In this research cluster, we argue that a harmonious evolution of cities requires a redefinition of rural development, which emphasizes both the specificities and the primary functions of rural life: providing a quality environment, offering sustainable agriculture and food, fostering participation...

On the ontological level, we see no separation between humans and nature (the concept of nature subsumes the concept of human), or nature and culture. We aim to develop systemic approaches, focusing on the links and relationships between entities rather than on the entities themselves. We generally adopt a post-normal scientific research posture, where researchers admit their non-neutrality and place their expertise at the service of society, in the face of urgent interacting socio-environmental issues (e.g. the climate crisis and the collapse of biodiversity). This cluster therefore mobilizes participatory approaches (e.g. co-construction of research) to facilitate and promote transition processes, notably through the development of networks of (transitioning) players. More specifically, we draw on approaches such as integrated ecosystem services assessment and political agroecology. Societal impacts are linked to the restoration of biodiversity and ecosystem services in agricultural territories and to the reterritorialization of food systems for greater sustainability.

Examples of key research questions:

• How can we better integrate the great values of nature into decision-making for sustainable territorial management?
• What are the main locks and levers of agroecological transitions?
• How can we develop socially just and ecologically sustainable food systems?

These questions can be and are being addressed in projects funded by European (e.g. Biodiversa calls, Axis-JPI calls on climate or water), Belgian (e.g. Belspo, FNRS) or the Walloon region (SPW). In the future, we hope that broader funding for participatory action research will be adopted by the SPW, following Get Up Wallonia and the post-covid development phase.

• 2019-2024: Socioeconomic development, community dynamics, and cultural recognition in Ocongate. A multidisciplinary analysis of the challenges of economic modernization in an Andean region | S. Leyens
• 2020-2023: Developing transformative urban adaptation strategies based on cell phone data | S. Dujardin & C. Linard
• 2019-2021: Support Unit for the Development of Geographical Indications and Products of Differentiated Quality | N. Aucuit & I. Parmentier
• 2016-2021: Social justice implications of land use change in the Philippines uplands : Analysis of the Socio-economic drivers and impacts on the land and its people (LUCID) | S. Leyens