​Lucilla Borio is a dedicated advocate for social permaculture and community resilience. As a co-founder of the Torri Superiore Ecovillage in Italy, she has been instrumental in transforming a medieval village into a thriving eco-community.​

Lucilla co-facilitated the Erasmus+ training course “Learning from S.P.A.R.R.O.W.S” (Social Permaculture As a Resource for Regenerative Open and Welcoming Societies), bringing together youth workers from 11 countries to explore social permaculture principles. The course emphasized participatory methods to address migratory flows and community dynamics. ​

In collaboration with her partner, Massimo Candela, Lucilla has dedicated over 25 years to the retrofitting and management of Torri Superiore, emphasizing ecological sustainability and social justice. Her work reflects a commitment to creating inclusive and regenerative communities.

Massimo Candela is a permaculture educator, ecovillage co-founder, and sustainable agriculture advocate who has dedicated over 25 years to the transformation of Torri Superiore, a restored medieval village in Italy. As a founding member and current president of the Italian Permaculture Academy, Massimo has played a key role in spreading regenerative design across the country through hands-on courses and community-based projects.

He also serves as vice-president of Le Terre di Confine, a local network supporting ecologically and socially just enterprises. Alongside his partner Lucilla Borio, Massimo co-facilitated the S.P.A.R.R.O.W.S. training—bringing social permaculture tools to support inclusive and resilient communities. His work blends practical skills with a deep commitment to justice, ecology, and community resilience.

Pella Thiel is a Swedish ecologist, educator, and advocate for the rights of nature. She co-founded End Ecocide Sweden and Transition Sweden, working to integrate ecological perspectives into legal and societal frameworks. As a UN Harmony with Nature expert and author of Naturlagen, Pella promotes Earth-centered governance and has been instrumental in advancing the recognition of ecocide as an international crime. Her efforts have earned her accolades, including the 2023 Martin Luther King Prize and WWF Sweden’s Environmental Hero of the Year in 2019. Through her work, Pella inspires a shift towards a more harmonious relationship between humanity and the natural world.

https://pellathiel.se/

Kai Sawyer is an educator, speaker, and sustainability practitioner based in Chiba, Japan. He is the founder of Tokyo Urban Permaculture, a movement to regenerate the urban ecosystem through growing food and culture in Tokyo.

He teaches sustainable living, Nonviolent Communication (NVC), systems thinking, gift economy, healing depression and trauma, zen/mindfulness at universities, conferences, businesses, and community gatherings around the world since 2005. 

He has been featured in the Japanese media regularly as a leader in sustainability, and advises universities and government on topics regarding sustainability. He resides in Isumi City, Chiba with his family at the Peace and Permaculture Dojo, an educational center for regenerative (sustainable) living and design. 

Books: Urban Permaculture Guide (Japanese) and Our Earth Our Home (Originally Japanese, translated to English, Korean, Taiwanese, and Chinese).

Youtube: Tokyo Urban Permaculture

Kai’s TEDx talk: TEDxTodai (University of Tokyo) An Invitation to Stop

www.tokyourbanpermaculture.com 

https://peaceandpermadojo.wixsite.com/home

Megan Norgate is the Founder and Design Director of B-corp Architecture and Design studio Brave New Eco in Melbourne, Naarm. Megan has a holistic approach to creating design solutions by integrating the built, interior and ecological environments. She has developed a framework of design ethics and principles for her own practice seeking to resolve design problems with minimal, considered interventions using a resourceful and deeply responsive approach. Megan brings diverse influences to her work, having trained in Fine art, Film-making, Interior Design, Permaculture Design and as a Sustainable Design Consultant. Megan speaks and writes regularly on sustainable design topics for various publications and organisations, has developed sustainable and ethical design electives at the School of Architecture and Design RMIT, and is endlessly curious about design as a tool for ecological resilience and social change.

RELATIONSHIP TO THE PLUMMERY:

Megan collaborated with Kat Lavers over several years to ideate design solutions for her drafty Victorian cottage at the Plummery urban homestead, creating warm spaces brimming with beauty and craft.

braveneweco.com.au

Erin Axelrod is a partner and worker-owner at LIFT Economy, where she helps accelerate the spread of enterprises that are regenerative, just, and life-affirming. With a background in permaculture and cooperative economics, Erin works at the intersection of business, ecology, and social equity. She co-founded the Force for Good Fund, a $1.1 million initiative investing in women and BIPOC-led social enterprises, and co-authored The Next Economy MBA: Redesigning Business for the Benefit of All Life—a practical and visionary guide to transforming business for a better world.

