Fostering Systemic Societal Transformation for Biodiversity Conservation through Nature Re-Connection

• Applicant: Dr.-Ing. Ellen Fetzer
• Subject Area: Ecology and Biodiversity of Plants and Ecosystems
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 570081945

Connection to nature is increasingly seen as essential for societal transformation toward biodiversity protection. In alignment with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, this project underscores the combined impact of nature exposure and connectedness in fostering transformative societal changes for biodiversity protection and restoration. Through the Societal Transformation Laboratory for Nature Reconnection Advocacy (STLNRA), we aim to drive transformational outcomes in socioecological systems across three pilot Central European regions: the urban functional areas (UFAs) of Warsaw (Poland), Vienna (Austria), and Stuttgart (Germany). Our objective is to produce actionable insights to support a sustainable strategy for nature exposure and connectedness, as well as an integrated landscape management framework. To achieve this, we set three core scientific goals: 1) Conceptualize nature reconnection advocacy and analyze human-environment systems within UFAs; 2) Develop the STLNRA methodology; and 3) Test and evaluate the STLNRA in selected case studies. These goals aim to understand the system, design the transformative process, and pilot transformational changes toward nature-positive outcomes in a specific socio-geographic context. Using a systemic, multi-method approach within a case study framework, our research combines advanced socio-empirical methods (e.g., online surveys and participatory mapping for UFA residents; ethnographic methods like interviews, observations, and multisensory and visual ethnography), participatory research approaches, such as Participatory Action Research and Regenerative Design and geospatial techniques. Our international, interdisciplinary consortium brings together expertise in landscape and urban planning, resource management, sociology, ethnography, and global transition research. By actively engaging local and regional stakeholders, we aim to enhance science-policy dialogue at all levels. Citizen Science initiatives will further promote public involvement and trust in scientific evidence, crucial for catalyzing systemic transformations toward biodiversity protection. Considering nature as a critical actor in the transformation process toward sustainable practices, we explore the interconnection between human and non-human well-being as a tool to foster transformative action toward a more sustainable society.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Austria, Poland
• Partner Organisation: Fonds zur Förderung der wissenschaftlichen Forschung (FWF); Narodowe Centrum Nauki (NCN)
• Cooperation Partners: Mariusz Ciesielski, Ph.D.; Dr. Anna Horolets; Dr. Katarzyna Redzinska; Dr. Karolina Taczanowska