PlaCES: Enhancing Landscape Planning and Cultural Ecosystem Services in Higher Education
Short description
The PlaCES project, funded under the Erasmus+ KA220-HED partnership in higher education, aims to integrate Cultural Ecosystem Services (CES) into landscape planning, design, and conservation education in EU higher education institutions (HEIs). Building on the concept of CES, which encompasses cultural, aesthetic, and community benefits from natural environments, PlaCES seeks to enrich students’ understanding of sustainable landscapes. The project combines disciplines such as urban planning, conservation, and ecological engineering, creating a transdisciplinary learning experience.
Project Objectives and Activities
PlaCES will engage over 120 students and 12 researchers across 4 HEIs: the University of Gothenburg (Sweden), Università degli Studi Roma Tre (Italy), Hochschule Geisenheim (Germany), and The École nationale du génie de l'eau et de l'environnement de Strasbourg (France). Activities include webinars, fieldwork focused on riverscapes, an intensive course, and an e-learning module. A central output is the PlaCES Methodology, a CES-focused approach that will guide curriculum development, promoting inclusive landscape planning that reflects community and environmental needs.
Expected Outcomes and Impact
PlaCES will enhance HEI curricula with new CES-integrated courses, establish a Common Sharing Platform for CES resources, and foster collaborations across disciplines and borders. This project ultimately aims to equip students with the skills necessary to address ecological and social challenges in landscape planning, supporting sustainable development and cultural heritage preservation.