This MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) was created by fifteen PhD candidates from leading Universities around Europe specializing in landscape histories and futures. Thanks to TerraNova, the European Landscape Learning Initiative, these researchers were able to develop a unique course focused on analyzing landscapes throughout the past, present, and future. 


The course is designed for a global audience. Experience the depth and diversity of knowledge shared by these experts in this course. Enroll now to gain access.

Course curriculum

    1. 0.1 Course welcome

    2. 0.2 Meet the team

    3. 0.3 Learning with Thinkific

    4. 0.4 Meet the consortium

    1. 1.1 Introduction

    2. 1.2 Earth sciences: What are natural landscapes and processes?

    3. Your favourite landscape

    4. 1.3 What is Human Impact on Landscape?

    5. 1.4 Why do landscapes and their condition matter?

    6. 1.5 Quiz Natural processes and human Impacts

    7. 1.6 Final Reflection

    8. Additional reading and references

    1. 2.1 Introduction

    2. 2.2 Learning from the human past

    3. 2.3 Learning from the ecological past

    4. 2.4 Proxies, data collection, and methodology

    5. 2.5 Multi-proxy frameworks: the real world

    6. 2.6 Quiz Learning from the past

    7. 2.7 Reflection

    1. 3.1 Introduction

    2. 3.2 Models and modelling

    3. 3.3 Climate modelling

    4. 3.4 Vegetation modelling

    5. 3.5 Skeptical science

    6. 3.6 Agent-based modelling

    7. 3.7 Multi-model frameworks

    8. 3.8 Quiz Models in a landscape context

    9. 3.9 Reflection

    1. 4.1 Introduction

    2. Reflection

    3. 4.2 Introduction of current challenges

    4. 4.3 Land use trajectories in the EU

    5. 4.4 Main land use trajectories in the EU

    6. 4.5 Ecological restoration of landscapes and novel ecosystems

    7. 4.6 Rewilding European landscapes: Multiple perspective

    8. 4.7 Wrap up

    9. 4.8 Quiz Challenges in Landscape Management

    10. 4.9 Reflection

    11. Additional reading and References

    1. 5.1 Introduction

    2. Reflection

    3. 5.2 Definitions and concepts

    4. 5.3 Scenarios for policy making - requirements, recommendations

    5. 5.4 How to build scenarios with stakeholders ?

    6. 5.5 Example 1 - How to consider nature in the process

    7. 5.6 Example 2 - LUCC scenarios implementation

    8. 5.7 Wrap Up

    9. 5.8 Quiz Looking forward

    10. 5.9 Reflection

    11. Additional reading and references
  • Free
  • 53 lessons
  • Case studies
  • Additional reading and references


Enroll in the TERRANOVA MOOC to learn how interdisciplinary research with long-term perspectives can inform future decision making, especially in the realm of sustainable landscape management. Our main objective is to generate knowledge that can be applied to policy making in this important area.

In this course you will...

  • Discover the interdisciplinary framework of landscapes with us, gaining valuable insights along the way.

  • Explore the long-term history of landscape management and develop a deep understanding of this important subject.

  • Learn about method development and scientific approaches to landscapes, expanding your knowledge in these areas.

  • Stay up-to-date on the current threats facing landscapes and understand how to address them.

  • Gain a thorough understanding of the main stakeholders in landscape management and learn how to effectively engage with them.

  • Discover how to influence policies related to landscapes and make a meaningful impact in this important field.

This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 innovation and research program.