DanCER studies how to redesign landscapes so they restore nature while enhancing human life. By analysing how spatial patterns, ecosystems, and human land-use interact, the centre uses Denmark’s ongoing land-use reforms as a real-world laboratory to develop practical, science-based principles for creating biodiverse, climate-resilient, and socially valued landscapes.

Society invests billions in nature restoration and climate adaptation, yet we cannot reliably predict which projects will succeed or last. Ecological effects, landscape history, design, and human use are rarely studied together. Without predictive knowledge, large-scale landscape change risks wasting resources and public trust.

DanCER brings together ecologists, landscape researchers, and designers to study real changes as they happen. Using remotely sensed and historical data, field studies, and public input, the team will track what works, test alternative spatial configurations, compare predicted and observed outcomes, and iteratively refine models. This creates a shared knowledge base to guide landscape change.