Building a living South Veluwe watershed in the Netherlands
The citizens movement for a Living South Veluwe Watershed in the Netherlands provides answers to multiple challenges by building a movement of residents, initiatives, and organizations to restore connections between people and their territory. The landscape is shaped by glacial formations and the Rhine River and is one of the oldest bio-cultural areas in the Netherlands, with a heritage of resilient agricultural practices spanning thousands of years. Today's agroecological pioneers are an echo of that rich history. Together, our movement is building a vital watershed, a community-based economy, and a culture of care, for one another and for the territory itself. We do this relationally, grounded in shared values, and for the wellbeing of all life. We see this as an antidote to the growing violence, destruction and alienation in our society.
Project story
Our Movement: Building a Living Watershed
We're reimagining our relationship with the land and each other. Our vision? A thriving watershed where community resilience matters more than profit, where restoration of territory and culture go hand-in-hand.
The Challenge
The South Veluwe Watershed faces a critical crisis: severe drought, contaminated soil and water, and vanishing biodiversity. We're losing pollinators, draining aquifers, and facing increased climate extremes—all while toxins accumulate in our environment.
Our Solution
With partners including Climate Grandparents, Drinkable Rivers and StreekWaar Agroecological Farmers, we're campaigning for a toxin-free community. We're helping residents and businesses transition to pesticide-free alternatives—starting with food and flowers— while building a stronger culture of care for the territory and the community.
Our Three-Part Strategy
Changing Mindsets: Through storytelling, farm visits, the use of art and pop-up markets, we're transforming toxic-free living from "radical" to "realistic and appealing." Youth ambassadors amplify this message.
Changing Practice: We promote concrete recommendations for residents and offer practical toolkits that facilitate lasting and structural behaviour change.
Shifting Power: By amplifying farmer and resident voices, we're increasing their visibility, agency and networks where it matters most.
Together, we're proving that a thriving, toxin-free community isn't just possible—it's essential.
Project updates
Team
Building a living South Veluwe watershed in the Netherlands
The citizens movement for a Living South Veluwe Watershed in the Netherlands provides answers to multiple challenges by building a movement of residents, initiatives, and organizations to restore connections between people and their territory. The landscape is shaped by glacial formations and the Rhine River and is one of the oldest bio-cultural areas in the Netherlands, with a heritage of resilient agricultural practices spanning thousands of years. Today's agroecological pioneers are an echo of that rich history. Together, our movement is building a vital watershed, a community-based economy, and a culture of care, for one another and for the territory itself. We do this relationally, grounded in shared values, and for the wellbeing of all life. We see this as an antidote to the growing violence, destruction and alienation in our society.
Project story
Our Movement: Building a Living Watershed
We're reimagining our relationship with the land and each other. Our vision? A thriving watershed where community resilience matters more than profit, where restoration of territory and culture go hand-in-hand.
The Challenge
The South Veluwe Watershed faces a critical crisis: severe drought, contaminated soil and water, and vanishing biodiversity. We're losing pollinators, draining aquifers, and facing increased climate extremes—all while toxins accumulate in our environment.
Our Solution
With partners including Climate Grandparents, Drinkable Rivers and StreekWaar Agroecological Farmers, we're campaigning for a toxin-free community. We're helping residents and businesses transition to pesticide-free alternatives—starting with food and flowers— while building a stronger culture of care for the territory and the community.
Our Three-Part Strategy
Changing Mindsets: Through storytelling, farm visits, the use of art and pop-up markets, we're transforming toxic-free living from "radical" to "realistic and appealing." Youth ambassadors amplify this message.
Changing Practice: We promote concrete recommendations for residents and offer practical toolkits that facilitate lasting and structural behaviour change.
Shifting Power: By amplifying farmer and resident voices, we're increasing their visibility, agency and networks where it matters most.
Together, we're proving that a thriving, toxin-free community isn't just possible—it's essential.
Project updates
Team
Location
Netherlands