Institutional support for building resilience within rural communities characterised by multifunctional land use

Rural landscapes around the world are increasingly transitioning towards multifunctional land uses that mix traditional agricultural production with amenity consumption and environmental protection. Better understanding is needed about how to promote resilience of rural communities in areas of increasingly contested land use. This research examined changes in land use in the rural hinterland of the Noosa Biosphere Reserve in sub-tropical Australia. Data collection included an online survey of Noosa hinterland landholders and a series of workshops in the Biosphere’s rural communities, featuring interactive digital mapping to address geospatial land use classification and data gaps. Our study found the area had transitioned to multifunctional land uses of agriculture with lifestyle residents interested in sustainable land management, niche agricultural, and consumptive eco- and health-based tourism livelihoods. We also identified an ongoing need for support for collaborative social learning consistent with UNESCO Biosphere Reserves’ mandate as learning hubs. The study’s findings indicate that complementary local government planning policy plays a role in providing institutional support for resilient rural communities in multifunctional settings.