Supported by key organizations including BMC, IGBC, CREDAI-MCHI, IIA, MEET in India, Incredible India, CEE, COA, BNHS, and several industry bodies, the Congress served as a robust platform to address the complex challenges emerging from rapid development. The event’s programming reflected the multidisciplinary ecosystem that landscape architecture thrives on—from urban planners and ecologists to designers, students, product manufacturers, and community artists.
Speaking about the vision behind the Congress, Urmila Rajadhyaksha, President of ISOLA, said: “We consciously brought together a comprehensive group of all stakeholders—from delegates and students to plant nurseries, product manufacturers, and community artists. This event evolved organically to reflect every component that constitutes the world of landscape architecture. ISOLA's core mission is to achieve the maximum possible Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in our projects, and this gathering has significantly strengthened that shared vision for a sustainable future.”
Emphasising the urgency of the theme, Devayani Deshmukh Upasani, Convenor of IFLA-APR 2025, noted: “‘Growth Paradox’ is a crucial call to action, challenging the kind of development we are pursuing. As we chase modernization, we often lose sight of direction. This conference is about integrating social and ecological ethics, blurring boundaries between research, pedagogy, and practice. Revisiting traditional wisdom is essential for addressing contemporary concerns such as unseasonal rains and climate instability. The support from the Municipal Corporation of Mumbai is a crucial step toward viewing the city’s open spaces more holistically.”
The Congress also featured inspiring insights from international leaders. Adriaan Geuze, Founder and Design Director of West 8 (Netherlands), remarked: “India is at an extraordinary moment of renaissance—economically, culturally, and socially. Unlike many nations that erase their past in the pursuit of growth, India has the rare ability to layer its cultures, rituals, histories, and languages. Combining this with ecological responsibility can help India create global benchmarks for cities that are happier, healthier, and future-ready.”
Paul Chan, President-Elect of IFLA-APR, highlighted the collaborative potential of the region: “India’s vast urban development and rich multicultural environmental context offer immense opportunities. ‘Growth Paradox’ rightly reminds us that economic progress must align with ecological and human well-being. Landscape knows no boundaries. Addressing climate change and biodiversity loss requires cities and countries to work together toward shared goals.”
The Congress offered a dynamic mix of expert talks, panel discussions, hands-on interactions, and a curated exhibition. A major highlight was the IFLA Global Studio Program and the launch of a student-researched Nature Culture Map of Mumbai, reflecting the next generation’s engagement with nature-driven urban thinking.
The event was supported by a strong exhibitor ecosystem, including partners across Platinum Premier, Platinum Elite, Gold Strategic, Silver Advantage, and Bronze categories, reinforcing the multidisciplinary nature of landscape architecture.
As the Congress concluded, delegates across countries reaffirmed the urgent need for a paradigm shift—one that moves beyond infrastructure-heavy growth to prioritize ecological sensitivity, cultural inclusion, and resilient urban systems. The collective resolve was clear: landscape-led development must be central to shaping future cities across Asia–Pacific, ensuring they evolve into sustainable, inclusive, and future-ready habitats for both human and non-human life.
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