Tractor plowing a field at sunset in beautiful sunlight falling through trees and dust with light and shadow effects, no logos or faces Developed by HFFA Research and published in collaboration with the Ruhr-Forschungsinstitut für Innovations- und Strukturpolitik e.V. (RUFIS), this study explores the Agri-Ecological Partnership (AEP) concept as a pragmatic framework to mediate between competing land use interests, particularly intensive agriculture and biodiversity conservation.
Agricultural land use spans a vast share of the Earth’s surface, exerting significant pressure on ecosystems and natural resources. Climate change, demographic trends, and economic expansion further amplify this pressure, often giving rise to conflict between agricultural intensification and environmental protection. Traditional confrontations between farmers and environmental advocates highlight the need for cooperative models that align production goals with conservation imperatives.
The study reviews theoretical foundations and real-world strategies for resolving land use conflicts, focusing on the AEP model. Designed as a systemic, incentive-compatible, and cost-efficient approach, AEP provides a structure for negotiation and cooperation among stakeholders. The research defines key principles for operationalizing AEP, with recommendations for pilot implementation to test its practical viability.
The AEP model proposes a structured negotiation framework for aligning biodiversity protection with agricultural productivity.
It emphasizes environmental and economic efficiency, social fairness, and conflict resolution.
The study outlines actionable steps for designing a pilot project to test the concept in a real-world context.