At LIFT, Erin also convenes a regenerative agriculture investor network and leads a field-building initiative around restorative ocean economies. Her approach is rooted in systems thinking, deep collaboration, and care for the Earth and future generations.

Outside of her work, Erin finds joy in foraging wild foods, cultivating community, and practicing the values she teaches through everyday acts of regeneration and connection.

https://www.lifteconomy.com/

Kat Lavers is a small-space food production specialist, permaculture designer, and educator based in Naarm/Melbourne. At her 280-square-metre urban property, known as ‘The Plummery,’ she cultivates an abundant permaculture system that yields nearly all her household’s herbs, vegetables, fruits, and quail eggs—harvesting over 450 kilograms in 2020. ​

Kat is dedicated to reconnecting individuals with the land beneath their feet, emphasizing the joys and ecological benefits of growing food. Beyond her personal gardening endeavors, she collaborates with local councils to implement urban agriculture initiatives, notably contributing to the award-winning My Smart Garden education program. Her teaching portfolio spans 20 years and includes partnerships with esteemed permaculture figures such as Rosemary Morrow, David Jacke, and David Holmgren. Kat’s expertise has been showcased in various media outlets, including Gardening Australia, RetroSuburbia, and ABC Radio National’s Big Ideas.

Through her work, Kat inspires and empowers urban dwellers to transform limited spaces into productive, sustainable food gardens.

Professor Mary Graham is a respected Kombumerri Elder, philosopher, and academic whose work bridges Aboriginal knowledge systems and contemporary thinking. With wisdom, clarity, and generosity, she has spent decades sharing the profound principles of Aboriginal relationalism—centering connection to Country, the primacy of the land, and the importance of respectful, ethical relationships between all beings.

Her concept of relational accountability offers a transformative framework for understanding governance, ethics, and social cohesion—grounded in thousands of years of First Nations law and philosophy. Mary has taught across universities in Queensland and nationally, and her influence reaches across disciplines, from political science and ethics to ecology and law.

In collaboration with Dr. Michelle Maloney and others, Mary is co-developing the First Law project—bringing together First Nations and Western legal traditions to imagine Earth-centred governance rooted in care, reciprocity, and kinship with the living world. Her voice is a guiding light in conversations about deep belonging, justice, and planetary healing.

Dr. Michelle Maloney is a leading Earth lawyer, systems thinker, and changemaker dedicated to advancing Earth-centred governance and legal frameworks that recognise the rights of nature. As co-founder and National Convenor of the Australian Earth Laws Alliance (AELA), she brings together legal professionals, First Nations leaders, activists, and communities to explore new ways of living in right relationship with the Earth.

A key part of Michelle’s work is her long-standing collaboration with Professor Mary Graham, a renowned Kombumerri philosopher and elder. Together, they are co-creating frameworks for First Law and Earth jurisprudence—blending Indigenous knowledges with ecocentric legal thinking to foster regenerative futures grounded in kinship with Country.

Michelle also co-founded Future Dreaming and the New Economy Network Australia (NENA), and has worked across Australia and internationally on sustainability, climate justice, and ecological governance. Her work is deeply interdisciplinary, weaving law, ethics, economics, and culture into a powerful vision for an Earth-aligned future.

Albert Bates is a pioneering voice in the global sustainability movement, known for his work in permaculture, ecovillage design, biochar, and energy descent. A founding member of The Farm ecovillage in Tennessee, he has spent decades living and teaching regenerative systems that restore both people and planet.

A prolific author and educator, Albert has taught permaculture and climate resilience across six continents. His work with biochar—captured in books like The Biochar Solution and Burn—has helped shape global understanding of carbon drawdown and soil regeneration.

Albert’s latest book, Retropopulationism: Clawing Back a Stable Planet from Eight Billion and Change (2024), explores the intersection of ecological limits and sustainable population strategies. He is also a key contributor to the Global Ecovillage Network and a champion of low-carbon, resilient living.

Albert’s legacy is one of grounded innovation, bridging ancient wisdom and modern science to help communities navigate a just transition.

Maria Westerberg, known as Vildhjärta (Wild Heart), is a Swedish artist, poet, and author whose work is a love letter to the forest. Creating evocative sculptures from branches, roots, and forest debris, she transforms natural materials into what she calls “twig art”—playful, profound reflections on the human-nature connection.

Based in the woodlands of Värmland, Maria has turned her home into a living gallery where art and ecology coexist. Her books and exhibitions celebrate the wild beauty of the natural world, often born from her own healing journeys through grief and joy.

Through her art, writing, and public workshops, Maria invites others to rekindle their relationship with nature and to see the forest not just as a place—but as kin.

Originally from Brazil, Ruth is a systems activist, identifying key interventions in business, philanthropy and non-profit systems to support grassroots-led regenerative change. Besides leading Lush Cosmetics’ environmental strategy since 2004, and informed by her MSc in Advanced Environmental and Energy Studies, Ruth has co-founded many networks, initiatives, and non-profits in Brazil, US and the UK. She is a trustee and co-founder of Re-Alliance, a collective of practitioners bringing regenerative design to the humanitarian and development sectors, and is on the board of Terra Agora Foundation, an initiative working to liberate land from speculation into regeneration.

A passionate advocate for permaculture and systems change, Ruth brings regenerative design into the humanitarian and development sectors. Her work centres on relationship, reciprocity, and shifting resources to those protecting and restoring Earth’s living systems.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andraderuth/

https://www.re-alliance.org/

http://www.lush.de/

John Seed is an Australian environmentalist and founder of the Rainforest Information Centre, established in 1979 to protect rainforests globally. He has been a pivotal figure in the deep ecology movement, co-authoring “Thinking Like a Mountain: Towards a Council of All Beings” with Joanna Macy, Pat Fleming, and Arne Naess, introducing experiential practices to foster ecological awareness. In recognition of his contributions, John was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in 1995 for services to conservation and the environment. Beyond activism, he is an accomplished musician and filmmaker, producing environmental songs and documentaries to inspire action. Through workshops and lectures worldwide, John continues to advocate for a profound shift in human consciousness towards recognizing the intrinsic value of all life forms.

Renata Minerbo is a passionate philanthropic leader and systems thinker dedicated to supporting regenerative change from the ground up. As Head of Philanthropy at Be The Earth Foundation, Renata helps shape a bold and relationship-based approach to funding—centering trust, care, and collaboration. Her work focuses on nurturing grassroots initiatives in regenerative food systems, indigenous stewardship, and social justice, ensuring that resources flow to those doing the deep, vital work of transformation.

Renata believes that philanthropy can be an act of service and solidarity. At Be The Earth, she co-designs programs that decentralize decision-making and prioritize long-term partnerships over short-term fixes. With roots in architecture and social entrepreneurship in Brazil, she brings a unique design lens to the complex challenges of our time.

From supporting local seed networks to global gatherings, Renata’s work reflects a commitment to co-creating a world where people and planet thrive in reciprocity.

Seth Tabatznik is a musician, dedicated environmentalist, philanthropist, and entrepreneur committed to fostering regenerative practices and sustainable systems. In 2015, he co-founded 42 Acres in Somerset, UK, with his sister Lara. Originally conceived as a retreat center for personal and social change, 42 Acres has evolved into a regenerative farm and nature reserve, emphasizing practices such as agri-wilding and foraging to promote a harmonious relationship with the land. 

In 2019, Seth co-founded the Be The Earth Foundation with Renata Minerbo, a hybrid organization that integrates impact investing and philanthropy to support regenerative food systems and environmental stewardship. The foundation collaborates with farmers, activists, entrepreneurs, indigenous communities, and wealth holders to create systemic change through innovative funding models. 

Seth also serves on the boards of organizations like The DO, contributing his expertise to initiatives focused on social impact and sustainable development.

Mary Reynolds is an Irish landscape designer turned nature activist, renowned for her transformative approach to gardening and land stewardship. In 2002, she became the youngest contestant to win a gold medal at the Chelsea Flower Show with her Celtic Sanctuary garden, a journey later depicted in the 2016 film Dare to Be Wild. 

