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Transdisciplinary practice is considered essential for achieving multifunctional landscapes in cities. But we lack empirical evidence and frameworks that could help us clarify its role and scope. This study seeks to offer empirical evidence by comparing the role of transdisciplinary practice in two projects delivering multifunctional landscapes. What disciplinary dynamics played out in these projects, and what strategies did practitioners use to bring actors together? Using semi-structured interviews, and document analysis, we found different disciplinary dynamics and strategies at play across preparation and transition project phases linked by a window of opportunity. Transdisciplinary practices featured mainly in the preparation project phase, which was characterized by exploring strategies and establishing leaderships and networks that integrate and build knowledge. During this phase, practitioners applied strategies to highlight the relevance of environmental problems, and to get support from different sectors and audiences. Once practitioners found consensus on common targets and obtained support, decision-making processes became less complex, and time became a priority. In the transition phase, improvisation and flexibility were needed to manage problems in different domains. In this phase, transdisciplinary practice ceased to be relevant, and multidisciplinary, monodisciplinary, and interdisciplinary practices dominated, depending on the expertise required to fulfil project objectives and the need for people to work concurrently to meet specific time frames. Here, practitioners applied strategies, but these were carefully chosen for specific audiences to avoid delays. We conclude that diverse disciplinary approaches are used to achieve multifunctional landscapes, and that transdisciplinarity is not the only path to success. Contextual factors will determine the disciplinary approaches needed across all phases. Practitioners wishing to use transdisciplinary practices beyond the initial project phase will require flexibility with regard to timing, concrete guidelines and formal institutional commitment to this approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global change is exacerbating the need for more effective mechanisms and approaches for working towards economic, social/cultural and environmental sustainability. It is now well recognised that science for sustainability will require integrated problem-focussed research that is by nature trans-disciplinary. Resolutions to both global and regional scale issues must involve participation of a diverse number of stakeholders. One region that would benefit greatly from such an integrated approach is the Northern Territory of Australia. This area is home to some of the most pristine savanna landscapes in the world and it is also occupied by one of the oldest living human cultures which are still in existence today. However, in recent years there has been increasing pressure to develop this region. The Northern Territory is also facing problems associated with having a growing Aboriginal population with deepening health and social problems. So as well as needing to facilitate adaptation in response to global change and development for economic prosperity of the region, there is an obligation to alter management practices to reduce social disadvantage. In light of this, it will be important that future landscapes are multifunctional and designed to ensure the preservation of biological and cultural diversity, as well as having provision for the livelihoods of the people that live within them. This article recommends the adoption of a landscape ecological approach for strategic development and sustainable planning, which captures and incorporates the values and identities of the different stakeholders, as well as engaging them in a continuous, adaptive process of planning and management, and in doing so discusses the importance of human ecological holism as part of the conceptual framework for landscape ecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been limited international research examining the recent trend to higher turnover in rural property ownership in developed nations. In this article we discuss findings from innovative Australian research that analyzed property sales records and spatially referenced rural landholder survey data. Large scale and increasing rates of turnover were identified with 50% of properties in our case study predicted to change ownership in the next decade, double the previous rate. New property owners are significantly different from longer term landholders in that they own smaller properties; are less likely to be farmers by occupation; self-report lower levels of knowledge of land management; are more likely to value conservation over agricultural production; and are less likely to adopt recommended sustainability practices. We explore the implications of these trends for natural resource management, including the difficulties of engaging an increasing number of nonfarmer and absentee landholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]