IFLA puts out ‘open call’ to take part in 19 dynamic programmes
With an eye to nothing less than shaping our planet's future the International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA) has announced a groundbreaking set of 19 Working Programmes pointed at “tackling everything from climate resilience and biodiversity to urban health and technology and innovation”.
The full list is given below, along with some selected details that have been progressively released so far, added under:
Age Friendly Communities and Landscapes
Climate Action
Desertification and Sustainable Land Management
IFLA President Bruno Marques announced the initiative on 16 April as part of World Landscape Architecture Month (a video of Bruno announcing the Working Programmes is available to watch on the @iflaworld Instagram page).
IFLA has now put out a call for participants to register to take part, with a range of opportunities for landscape architects and related professionals to contribute their expertise and passion. The intention is that each programme will work as a collaborative platform for engagement in research, knowledge sharing, and advocacy to address critical issues and advance the profession of landscape architecture.
By joining a Working Programme, participants will have the opportunity to:
Make a difference: Contribute to projects that address global challenges and promote sustainable development.
Expand your network: Connect with fellow professionals from around the world and build valuable relationships.
Develop your expertise: Deepen your knowledge and skills in specific areas of landscape architecture.
Shape the future: Influence the direction of the profession and contribute to IFLA's mission.
Prospective participants are informed that the average weekly time commitment is estimated to be around 4 hours, and are being invited to complete an application survey with a request to provide a 300-word statement explaining why they believe they would be a valuable asset to the group.
IFLA’s working programmes are:
Age-Friendly Communities and Landscapes: Promote the design of age-friendly communities and landscapes that support the needs of older adults, fostering active ageing, social inclusion, and well-being.
Children and Youth: Advocate for the importance of child-friendly and youth-oriented spaces in landscape design, promoting play, learning, and social development.
Climate Action: Develop and implement landscape-based solutions for climate change adaptation and mitigation, including strategies for carbon sequestration, urban heat island reduction, and climate-resilient design.
Desertification and Sustainable Land Management: Develop and promote landscape-based solutions for desertification prevention and mitigation, supporting the restoration of degraded lands and the rehabilitation of dryland ecosystems and promoting sustainable land management practices that enhance the resilience of dryland ecosystems and communities.
Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience: Develop and implement landscape-based strategies for disaster risk reduction and post-disaster recovery, promoting community resilience and preparedness.
Diversity, Equity, and Social Justice: Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the landscape architecture profession through advocacy and inclusive environments, and champion ethical, socially responsible practices addressing environmental justice, community engagement, and human rights.
Energy-Efficient Design: Promote the integration of energy efficiency, renewable energies, and energy transition principles into landscape architecture practice, encompassing the selection and application of sustainable materials.
Food Systems and Agriculture: Promote the integration of sustainable food systems and agriculture into landscape planning and design, enhancing food security and community health.
Heritage: Promote the conservation and enhancement of heritage in landscape architecture, recognizing the value of cultural landscapes and historical sites.
Indigenous Knowledge: Integrate Indigenous knowledge and perspectives into landscape architecture practice, recognizing the value of traditional ecological knowledge and cultural practices.
International Landscape Convention: Develop and promote the establishement of an International Landscape Convention with the UN agencies and different stakeholders
Landscapes for Cities, Settlements, and Territories: Promote the integration of landscape architecture into urban and regional planning, creating sustainable, resilient, and inclusive cities, settlements, and territories.
Migration and Inclusive Communities: Promote the design of inclusive and welcoming communities that support the integration of migrants and refugees, fostering social cohesion and cultural diversity.
Nature Conservation and Biodiversity: Develop and implement strategies for conserving biodiversity, restoring degraded ecosystems, and promoting the sustainable use of natural resources in landscape planning and design.
Sustainable Development Goals in Landscape Architecture: Integrate the UN Sustainable Development Goals into landscape architecture practice, promoting sustainable design, social equity, and environmental responsibility.
Technology and Innovation: Explore and promote the integration of technology in landscape architecture practice, including AI, AR, VR, IoT, digital design tools, performance simulation, smart technologies, and data-driven approaches.
Urban Health and Well-being: Promote the integration of health and well-being considerations in urban landscape design, fostering active living, social interaction, and access to nature.
Water Security and Management: Promote sustainable water management practices in landscape architecture, addressing water scarcity, drought, flooding, and water pollution.
Young Landscape Architects and Emerging Professionals: Support the professional development and leadership of young landscape architects through mentorship, networking opportunities, and international collaboration.