Learning module 6: Looking ahead
Guiding questions:
- What are the challenges and opportunities to achieve long-term sustainable food, land and water systems?
- How can identification of trade-offs and synergies contribute to long-term sustainable systems?
In this module we introduce what it entails to address the challenge to achieve long-term sustainability. The materials here look ahead and raise points that need to be addressed to arrive at long-term sustainable, and just systems. In this process, it is of importance to look at the managers and users of the land, in an inclusive way. The materials in this Learning Module show that active efforts to enhance inclusion can lead to synergistic outcomes.
For more of an orientation about this module click here or dive directly into the learning materials below.

interview
Hannah van Zanten highlights the role of animals in sustainable food systems and how the tools she has developed for the global level are relevant at the local level.
By Hannah Van Zanten
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interview
Nathanial Matthews addresses the importance of considering various scales (spatial and temporal) for assessing and addressing synergies and tradeoffs.
By Nathanial Matthews
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Lessons learned
The importance of considering gender to maintain and enhance soil health.
By Wei Zhang
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Lessons learned
Consider from the start: the social fit of technical changes!
By Mirja Michalscheck
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Lessons learned
Adaptive collaborative management to advance jointly gender equality, biodiversity, climate, and land restoration goals in Uganda.
By Marlène Elias
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Looking ahead
Knowledge gap in how deforestation, simplification of diets and decreasing agricultural biodiversity are dynamically linked.
By Genowefa Blundo-Canto
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Case study
Gender-equitable participation in wetland co-management shows synergies between women’s empowerment and mangrove conservation.
By Marlène Elias
read moreQuestions for reflection
- What are key steps that we can take as a connected community, to better managing synergies and tradeoffs in food, land, and water systems?
- What (positive) trends do you see in terms of awareness and active management of synergies and tradeoffs in food, land and water systems?
Some geographical examples:







