Volker Beckmann

Prof. Dr. Volker Beckmann is Professor and Chairholder of General Economics and Landscape Economics at the Faculty of Law and Economics, Ernst Moritz Arndt University of Greifswald. His research focuses on sustainable land use, environmental and resource economics, paludiculture, and climate change mitigation, with extensive involvement in national and EU-funded projects such as Paludi4All, Moor-PV, and PaludiZentrale.

His research interests lie at the intersection of economics and environmental sustainability, particularly in the economic valuation of ecosystem services, policy design for land use transitions, and socio-economic aspects of peatland restoration. He emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, stakeholder engagement, and real-world policy impact. His work spans agricultural economics, bioeconomy, and climate policy, with a strong focus on transforming degraded landscapes into productive, climate-friendly systems.

The recent publications reflect a consistent trend in sustainability transitions, with emphasis on paludiculture, renewable energy integration on peatlands, grassland restoration, and climate adaptation in vulnerable regions. Methodologically, his work combines economic modeling, policy analysis, and qualitative assessments, often within transdisciplinary frameworks. Key themes include value chain development, incentive structures, and the socioeconomics of nature-based solutions.

Scientific Awards:

• No specific awards mentioned in the provided text.

Advising and Grants: Prof. Beckmann supervises a research group and has mentored junior scientists and students. He leads multiple funded research projects, including EU’s Paludi4All (2025–2029), BMBF’s Moor-PV (2024–), and the long-term PaludiZentrale (2023–2033), demonstrating sustained success in securing competitive research funding. His team collaborates with institutions like the Thünen Institute, Michael Succow Foundation, and international partners in Central Asia and Europe.

Labs and Teams: He leads the Landscape Economics research group (AG Landschaftsökonomie) at the University of Greifswald, which is actively involved in coordinating national paludiculture initiatives, conducting socioeconomic analyses, and supporting policy development. The team participates in regular workshops and field activities, such as the 2023 team-building event on Hiddensee, reflecting a collaborative and interdisciplinary research culture.