. Theories provide assumptions to analyze and predict phenomena, building on the structure offered by frameworks. Models, in contrast, use specific assumptions from theories to predict outcomes, often simplifying complex processes for practical application (Ostrom, 2011).

This compendium includes brief texts which introduces theories, concepts, models and frameworks of relevance for analyzing, understanding and applying governance and management as an approach to tackle the many contemporary societal challenges, in a long-sighted and sustainable manner. Each term is briefly described, as we present and use them in the courses, and each term is associated with key references, carefully selected for further reading to support students in further understanding the terms. Thus, the compendium is far from complete, and the descriptions we provide are far from exhaustive. We believe and hope that our brief descriptions will inspire and guide you to further literature to support your studies.

The compendium relates specifically to the two courses Analysis of Forested Landscapes (LK0394), and Forest & Landscape Governance (LK0434). We hope that the compendium will be used in other courses as well, and we envision that other courses will add their most relevant terms, concepts and principles to this compendium in the future. We do realize that a selection of descriptions and references to key text needs to be updated on a regular basis. Therefore, we consider this compendium as an initial version that will evolve over time.

Published in

Publisher: Department of Landscape Architecture, Planning and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

SLU Editors

UKÄ Subject classification

Landscape Architecture

Publication identifier

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.54612/a.4i3m6fl0g4
  • ISBN: 978-91-8046-659-2
  • eISBN: 978-91-8046-660-8

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/133063