As the founder of the global movement “We Are the ARK” (Acts of Restorative Kindness), Mary advocates for returning gardens and public spaces to nature, promoting biodiversity and ecological restoration. Her philosophy encourages individuals to become guardians of their land, fostering habitats where native flora and fauna can thrive. ​

Mary is also the author of The Garden Awakening and We Are the ARK, where she shares insights on rewilding and sustainable gardening practices. Through her writings and activism, she inspires a harmonious relationship with the natural world, emphasizing the importance of co-creating with nature to heal the planet.

Holly Everett is a passionate educator, facilitator, and community weaver dedicated to creating spaces for meaningful learning and connection. As Director of Community at ThoughtBox Education, she leads programs that invite curiosity, reflection, and deep engagement with the world—supporting young people and educators to navigate complexity with compassion and courage.

With a background in English and Religious Education, Holly brings a love of story, questioning, and values-led learning to everything she does. She’s worked across the education and non-profit sectors for over a decade, developing impactful projects around wellbeing, climate justice, and social change.

Holly is also an Aspen UK Rising Leaders Fellow and co-host of the podcast Two Inconvenient Women, where she and Rachel Musson hold space for bold, thoughtful conversations. Her work is grounded in a belief that education can be a powerful force for healing, belonging, and reimagining the future.

​Rachel Musson is a dedicated educator, international speaker, and thought leader committed to transforming education for a sustainable future. As the founder and director of ThoughtBox Education, she champions the Triple Wellbeing approach, emphasizing care for self, others, and the planet. With over two decades of experience as a secondary school teacher and curriculum designer, Rachel collaborates with global leaders and educators to drive policy reform and facilitate workshops on regenerative education. An RSA fellow, she integrates empathy, critical thinking, and systems thinking into learning environments, aiming to empower students and teachers alike. Rachel’s commitment to fostering compassionate and connected communities reflects her belief in education’s power to ignite positive change.

Dr. Brian Von Herzen is a pioneering scientist and systems thinker dedicated to restoring planetary health through regenerative ocean solutions. As founder and executive director of the Climate Foundation, he leads groundbreaking work in Marine Permaculture—restoring seaweed ecosystems that regenerate marine biodiversity, support coastal communities, and sequester carbon on a global scale.

With degrees from Princeton (Physics) and Caltech (PhD in Planetary Science), Brian combines deep scientific expertise with a visionary, action-oriented approach. After a successful early career developing technology systems for companies like Pixar, Microsoft, and Dolby, he turned his attention to one of the planet’s most pressing challenges: climate disruption.

His work now focuses on large-scale seaweed mariculture in places like the Philippines, offering nature-based solutions to food insecurity, ocean degradation, and climate change. Passionate about systems change, Brian’s work bridges science, technology, and ecology—offering hope for resilient, thriving oceans and communities in a warming world.

​Poppy Okotcha is a permaculture and community gardener, author, educator and speaker dedicated to inspiring deeper connections with the natural world. Her book, A Wilder Way: How Gardens Grow Us, is a memoir that chronicles her journey of establishing roots in her Devon garden, illustrating how tending to a patch of land can cultivate personal growth and contribute to a better world. In this work, Poppy shares seasonal insights, foraging tips, and recipes, emphasizing the profound impact of engaging with nature on our well-being.​

Transitioning from a successful modeling career in 2016, Poppy pursued horticultural studies with the Royal Horticultural Society and became a certified permaculture designer. She has been featured on BBC2’s Gardeners’ World and contributes regularly to the Royal Horticultural Society podcast. Through her writing and speaking engagements, Poppy advocates for sustainable living and ecological gardening practices, aiming to empower individuals and communities to foster regenerative relationships with their environments

​James McLennan is a sustainability educator and advocate dedicated to reconnecting communities with their food sources. As CEO and co-founder of Farm My School, he collaborates with schools to transform underutilized land into regenerative farms that provide fresh produce and hands-on learning experiences. With over 15 years in the sustainability sector, James has designed and delivered diverse educational programs aimed at fostering environmental stewardship. He also leads Grassroots Sustainability, focusing on promoting local, seasonal, and nutrient-dense food choices. James’s commitment to sustainable food systems was recognized with the Jamie Oliver Food Hero Award for Food Entrepreneur of the Year in 2024. His work emphasizes the importance of community engagement and education in building resilient, sustainable futures.

