Conversation Guide

Resiliency takes a collaborative effort in any arena. The Regenerate conference has illuminated, time and time again, diversities of innovative and collaborative restoration projects. These projects work across many different ecological fields, including watershed health, ecological function, soil health, and more. 

This panel brings together a group of folks to discuss unique and emergent forms of collaborative land restoration that are currently taking place in hopes to inspire conference participants to connect and collaborate with one another. 

Interdependency- A form of symbiosis, of mutual benefit to parties involved. This can be between both human and non-human organisms.

Emancipatory Approach- the encouragement of people to develop the awareness that an injustice exists, and through the process of reflexivity, they can deeply examine the processes of power that create injustice to then engage in activities that will lead to equitable outcomes.  

Indigenous Understanding- Skills and philosophies developed by societies with long histories of interaction with their natural surroundings. 

• In working across boundaries, what are some new or differing concepts of restoration that you have not typically considered?
  • Is there anything that you are unwilling to consider? Why?
• What are ways that you or your organization create systems of reciprocity vs transactional collaborations?
• What land restoration work are you involved with (or aware of) that could benefit (or already does) from including diverse voices and ideas?
  • Who needs to be more intentionally included?
• How do we, collaboratively, build on existing work toward a more equitable, biodiverse, and regenerative future? 
  • What inputs are needed?

• How does my work connect with this?
• How could my work connect more deeply into this space?
• Are there concepts/ideologies from this plenary that I should shape my work going forward?
• Conversely, are there concepts/ideologies in the way that I currently work that need to let go of?  What will it take to do so?

Organizations/Projects to Check Out:

Quivira Coalition’s Carbon Ranch Initiative

New Mexico Coalition to Enhance Working Lands

Western Landowners Alliance, and their campaign for the NM Agriculture and Natural Resources Trust Fund

Nuestra Tierra Conservation Project

NM State Land Office

East Jemez Landscape Futures

The Sage Grouse Initiative

Conservation International

US Forest Service Shared Stewardship Program

Additional reading:

Books:

Grassroots: The Rise of the Radical Center by Courtney White

Revolution on the Range: The Rise of a New Ranch in the American West by Courtney White

Articles:

Ecospheric Care Work

Conservation and Restoration of Our Precious Land

New Mexico Forest and Watershed Restoration Institute on why we need to collaborate

Other Media:

Collaboration and Innovation for a Better Rural West – article with accompanying video

Relate! The Importance of Relationship in Regenerative Agriculture Panel – Regenerate 2019

Funding Sources:

#NoRegrets Initiative

Clean Water State Revolving Fund

List of funding opportunities in conservation

More Conversation Guides