Give Peace a Chance

Namarjung, Western Development Region, Nepal ©Rebecca Zaal

As HLC enters an exciting new chapter, September presents an ideal moment for reflection, symbolising change, fresh beginnings, and the shifting landscapes of transition. This month pays tribute to the International Day of Peace observed on the 21st of September, offering a much needed reminder in today's global climate.

Over the last few years, we have witnessed extreme atrocities and ongoing forms of violence & genocide in Palestine, Sudan, and Congo, including other forms of wars. Our human rights are being encroached, institutional racism and neo-colonialism rears its ugly head globally, the ecosystems are in constant degradation, displacement and the challenges that the most vulnerable communities face due to the climate crisis are a daily reminder of a dystopian landscape.

In this context, our profession slowly comes to the understanding that we need to tackle and resolve these challenges to rebuild communities in a healthy and sustainable manner. Landscape architects around the world need to rethink what their role is in addressing social and environmental justice and international solidarity with the ones affected the most. In addition, we need to critically think about how to shape the current landscape through design and policy making. Because, without justice, peace can no longer be achieved - and peace is a crucial step in moving towards new beginnings.