A Year of Progress and Promise from IFLA President Bruno Marques

A Year of Progress and Promise from IFLA President Bruno Marques

As 2024 comes to an end, the International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA) reflects on a year marked by extraordinary engagement, impactful partnerships, and significant strides in advancing the profession of landscape architecture on a global stage.

There are many accolades to celebrate. Here is a quick summary:

  • IFLA World Congress in Istanbul: Our annual congress was a resounding success, bringing together landscape architects from around the world for a dynamic exchange of knowledge, ideas, and best practices. Through a robust series of roundtable discussions, we strengthened our ties with UN agencies and global partners. The congress was a powerful reminder of the crucial role of landscape architecture in addressing global challenges such as climate change, rapid urbanization, and the need for equitable and inclusive communities.

  • A Voice at the COPs: IFLA actively participated in the three COPs held this year—COP16 on biodiversity, COP29 on climate change, and COP16 on desertification. Led by Pamela Conrad and Kotchakorn Voraakhom, we launched the Works With Nature guide in collaboration with the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) at COP29. Our presence at these critical summits underscored our commitment to environmental stewardship and highlighted the vital role of landscape architects in mitigating climate change, conserving biodiversity, and combating desertification.

  • Strengthening Ties with UN Agencies: At the World Urban Forum, we celebrated the signing of an MoU with UN-Habitat to address urgent urban challenges by leveraging landscape architecture to design resilient, sustainable, and inclusive urban spaces. We also forged stronger partnerships with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) Urban Health Programme.

  • Working Alongside Our Global Partners: We established impactful MoUs and partnerships with key organizations such as the World Green Infrastructure Network (WGIN), the Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture (CELA), and the Urban Biodiversity Network (URBIO). These complement the successful MoUs already signed with the International Society for Urban Health (ISUH), the Circular Cities Network (CCN), and the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH). Additionally, we have also reigned our work with ISOCARP (International Society of City and Regional Planners) and the UIA (International Union of Architects) and the International Union of Architects (UIA). These partnerships amplify our collective voice and expand our capacity to address critical global issues.

  • IFLA Awards: We celebrated the exceptional contributions of our members through award programs, including the Sir Geoffrey Jellicoe Award, bestowed upon James Corner, and the IFLA President’s Award, presented to Prof. Maria Ignatieva. Additionally, regional awards such as the IFLA AAPME Awards and the IFLA ME Landscape Awards recognized design excellence, innovation, and the transformative power of landscape architecture.

  • IFLA Global Studio: The IFLA Global Studio Programme (GSP) marked an important milestone as our first step toward integrating global landscape architecture academia. Through four student charettes tied to major events across four IFLA regions, the program fostered future leadership and established a global network of educational institutions. With participation from 20 universities and 40 students, this initiative has been incredibly successful.

  • Corporate Members: We welcomed the Lappset Group to our Corporate Membership program and renewed our partnerships with CLARB and LAND F/X. Stay tuned as we anticipate more corporate members joining soon.

  • Advocacy and Outreach: IFLA continued championing the role of landscape architects in creating sustainable and resilient communities. We engaged with policymakers, industry leaders, and the public to promote the value of our profession and its contributions to a better future. Our regions actively lobbied for professional advancements and organized numerous meetings to highlight the importance of the profession. We also launched the IFLA Pairing North-South Project to bridge the gap between the Global North and the Global South.

  • Education and Capacity Building: To support the next generation of landscape architects, we mapped global educational programs to better allocate resources. Our three standing committees—CER, EAA, and PPP—organized workshops, seminars, and public lectures to raise awareness of landscape architecture’s role in addressing contemporary challenges.

  • Governance: IFLA initiated a comprehensive review of its governance structure to ensure it remains effective, transparent, and responsive to the evolving needs of members and the profession. This review aims to optimize our organizational structure, enhance decision-making processes, and better resource our secretariat.

Building on the momentum of 2024, IFLA is poised for an even more impactful 2025. We will continue expanding our global network, championing sustainable practices, empowering future leaders and advocating for the profession.

IFLA's achievements are a direct result of the dedication, passion, and creativity of our members. We celebrate your commitment to excellence and your unwavering efforts to create a better world through landscape architecture.

As we embark on 2025, we encourage you to share your expertise, engage with IFLA and advocate for the profession. Together, we can create a more sustainable, resilient, and beautiful world for generations to come.

NewsSally RobertshawYear, Review, Bruno Marques