At Unearthodox, regeneration is not just a concept – it represents a pathway to systemic change. Through the Regenerative Futures programme, Unearthodox is exploring the full potential of regeneration – its strengths, limitations and capacity to drive deep, systemic change. 

Key questions guiding this exploration:

• Whose voices and values should shape this vision?
• How can we embed justice, inclusivity and decolonisation at its core?
• What is needed to turn regeneration from an idea into a real-world impact?

The growing interest in regeneration reflects an urgent need to move beyond sustainability and rethink how societies and ecosystems can thrive together. However, despite its increasing popularity, the understanding of what truly regenerative systems look like at social-ecological scales is still evolving. Without careful consideration, there is a risk of replicating past limitations, such as vague definitions, greenwashing, and the appropriation of knowledge from Indigenous and local traditions, reinforcing colonial dynamics rather than challenging them.

Regeneration is not a new idea. Many Indigenous and community-based traditions have long embodied regenerative ways of living, guided by principles of reciprocity, interconnectedness and care for the land. Yet, these perspectives have often been overlooked or undervalued in dominant environmental and economic systems. For regeneration to drive real transformation, it must be grounded in a diversity of perspectives, particularly those historically excluded from mainstream narratives.

The Regenerative Futures Programme is not just about exploring ideas – it is about creating spaces for deep, systemic change, turning ideas into action. What makes this initiative different?

• Beyond Surface-Level Solutions: Rather than applying quick fixes, the programme focuses on exploring how regeneration can address the root causes of ecological and social challenges.
• Diverse and Inclusive Perspectives: This programme intentionally engages a broad range of voices – from local communities and artists to researchers, conservationists, social innovators and systems thinkers – to co-create a more just and inclusive vision for regeneration.
• A Living, Evolving Process: Unlike static initiatives, the Regenerative Futures Programme evolves in response to insights and emerging knowledge. It is designed to be adaptive, reflective and co-created with those at the forefront of regenerative thinking and practice.
• Bridging Ideas to Action: This programme aims to go beyond theory – it focuses on creating real pathways to implementation. Through targeted collaborations, mentorship, funding, and strategic support, it aims to provide the resources and networks needed to turn regenerative ideas into action.

By fostering collaboration, amplifying underrepresented perspectives and challenging dominant narratives, this programme seeks to ensure that regeneration is more than just a concept – it becomes a catalyst for real, lasting change.

The Advisory Group is a collective of cross-disciplinary experts who will provide strategic inputs and guide the evolution of the programme. They will challenge our assumptions, encourage bold ideas, and provide critical feedback, thus shaping the direction and impact of the programme. 

Over the past year, we have been in a process of deep inquiry, engaging with researchers, artists, practitioners, and communities to reimagine what regeneration truly means. Through this Reframing Phase, we explored the tensions that arise when regenerative principles intersect with real-world systems, the boundaries of what regeneration is not, and the core dimensions that help nurture regenerative practices. These insights are now captured in a detailed synthesis.