A new policy report titled “Multifunctional Landscapes: Optimising the benefits of nature for society” by The Royal Society has highlighted the importance of creating landscapes that provide multiple benefits to society.
The report argues that there is a need for a shift in focus from single-function land uses, such as agriculture or housing, towards multifunctional landscapes that provide a range of benefits, such as biodiversity conservation, carbon sequestration, water management, sustainable fuel and energy production, and cultural and recreational opportunities.
The report identifies several key principles for achieving multifunctional landscapes, including engaging with local communities, taking a whole-systems approach, and promoting long-term planning and collaboration between stakeholders.
The report also highlights the need for policymakers to adopt a more integrated approach to landscape management, bringing together different sectors such as agriculture, forestry, and urban planning, to create more sustainable and resilient landscapes.
The authors of the report argue that biomass crops can help to address some of the key challenges facing society today, such as climate change and energy security, while also providing a range of co-benefits, such as improved soil health and reduced reliance on fossil fuels. Section 3.5 on Bioenergy Crops suggests that “research into how best to grow and utilise bioenergy crops is important to maximise our options for the future including those made available by new technologies, such as BECCS”.
Creating multifunctional landscapes can bring significant benefits to society, including improved health and wellbeing, increased resilience to climate change, and greater social cohesion.
Overall, the report provides a compelling case for the importance of creating multifunctional landscapes that include biomass crops, and calls for policymakers to adopt a more integrated and collaborative approach to landscape management in order to maximise the benefits of nature for society.
Read the full report here: Multifunctional Landscapes: Optimising the benefits of nature for society
