Narrating plural democratic landscape transformation through a Needs-Care-Justice framework

Area of Science:

• Environmental Studies
• Social Sciences
• Sustainability Science

Background:

• Landscapes are complex arenas shaped by crises, values, and power imbalances.
• Conventional approaches often ignore the role of narratives and power in shaping sustainability visions.
• Existing methods may marginalize certain futures and perspectives.

Purpose of the Study:

• Introduce the Needs-Care-Justice framework for analyzing landscape narratives.
• Support diverse actors in understanding and contesting landscape visions.
• Facilitate the co-production of plural and democratic transformation pathways.

Main Methods:

• The framework integrates three modes: mapping and diagnosis, deliberative reflexivity, and transformative design.
• It allows flexible entry points for various contexts and priorities.
• An illustrative fictional case study demonstrates its application.

Main Results:

• The framework helps surface hidden needs and assumptions about care and responsibilities.
• It highlights justice claims within landscape transformations.
• It supports reflexive narration, acknowledging plurality, positionality, and conflict.

Conclusions:

• The Needs-Care-Justice framework offers a multidimensional approach to landscape analysis.
• It promotes democratic engagement and transformation pathways.
• It encourages critical reflection on narratives and power in sustainability efforts.