​Aaron Sorensen is a dedicated permaculture educator and designer with over two decades of experience in fostering sustainable communities through environmental education. As co-founder of Elemental Permaculture, he has collaborated with various schools and community groups to establish ‘Living Classrooms’—dynamic garden spaces that serve as hubs for experiential learning and community engagement. Aaron’s work emphasizes connecting individuals with nature, promoting resilient urban food systems, and nurturing environmental stewardship. His innovative approach has been instrumental in integrating permaculture principles into educational curricula, inspiring transformative change within the Illawarra community and beyond.

Matt Bibeau is an experienced permaculture educator, land steward, and sustainability advocate based in Portland, Oregon. At Jean’s Urban Forest Farm, he integrates ecological design with hands-on learning, cultivating both food and community in a forested urban setting. With a background in Environmental Science and a Master’s in Sustainability Education, Matt has long focused on bringing permaculture into schools, neighborhoods, and city landscapes.

Since earning his Permaculture Design Certificate in 2006 with Toby Hemenway, Matt has co-taught courses across North America and Japan, including urban-focused trainings with City Repair. His work combines deep ecological knowledge with a practical, grounded approach to regenerative living.

Matt serves on the boards of the Permaculture Institute of North America and the Oregon Sustainable Agriculture Land Trust, and is passionate about connecting people of all ages to land, food, and community. His work reflects a lifelong commitment to cultivating a more just, resilient, and connected world.

Beyond the film, Zelov co-authored Design Outlaws on the Ecological Frontier, featuring interviews with leading designers and further exploring the principles of ecological design. Through his work, Zelov has played a significant role in bringing sustainable design concepts to the forefront, encouraging a harmonious relationship between human development and the environment.

https://mubi.com/en/ph/films/ecological-design-inventing-the-future

Co-director of the Climate Majority Project and Emeritus Professor of Philosophy at the University of East Anglia, Rupert has also contributed to various publications, including The Guardian and The Ecologist. His work emphasizes the urgency of reimagining societal structures to foster resilience and healing in the face of environmental crises.

Maddy’s deep connection to the land shines through her work in rewilding and woodland care. Together with Tim, she designed and planted one of the UK’s oldest forest gardens, transforming a bare field into a thriving, edible landscape. In her new home in North Devan, she is caring for a beautiful woodland and focussing on supporting biodiversity and rewilding.

Maddy’s book, Fertile Edges—Regenerating Land, Culture, and Hope, reflects her life’s work in land regeneration. Through her writing, teaching, and conservation efforts, Maddy continues to inspire others to live more harmoniously with the Earth.

Learn more about his work at www.applewoodcourses.com.

As an author, Looby has published several influential books, including People & Permaculture, 7 Ways to Think Differently, and Cultural Emergence. Her upcoming book, Design Adventures: Discover a Creative Framework for Effective Change, is set to be released in 2025. This book introduces the Design Web, a framework and toolkit Looby developed to facilitate personal and collective design processes. The Design Web empowers individuals and groups to manifest projects, behavior changes, and processes that align with their values and aspirations.

Through her writings, teachings, and practical applications, Looby continues to inspire and equip people worldwide to design regenerative systems and cultivate sustainable communities.

Learn more about her work at www.advaya.life and www.earthed.co.

Learn more about his work at www.transitionnetwork.org and www.robhopkins.net.

Learn more at www.kateraworth.com and www.doughnuteconomics.org.

https://wangarimaathai.org/

https://www.campfire-stories.org/

Since learning that it is possible to rehabilitate large-scale damaged ecosystems John has devoted his life to understanding and communicating about the potential and responsibility to restore degraded landscapes on a planetary scale. Since 2009 John has worked with Willem Ferwerda the Founder and CEO of the
Commonland Foundation, which is catalyzing privately invested large-scale restoration in many parts of the world. John is also the founder of the Ecosystem Restoration Camps movement that began in 2016 and has grown to currently 80 camps in 6 continents and continues to grow.

