Level: Community & Landscape

The landscape or watershed levels are common levels of analysis in ecological or governance studies. Multiple ecosystem services and ecological processes essential for – and affected by – agriculture are better managed at this level, such as biodiversity connectivity, soil erosion control, water quality, pollination, or pest control. Placing interventions strategically in the areas where multiple ecosystem services are potentially provided is a critical strategy for synergistic outcomes and effective monitoring. Landscapes are also the result of people-place interactions. Landscapes can imply a cultural identity, an attachment to the land, and a sense of belonging. This is why landscape approaches focus on improving, strengthening, and leading landscape governance, so people come together to plan, manage and drive their landscape to jointly enhance conservation, sustainable agriculture, governance, and human wellbeing. Contrary to the landscape that can have multiple types of boundaries, the watershed is strictly defined by river basins. Watershed management has been critical to managing water, as well as other natural resources.