Zeitz, Jana Friederike

ILS-researcher Michael Kolocek has published a paper in the journal “Cities”. The article summarizes the main findings of the Z³ research project („Zusammenhalthochdrei“) from the perspective of property rights theory. The study focuses on the land acquisition process in several affected villages and how residents were compensated for their losses. It critically evaluates whether the principle of social compatibility achieved its intended goals. The situation in these areas is unique, as some villages initially designated for removal were later spared due to revised mining plans. Two theoretical concepts are discussed: solastalgia, which describes the relationship between ecosystem health and human well-being and explaining the psychological impact of these turbulent experiences; and solatium, an international concept used to compensate for emotional distress and pain caused by losing one’s home. Although solatium does not exist in German law, the paper shows how stakeholders sought to mitigate economic and emotional harm through an innovative compensation approach combined with participatory measures. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cities.2025.106273. Further current selected papers can be found here.

ILS researcher Barbara Schröter, in collaboration with several colleagues, has published an article in the journal “ecosystem services”. The article covers how justice is conceptualized in ecosystem services research. They identified five different framings, that each render different (in)justices (in)visible. The diversity of framings emphasizes the importance of considering multiple perspectives on justice. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoser.2025.101755. Further current selected papers can be found here.