Document_Building economic structures for conservation of biodiversity, addressing climate change mitigation and adaptation in our commonlands. The important role of women
This past June, something special happened across three online sessions — and we’re thrilled to share the minutes with you!
Over the 25th, 26th, and 30th of June 2025, the Wonder Commonlands community came together on Zoom to explore a question that sits at the heart of our work: how can we build sustainable economic models that protect biodiversity in our commonlands — and what role do women play in making that happen?
Spoiler: a huge one. Often unrecognized, but absolutely essential.
From the breathtaking mountain villages of Zagori in Greece to the prehistoric landscapes of Varshets in Bulgaria, from the pastoral hills of Abruzzo to the islands of Lemnos and Kythera — the stories shared across these three days were inspiring, grounded, and full of real-world wisdom. We heard from ecomuseums, business incubators, farming cooperatives, and researchers who are quietly (and not so quietly!) transforming rural life.
We talked about mentorship, about seed saving, about bureaucracy and wolves, about care work that never gets counted, and about the power of women’s networks — even WhatsApp groups — to combat isolation and spark creativity in the most remote places.
The conversations were honest, the recommendations were bold, and the energy was unmistakably hopeful.
Ready to dive in? You can read the full minutes below — and if anything resonates, we’d love to hear from you. Click in the images