Mr Liu, has produced, filmed, written, directed and presented numerous films on Environment and Ecology for the BBC, National Geographic, Discovery, PBS and other networks. John also spent 3 years as senior research fellow for the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and has also had numerous academic fellowships in the UK, Netherlands, and the United States, China, and Costa Rica, John’s published and broadcast works are collected and available at: https://knaw.academia.edu/JohnDLiu

https://oranewzealand.com/

https://jessicahutchings.org/

Fritjof Capra, Ph.D., is an acclaimed scientist, educator, activist, and author of many international bestsellers, that connect conceptual changes in science with broader changes in worldview and values in society. He is co-author of Systems View of Life published by Cambridge University Press and teaches an online course based on this book, Capra Course. He’s a Schumacher College Fellow and a council member of Earth Charter International, and a deep ecologist. Fritjof recognises the importance of systemic permaculture responses to address the multiple crises humanity faces. He lives in Berkeley California with his wife and daughter.

https://www.fritjofcapra.net/

https://www.capracourse.net/

Andrew Millison is an agent for change who shares permaculture wisdom through expressions of art, design and multimedia storytelling. He creates films of epic permaculture projects across the planet and shares them on his wildly popular youtube channel. Some highlights are his series, “India’s Water Revolution”, featuring some of the most impactful large scale permaculture projects on the planet. Andrew is a speaker, designer and educator and as a member of the Horticulture Department, developed the permaculture program at Oregon State University (OSU).

https://www.andrewmillison.com/

Daniel Christian Wahl – educator, speaker, activist, advisor, author, podcaster, grower – is one of the catalysts of the rising reGeneration and the author of ‘Designing Regenerative Cultures’ – so far translated into seven languages. He lives on Majorca with his wife and daughter, spending much of his time establishing his food forest – a demonstration site for the bioregion. He has been linked with the Global Ecovillage Nework for 20 years and has worked closely with Gaia Education.In 2021, Daniel was awarded the RSA Bicentenary Medal for “an outstanding and demonstrable contribution, through … design practice, towards an equitable and regenerative world. He teaches regularly at Schumacher College and collaborated to host the Designing Resilient Regenerative Systems MOOC

https://www.danielchristianwahl.com/

Satish Kumar is a world-renown author and international speaker, peace-pilgrim, life-long activist, and former monk, Satish Kumar has been inspiring global change for over 50 years. He undertook a pilgrimage for peace, walking for two years without money from India to America for the cause of nuclear disarmament. Now in his 80s, Satish has devoted his life to campaigning for ecological regeneration and social justice – with a strong focus on our relationship with food and farming. Satish is a great advocate for permaculture. He is also founder of The Resurgence Trust and Editor Emeritus of Resurgence & Ecologist – a change-making magazine he edited for over 40 years, and co-founder of Schumacher College. 

https://www.resurgence.org/satish-kumar/

Helena Norberg-Hodge, linguist, author, and filmmaker, is a visionary leader in the new economy movement. Founder of Local Futures and convener of World Localization Day, she champions community resilience and the revitalization of traditional wisdom. Her seminal work, “Ancient Futures: Learning from Ladakh,” and award-winning documentary, “The Economics of Happiness,” have inspired global localization movements. Helena’s latest book, “Local is Our Future: Steps to an Economics of Happiness,” underscores the imperative of localizing economies for sustainability. Recipient of prestigious awards including the Right Livelihood Award, her lifelong dedication to cultural and ecological diversity resonates globally, shaping a more just and interconnected world.

https://www.helenanorberghodge.com/

https://localfutures.org

Antionette and Jordon are the extraordinary permaculture film making duo Happen Films – using film as a medium to educate and inspire. The aim of Happen Films is to showcase and demonstrate inspiring solutions to the multiple global crises we’re facing today. They recognise the need to transition to not just living ‘sustainably’, but in a way that heals and regenerates the damage that’s been done. They make films that share the solutions that are already out there and telling the stories of people who are pioneering this transition.

Homepage

Brenna Quinlan is an illustrator, educator, and climate communicator whose vibrant, accessible artwork brings permaculture, sustainability, and climate justice to life. Based in an intentional community in Denmark, Western Australia, she and her partner, musician and storyteller Charlie Mgee (of Formidable Vegetable), live what they teach—growing food, making music, and co-creating solutions.

