African Landscape Network (ALN): A Platform for Collaboration
AFRICAN LANDSCAPE NETWORK
AFRICAN LANDSCAPE NETWORK
The African Landscape Network (ALN) is an online map-based interface that features a landscape-focused platform, and an ever-growing database of individuals, organisations and projects across the African continent on two separate maps: The Individuals Map, and Projects Map.
The African Landscape Convention (ALC), which forms the backbone of the ALN is a convention drafted by IFLA Africa as a tool for professionals and academics to inform and educate future leaders working with landscapes of all scales. IFLA Africa's vision is for the principles and values contained in the ALC to be applied and shared through a network of professionals, individuals, firms, or organisations, such as landscape architects, engineers, geographers, conservationists, planners, urban designers, and ecologists.
Projects submitted to the ALN must demonstrate alignment with the principles of the ALC and contribute to at least one of the United Nations’ seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These criteria ensure that selected work is inclusive, contextually responsive, and committed to advancing sustainable approaches to landscape planning, design, management, and heritage conservation.
The ALN’s interactive mapping tool acts as a valuable digital infrastructure for uniting landscape professionals, amplifying project visibility, and embedding landscape principles into Africa’s sustainable development agenda. By aligning with the SDGs, the platform raises awareness and encourages local custodianship of landscape values, equipping individuals and communities to take on active roles in sustainable planning and conservation.
In conclusion, the African Landscape Network represents a powerful and evolving platform that bridges knowledge, innovation, and collaboration across the African continent. By integrating the principles of the African Landscape Convention and aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals—particularly Goal 17—the ALN not only showcases exemplary landscape work but also nurtures a culture of shared responsibility and empowerment. As it grows, the ALN will continue to play a vital role in shaping sustainable, inclusive, and locally grounded landscape practices, reinforcing the importance of partnerships in driving meaningful environmental and social change across Africa.
Please click HERE for to access the African Landscape Network site.
The Core Team consisted of four South African professional landscape architects, one of whom lives and works in Morocco, who drove the process from the start. The different landscape architects had distinct roles on the project, but included the following tasks:
- Conceptual development of the project
- Design and development of the online platform using ArcGIS online as a tool with the various apps available as part of ESRI. (ESRI provided technical support on an ad hoc basis).
- Recruiting of the advisory panel
- Facilitation and participation of monthly workshops with the Advisory Panel
- Compilation of terminology, navigation between the different organisations and finding consensus through reconciling opposing views within the advisory panel
- Problem solving
- Bidding for funding including writing of proposals
- UNESCO close-out reports
- Ongoing maintenance of the online platform