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A resurgence of land defenders is emerging in various parts of the world, from war zones to inner-city London. These individuals are spearheading efforts to reclaim soil, space, and power through community gardens and regenerative actions. The significance of a garden and the land it occupies cannot be overstated, especially at a time when access to healthy food is being marginalized in many societies.
Anastasiya Volkova, hailing from Kharkiv on Ukraine’s frontlines, is a prime example of a land defender leading the charge in creating and sustaining permaculture gardens, even amidst conflict. Similarly, Mugove Walter Niyaka’s Ubuntu Learning Trust in Zambia is rooted in ancient African traditions of cooperation, fostering food growth and land rehabilitation. In London, Josina Calliste’s LION initiative is making noteworthy strides within the city’s BPOC (black people and people of color) community, aiming to reconnect individuals with agriculture’s joys.
These trailblazers, along with 16 other groups, have been recognized with the 2025 Lush Spring Prize. Sponsored by the natural cosmetics company, the prize has allocated £250,000 to support pioneers in embracing regenerative living practices. What sets these changemakers apart is their diverse backgrounds, challenging the stereotypical image of environmental activists. Volkova’s resilience as a single mother in a conflict zone and Calliste’s efforts as a black woman from London shed light on the varied experiences driving the movement.
Dreams turned into action as these individuals congregated at the Oxford Real Farming Conference in January 2020 to cultivate change. Calliste and her counterparts established LION as a community interest company (CIC) to engage the BPOC community in agriculture and address systemic issues around land access and ownership. The rise of movements like Black Lives Matter has propelled funding toward causes like LION, enabling the establishment of the Dandelion Garden in Peckham. LION’s long-term goal is to acquire land near London to further their initiatives and foster crucial conversations within marginalized communities
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