Impact Assessment for Multifunctional Land Use

Land is a scarce resource that has to fulfill many functions in addition to the production of food and fiber. Functions include water regulation, carbon sequestration, biodiversity pool, area for settlement and infrastructure, human health and recreation, employment and space for economic activities. In many regions of the world these functions have to be fulfilled simultaneously in space and time. This paper outlines the role of multifunctional land use for sustainable development and how ex-ante impact assessment can support decision making and management on land use towards a balanced performance of the land use functions portfolio. Latest scientific concepts are presented and a case examples given.