LOKAL Re:Generative: A Living Journey Across People, Place & Purpose

The solution is to shift from a narrow focus on “sustainability” toward a regenerative paradigm that restores vitality to people, communities, and ecosystems. LOKAL Re:Generative provides an 8-day immersive journey during Bangkok Climate Action Week 2025 across seven urban and rural sites in Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima, combining research, dialogue, embodied practice, and site-based learning. This approach connects theory with lived experience, showing how regeneration can be applied in practice across key sectors: food systems, hospitality, finance, academia, and bioregions. The method builds on past experience—our team has facilitated story-driven learning journeys, climate dialogues, and community-based food culture programs that have successfully deepened understanding and inspired new collaborations. While other organizations address sustainability in specific silos (such as renewable energy, conservation, or green finance), this project is distinct in its integrated, cross-sectoral approach rooted in Thai culture and Southeast Asian wisdom, and in curating a core group of 12 changemakers alongside wider public participation. By weaving together cultural, ecological, and systemic perspectives, LOKAL Re:Generative goes beyond harm reduction to foster a shift in mindset and practice toward true regeneration.

Day 1: BKKCAW Opening Day 1 sets the tone for the LOKAL Re:Generative Week with a relaxed and open gathering that blends curiosity, connection, and shared experience. Participants are invited to attend the BKKCAW Opening Day together, fostering early conversations and discovering synergies in an unstructured, welcoming environment. The evening culminates in a regenerative meal and/or drinks, offering a taste of place and values while deepening connections in an informal setting. Day 2: What is Regeneration? As the keystone of the LOKAL Re:Generative Week, Day 2 explores the concept of regeneration and the regenerative mindset as a catalyst for systems transformation.  Participants will journey through theory and empirical research to understand how regenerative thinking shows up in real-world practice in tourism and community development. The afternoon invites participants to ground their learning in a reflective walk and connection time at Benchakitti Park. Day 3: Regenerative Food Systems Day 3 explores the intersection between climate, culture, and cuisine. As the industrialized food system continues to drive ecological and social crises, this session brings together innovators working at the frontier of regenerative food futures—from rooftop farming and culinary circularity to reef restoration and climate storytelling. Hosted at Tham Me, a venue rooted in values of sufficiency and sustainability, the day invites participants to experience food not only as nourishment, but as a site of transformation. Day 4: Regenerative Hospitality Day 4 invites us to reimagine travel not as consumption but as deep connection—to land, culture, and community. This session spotlights Koh Jum Beach Villas, a pioneer in sustainable and regenerative hospitality in Southern Thailand. Through immersive storytelling and shared meals, participants explore what it means to host and be hosted in ways that honour place, reduce harm, and restore vitality—ecologically, culturally, and socially. Day 5: Regenerative Finance Regenerative Finance is an emerging global field exploring how capital can be stewarded in service of ecological and social regeneration. While the field is still nascent in Southeast Asia, this exclusive invite-only session brings together pioneering figures from Thailand, the region, and beyond to explore how finance can evolve from extractive to regenerative. Hosted at the two-Michelin-star and Green Star-awarded Baan Tepa, the evening offers a reflective, immersive space for deep dialogue, meaningful connection, and shared imagination of the future of finance. Day 6: Regenerative Bioregions Regenerative Bioregions brings together the insights, reflections, and inspirations that have emerged throughout the day—from bioregional regeneration case studies and creative mapping to agroforestry immersion. Hosted in collaboration with LOKAL Re:Generative, Living Story Landscapes, Choktawee Agroforestry, and Sarnsaan, the late afternoon and evening provide space to integrate learning, connect with others, and orient toward the Regenerative Immersion Experience. With a bioregional weaving social and closing gratitude circle, participants are invited to deepen collaborative ecosystems and leave with renewed knowledge, inspiration, and perspective on how to root regeneration in everyday life. Day 7–8: Regenerative Agroforestry Immersion Experience (Nakhon Ratchasima) A hands-on composting workshop and a walk through the agroforestry land, followed by shared local meals, an exploration of a nearby ancient Khmer temple, and a morning visit to the vibrant train-side market where fresh produces arrive by train from surrounding communities.