Together, Brenna and Charlie hand-built their strawbale home using reclaimed materials and co-founded Grow Do It Permaculture Education, a joyful, creative initiative sharing practical tools for regeneration through art, music, and storytelling.

Brenna’s illustrations have featured in books, classrooms, and campaigns globally, translating complex issues into clear, empowering visuals. She illustrated Retrosuburbia and has collaborated with the UN, the Red Cross, and Costa Georgiadis, and is the artist behind the Permaculture Action Cards and Costa’s World children’s books. Her work invites people of all ages to engage with climate solutions through creativity, care, and connection.

https://www.growdoit.org/

https://www.brennaquinlan.com/

https://formidablevegetable.com.au/

Rolande is a dedicated and passionate permaculture and nutrition trainer for refugees, with a strong focus on education, nature, health, and well-being. She is a graduate of the Permaculture Education Institute and lead member of the Permayouth team in East Africa supported by the Ethos Foundation, and founder of community benefit organisation Folona. With a deep understanding through experience of the challenges faced by refugees, she strives to provide comprehensive training programs that empower individuals to rebuild their lives and integrate into their new communities through a combination of practical skills development, educational support, and promoting a holistic approach to well-being.

https://ethosfoundation.org.au

https://www.instagram.com/folona_/

Janvier is from North Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo but is now a refugee living in Uganda along with hundreds of thousands of others from his region due to conflict caused largely by ongoing effects of colonisation and the current mineral exploitation. Janvier is passionate about supporting refugees, permaculture, sustainability and nature. He is the leader of Kyaka II Refugee Settlement Permayouth Hub and Director for HODARI Foundation that has supported over 5,000 youth in skills and leadership. He aspires to break the cycle of gender inequality, discrimination, poverty, food insecurity, climate change effects and transform lives of vulnerable refugees.

https://ethosfoundation.org.au

https://hodarifoundation.org/

Morag Gamble is an international leader of the permaculture movement for change. She’s an acclaimed permaculture educator, presenter, humanitarian, author, podcaster, blogger, filmmaker, designer and gardener. In all of her work, Morag explores how we can live more peacefully and simply so that we may thrive together on this beautiful planet. Morag is the founder of Permaculture Education Institute & teacher of permaculture teachers and has led programs in 22 countries. For more than 30 years, she has collaborated with top minds across the globe, taught in communities and universities worldwide, and inspired millions to join the practical permaculture revolution.

https://permacultureeducationinstitute.org/

Jeremy Lent, described by Guardian journalist George Monbiot as “one of the greatest thinkers of our age,” is an author and speaker whose work investigates the underlying causes of our civilization’s existential crisis, and explores pathways toward a life-affirming future. He has two books – the award-winning, The Patterning Instinct: A Cultural History of Humanity’s Search for Meaning and The Web of Meaning: Integrating Science and Traditional Wisdom to Find Our Place in the Universe which offers a coherent and intellectually solid foundation for a worldview based on connectedness that could lead humanity to a sustainable, flourishing future. Jeremy is the founder of the Deep Transformation Network, a global community exploring pathways to an ecological civilization. He lives with his partner in Berkeley, California.

https://www.jeremylent.com

Charlie Mgee is a musician, educator, and eco-troubadour best known as the frontman of the regenerative funk-swing band Formidable Vegetable. With infectious songs rooted in permaculture principles, Charlie has brought climate solutions to global audiences at festivals like Glastonbury, BOOM, and Woodford Folk Festival—sharing stages with acts like Radiohead and The Rolling Stones.

In his TEDx talk, “More than a tune: Make music with purpose, change your world”, Charlie explored how music can simplify complex ideas and spark collective action. His lyrics are both playful and profound, offering a soundtrack for the regenerative movement.

Together with his partner, illustrator Brenna Quinlan, Charlie co-founded Grow Do It Permaculture Education, and hand-built their strawbale home from reclaimed materials. Whether on stage or in the garden, Charlie uses rhythm and rhyme to spark curiosity and connection—reminding us that climate action can be creative, joyful, and rooted in community.

https://www.growdoit.org/

formidable vegetable