Land Use Science is a powerful approach to detect, explain and compare land and resource use trends, and model their potential socio-ecological impacts. However to resolve conflicts over land control and resource access at extractive frontiers, fundamental transformations need to be concerted at scientific, political and societal levels. This Special Issue illustrates the multi-dimensionality of land use change at Latin American frontiers by exploring transdisciplinary cross-fertilization. Scientists, together with local actors can contribute to better understand, decide on, and shape land use trajectories and policies that can secure dignified lives for all, while keeping global demand for natural resources within planetary boundaries.