Organizing And Facilitating Bioregional Mapping Activities For International Students

In December 2024, we got the request if we wanted to participate in a capstone project from the University of Michigan. Over the two decades, many research activities have taken place, mostly resulting in different maps related to the biodiversity, assets and needs of the region. Therefore, we, as an initiative of the ReGenerOsa Collective, created a research proposal that aimed to gather all the data and consolidate this into comprehensive and useful materials that serve greater collaboration among people/parties working on regeneration in the region.

What happened? Share what participating in the action was like, and anything you'd like others to learn from what you did!

During the last months, we prepared the research team to come here and engage in the different activities that we set up with them. During their time here, we introduced them to the multiple value flow model we do our accounting and project management with as Los Higuerones and ReGenerOsa. Besides this, we immersed them into the circular ways Los Higuerones has integrated on-site, expanding their knowledge in natural health, reuse- reduce- recycle, farm-to-table food and water saving practices.

As hosting and facilitating team that had never worked closely together and was not always present at Los Higuerones, where the students were staying, we were challenged to find a generative way of working together without overlapping in responsibilities or having gaps in tasks needing to be executed. This created a deeper bond and still on-going collaboration between the parties involved (1 local researcher, 2 Los Higuerones members and 1 from the Global Sustainability Collective foundation).

As we’re awaiting the results, we are still closely involved with the project and the work of the students, guiding them wherever we can to ensure useful and comprehensive outcomes.