This weekend, the Fundación Kareema had a profoundly transformative experience participating in a regenerative agriculture workshop in the Baza Steppe Plateau, supported by the AlVelAl association. In an extraordinary natural setting affected by desertification, we contributed to the planting of aromatic plants such as lavender, thyme, and rosemary, with the aim of restoring degraded soils and bringing life back to this ecosystem.
The activity is part of the 1st Esencias Fund, an initiative that not only promotes environmental restoration but also strengthens the local economic fabric by supporting farmers committed to a sustainable production model. This experience highlighted how collaboration between social organizations, farmers, and communities can generate lasting positive change. During the day, we learned about the Four Returns methodology, a comprehensive approach to landscape regeneration developed by Commonland, which guides each project toward:
- The return of inspiration – Recovering emotional connection and pride in the land.
- The return of social capital – Fostering community cooperation and empowerment.
- The return of financial capital – Promoting sustainable and resilient economic activities.
- The return of natural capital – Restoring biodiversity, soils, and natural resources.
We also learned about the La Almendrehesa agroforestry model, a pioneering system that combines almond cultivation with aromatic plants and cereals adapted to the Mediterranean environment. This approach allows for:
- Fixing the soil and preventing erosion.
- Attracting pollinators and promoting biodiversity.
- Improving soil fertility and water retention.
- Diversify and strengthen the rural economy.
At Fundación Kareema, we are deeply grateful to AlVelAl, and especially to Miguel Ángel Gómez Tenorio, Santiaga Sánchez, and Catalina Casanova Arcas, for opening their doors to their daily work and showing us that it is possible to bring landscapes back to life and build stronger and more resilient communities.
This experience reaffirms our commitment to projects that integrate ecological restoration and sustainable human development, convinced that the regeneration of the planet begins in each territory and with each shared decision.
