District of Oldenburg (Germany)

Mutual learning is a fundamental aspect in transdisciplinary sustainability research. It is considered as increasing the knowledge of participants, along with an appreciation of the multiple perspectives co-existing in the process. Mutual learning is also one of the prerequisites for the creation of socially and culturally robust knowledge. In order to facilitate those learning processes case-based Mutual Learning Sessions (cbMLS) serve as a transdisciplinary workshop format that aims to organize mutual learning, knowledge integration and transfer, among people from different disciplines, fields of action and societal domains. A goal is to support learning from, with and between cases and to develop a concrete outcome – such as policy orientations – for the case study sites. The cbMLS at the Leverage Points 2019 conference will focus on both the case of the district of Oldenburg and of Southern Transylvania. Both case study areas are confronted with intensive landscape changes which have ecological, economic, social and cultural consequences. A focus of the cbMLS will be on reactions and attitudes towards these changes. Pro-active attitudes and beliefs are dependent on perceived agency in both cases. Therefore, participants from both cases will be present in the cbMLS. The session consists of the preparation of a shared booklet at the forefront, an excursion to the Oldenburg district on the day before the conference, further sessions, and a presentation of results on the first conference day.