Gomes, EduardoBanos, ArnaudAbrantes, PatríciaRocha, Jorge2022-02-162022-02-162022Gomes, E., Banos, A., Abrantes, P. & Rocha, J. (2022). Future land use/cover changes and participatory planning. In: P. Pereira, E. Gomes, & J. Rocha. (ed.). Mapping and forecasting land use: the present and future of planning (pp. 29-44). Elsevier. ISBN:97803239094719780323909471http://hdl.handle.net/10451/51335Globally, land use/cover is facing irreversible damages caused by human activities and climate changes. These damages have occurred as a result of land conversions from natural and semi-natural areas to anthropogenic uses such as urbanization and intensive agricultural practices. Land conversions correspond to one of the main environmental threats characterized by a complex interconnection between different dimensions. One of the better approaches to assess these threats is through the creation of effective land-use planning instruments with the support of stakeholders. This can contribute to helping decision-makers to better identify, evaluate, and anticipate potential land-use changes. This chapter proposes a conceptual framework to develop a better participatory planning process using complex spatial models and by engaging stakeholders. It is divided into four steps: (i) problem identification (by identifying the case study/stakeholders) and establishing a time horizon); (ii) future needs (by designing ‘what-if’ scenarios); (iii) simulation of scenarios (by using spatially explicit dynamic models to explore future land use and land cover changes); and (iv) policy recommendations (by creating land-use strategies). This analysis suggests that more participative planning and more action-oriented territorial development is required.engFuture land use and land cover changesStakeholders’ engagementParticipatory planningDecision-making processbook part