The American Society of Landscape Architects Fund awarded EFC a new grant to create two resource guides on the economic benefits of landscape architecture and nature-based solutions. The lead developer of the guides is EFC's Dr. Jennifer Egan, PhD.
Landscape architects maximize the benefits of nature-based solutions through design. Their work on nature-based solutions creates economic benefits in five key areas:
- Improved Human Health and Livability
- Expanded Investment and Sustainable Jobs
- Increased Biodiversity
- Going Beyond Net-Zero
- Strengthened Resilience
Dr. Egan will develop guides that outline the economic benefits of landscape architecture and nature-based solutions across these areas. The first guide will make the economic case for nature-based solutions and the added value of landscape architects' planning and design work to a broad public audience. The second guide will introduce the tools landscape architects can use to make the economic case for their climate and biodiversity projects to clients.
ASLA’s Climate Action Plan identified the need for these guides, which will be published on ASLA.org in advance of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. ASLA is an official observer of the COP process, and its representatives will attend COP29.
“Landscape architects bring nature-based solutions to where people live – to their streets, parks, plazas, and recreational areas. With Dr. Egan’s research, we will be able to show the economic benefits of this important work to policymakers and the public,” said Torey Carter-Conneen, ASLA CEO.
“We know that landscape architects design nature-based solutions to the climate and biodiversity crises. But how they do that is key: they design them to be even more effective and inclusive and to provide even greater benefits.”
The guides will be released at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan.
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