Glossary

A process that involves the organization and regulation of the human activity to ensure sustainable development, nature conservation, and optimal utilization of the land in the given area.

Definition developed by Simeon Vano and Peter Mederly of UKF Nitra.

A change in behavioural patterns, both in action and statements, associated with environmental impacts and land use change. This change can be driven both by external factors (e.g. the social-institutional environment such as social norms; economic context like infrastructure and technology) as well as by individual characteristics (e.g. skills, socio-demographics, experience, risk perceptions, individual values).

Definition developed by Marije Schaafsma of the VU Institute for Environmental Studies and Jan Urban of CzechGlobe.

A set of guidelines and principles designed to shape behaviour towards a desired goal. Policies cover a wide range of topics and can be designed to improve institutions and governance (e.g. in terms of implementation, and/or investment and actions) or to affect choices in the private sector and households.

Definition developed by Andrea Bassi of KnowlEdge SRL.

Sets of actors, or entities that are connected through processes and flows of materials, resources, knowledge and/or power. Systems can be defined as economic sectors (e.g. the food system), by policy topics (e.g. land use systems ), and by natural phenomena (e.g. ecosystems). They can also be less tangible and cross cutting (e.g. knowledge systems, power systems).

Definition developed by Julia Mildorfova Leventon of CzechGlobe.

A way of identifying, describing, and interpreting the complexity of the world (or a sector, or a given issue) by approaching it in terms of wholes and relationships rather than by assessing its parts in isolation.

Definition developed by Marco Guzzetti of KnowlEdge SRL.

A change within the system which further changes the resources or actors within the system, the way things flow around the system, and/or the purpose of the system (what it is for). Systems change can be transformative (e.g. when the purpose, design and materials all change), or can be small adjustments (e.g. when only materials are changed).

Definition developed by Julia Mildorfova Leventon of CzechGlobe.

Sustainability transformations result from structural, systemic, and enabling changes in the way societies are organized and governed. Such transformations require stewarding complex systems towards more desirable configurations and fostering capacities for change. Transformative processes simultaneously involve and engage with the practical, political, and personal spheres.

Definition developed by Guido Ganiglia of KLI.

Complex and interactive processes through which societies organize, coordinate, and manage their affairs towards reaching societal goals. Governance involves mechanisms, structures, and relationships that collectively facilitate binding decision-making, policy formulation, and implementation. Unlike traditional notions of government, governance emphasizes involvement of multiple actors, both public and private, and recognizes the importance of networks, partnerships, and collaborations.

Definition developed by Jens Newig of Leuphana University of Lüneburg.

A change in the state of the climate that can be identified (e.g., by using statistical tests) by changes in the mean and/or the variability of its properties and that persists for an extended period, typically decades or longer. Climate change may be due to natural internal processes or external forcings, or to persistent anthropogenic changes in the composition of the atmosphere or in land use.

Established IPCC definition.

The variability among living organisms from all sources including terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are a part. This includes variation in genetic, phenotypic, phylogenetic, and functional attributes, as well as changes in abundance and distribution over time and space within and among species, biological communities and ecosystems.

Established IPBES definition.

Well-being can comprise a mental, physical, economic and social state. It can be defined as a state when various human needs are fulfilled capturing both material and non-material ones. This can include basic materials for a good life, freedom and choice, health and physical well-being, ability to pursue one's goals and feel satisfied with one's life, good social relations, security, peace of mind and spiritual experience.

Definition developed by Marina Knickel of KLI, based on established definitions of IPBES and IPCC.