Regenerative agriculture. An innovative approach towards mitigation of climate change through multi-tier learning

<< Background >>The REGINA project was born out of the pressing need for sustainable agricultural practices in response to environmental challenges and the growing demand for more resilient farming methods. Regenerative agriculture (RA) offers a holistic approach to restoring soil health, enhancing biodiversity, and mitigating climate change, yet there is a significant knowledge gap in this field. This gap is particularly evident in education, where resources and structured learning opportunities on RA remain limited across multiple tiers, from secondary schools to higher and adult education. By addressing this lack of awareness and education, REGINA aimed to bridge the gap by creating innovative, adaptable learning tools and resources. The project sought to empower educators, students, and farmers with practical knowledge of RA, fostering a deeper understanding of sustainable agriculture. Through collaborative research and education, REGINA responded to the urgent need for widespread adoption of RA principles, ensuring that future generations of learners and practitioners are equipped to promote and implement sustainable agricultural solutions.<< Objectives >>The REGINA project aimed to promote sustainable agricultural practices by increasing knowledge and awareness of regenerative agriculture (RA) principles, focusing on enhancing biodiversity, improving soil health, and reducing pollution. A key objective was to integrate RA into higher education by offering interdisciplinary courses and modules, enabling students and universities to explore innovative solutions for sustainable farming. Additionally, REGINA sought to establish a digital learning platform to serve as a collaborative hub for RA, offering accessible resources for educators, students, and practitioners. By fostering multi-tier education, the project empowered learners at all levels—higher education, secondary education, and adult farming communities—with the knowledge and skills necessary to implement RA principles, ensuring a transformative and lasting impact on agricultural practices and education.<< Implementation >>The activities of the project were developed along 6 interconnected steps, which led to a coherent set of project results through the collaborative effort of the project partners. (1) A desk research and field surveys in 5 EU countries; applying the methods of questionnaire survey, interviews and case studies, and building a comprehensive Library of Good Practices in RA.(2) Construction of a learning methodology along with learning modules and content (REGINA Learning Methodology and REGINA Learning Modules in HE). (3) The project created specialized learning modules for higher education and integrated these into the REGINA Platform, an online resource hub. (4) The adaptation and pilot-testing of the methodology and modules to the needs of higher education, secondary education and adult education; the dissemination of the devised learning methodology by making them available for free. (5) The project also published a Guidebook on Regenerative Agriculture Learning, offering step-by-step guidance for teachers, advisors, and students on using the REGINA platform and its innovative educational products.(6) The wider dissemination also included 5 national workshops, an international webinar and and international conference. << Results >>The REGINA project achieved six concrete outputs that directly addressed its objectives. First, comprehensive research was conducted in five EU countries, analyzing current practices and attitudes towards regenerative agriculture (RA). Second, an interdisciplinary Learning Methodology and tailored Learning Modules were developed to introduce RA principles to university students. Third, the REGINA Platform was established as an accessible digital hub for sharing resources and fostering collaboration. Fourth, the educational content was successfully adapted for secondary school students and adult learners, ensuring a multi-tier approach. Fifth, the learning methodology and modules were pilot-tested and revised based on feedback from university, secondary, and adult participants. Finally, a Guidebook was prepared and published, providing step-by-step instructions for using the REGINA methodology, aimed at educational institutions and policymakers.Intangible outcomes included a shift in attitudes toward sustainable agriculture, heightened awareness among farmers, and strengthened collaboration between educators, researchers, and local communities.