





Until the mid-1990s of the last century, agroecology was understood as the science of applying concepts derived from ecological research to the design and management of agroecosystems. At the beginning of the new millennium, this definition was expanded to include considerations of the entire food system. Thus a scientific definition emerged that went beyond pure natural science and became interdisciplinary. Questions of knowledge integration, education, smallholder agriculture and food sovereignty and circular economy were also emphasized more strongly. In agroecology, we consider the entire food system, including the economic framework, human-nature relations and ongoing discourses.
We cannot solve today’s multiple, converging and accelerating crises with uni-dimensional, linear, reductionist or mechanistic responses. We need, rather, to embrace a food systems approach with solutions that have multiple, converging and positively reinforcing outcomes that bring beneficial synergistic effects across multiple domains. Transformative agroecology, for example, is not only productive, resilient, adaptable and profitable, but also focuses on agency, democracy, equity, rights and ecological renewal.
The report on the scientific perspective on the project "Ecosystem Künstlerdorf - Learning from Nature" has been published. It describes the challenges, opportunities and potentials of a socio-ecological transformation process of an art institution. And it explores for this case study, how permaculture, gardening and 'learning from nature' were used as inspiration with the aim to build a just and sustainable community.
Steinhäuser, Cornelia (2022). Begegnungen mit Mensch und Natur im Künstlerdorf Schöppingen: Socializing with people and nature at the Künstlerdorf. In Julia Haarman (Ed.), Ecosystem Künstlerdorf (pp. 21–41). Stiftung Künstlerdorf Schöppingen.
Tillmann Buttschardt and Cornelia Steinhäuser, together with IFPRI, are offering a side event. We explore the question to what extent gender-responsive approaches can lead to more resilience in the face of current crises. We have invited two experts in agroecology: William Moseley and Rachel Bezner-Kerr. The side event will be livestreamed.
As part of the Agroecology seminar, we visited two farms that practice Regenerative Agriculture. Together with the farm managers we observed and discussed from an agronomic and landscape ecological point of view how the so-called five principles of Regenerative Agriculture are (can be) implemented for more humus build-up and soil health, namely: keep soil covered; minimum soil disturbance, maximize diversity, maintain living root and holistic management.
As part of the planning of the Münster Compost Festival, we participated in a tour of the composting plant and other facilities.
The IGU Commission Excellence Award winner for 2021 is the IGU Commission on Rural Sustainability, where Cornelia Steinhäuser is member of the Steering Committee.
We visited two farms that aim to protect the soil through their regenerative practices and to farm in a natural and energy-efficient way.
ongoing:
Analyses of critical factors of conservation of native species in Agroforestry systems in temperate regions and the tropics (Ana Lucía Cadena González de Thiele)
successfully completed:
Steinhäuser, Cornelia (2022). Begegnungen mit Mensch und Natur im Künstlerdorf Schöppingen: Socializing with people and nature at the Künstlerdorf. In Julia Haarman (Ed.), Ecosystem Künstlerdorf (pp. 21–41). Stiftung Künstlerdorf Schöppingen.