Could Edinburgh be the world’s first regenerative festival city?
Not a product to be consumed but a living system to be strengthened!
Love it or loath it, the Festival and the Fringe define Edinburgh in the summer, but as researcher Veselina Stoyanova points out, Edinburgh has been wrestling for years with the question:
What is tourism actually for? If the answer is simply “more visitors, more spending”, the city will keep winning by numbers while residents feel they are losing by experience.
Stoyanova, Edinburgh resident and Associate Professor in Strategy & International Management, University of Birmingham, argues that "regenerative tourism" offers a different ambition:
Sustainable tourism asks how we can reduce harm – fewer emissions, less overcrowding, better waste management.
Regenerative tourism asks a bolder question: how can visitors leave a place better than they found it?
Better for its communities, its culture, its public spaces and its local economy. It treats a destination not as a product to be consumed but as a living system to be strengthened.
When we read Stoyanova's recent article, we were fascinated by the idea:
What could this mean for the city that's our home?
How might it change the lives of residents and visitors for the better?
Could it help tackle the climate, nature and social crises?
How might Edinburgh become the "world's first regenerative festival city"?
We'd love to discuss these questions with others who are curious about this idea and how it might be realised. Join us on this Netwalk for Changemakers!
Why netwalk?
Are you a changemaker looking to connect with others who share your goals of tackling the climate and nature crises and creating fairer, more compassionate society?
Whether you work in business, the public sector, NGOs or with communities, our netwalks are a rare opportunity for you to:
Discover what others are doing and share your experiences
Meet new people and be part of a growing community of practice
Slow down, reflect and reconnect in green spaces
"A genuine conversation is never the one we wanted to conduct." Hans-Georg Gadamer
At most meetings and networking events you rarely have time, or the peace and quiet, for deeper, more interesting conversations.
It's a problem because we learn and build relationships by sharing experiences, not swapping business cards. Which is easiest in places that are calm and restful.
That’s why we host netwalks - worthwhile conversations, walking with good people in wonderful green spaces.
What happens as a result of these conversations is entirely up to you!
Hosted by
Osbert Lancaster
Facilitator & podcaster, Thrivable Scotland - helping changemakers engage their colleagues, communities and stakeholders to solve challenges today while building capacity to thrive in an unpredictable future.
Megan Fraser
Future Led: Leadership for Climate Pioneers
FAQs
- Who should attend?
Thrivable Scotland Netwalks are for anyone working for social and environmental change interested in exploring new ways forward in a world where climate change is accelerating, natural systems are collapsing and society seems to be heading for breakdown.
People who find our netwalks particularly valuable include:
Sustainability and environment practitioners - those working in conservation, sustainability, renewable energy or land use.
Third sector and social enterprise leaders - charity staff, founders and funders working for positive change.
Purpose-led business and organisational leaders - entrepreneurs, sustainability leads and change practitioners seeking new ideas and connections.
Community changemakers - people involved in local climate action, food networks, community development or neighbourhood projects.
Public sector professionals - officers, planners, civil servants or elected members shaping places and policy.
- What should I expect?
Our netwalks are lightly facilitated with a mix of walking and talking in pairs, and standing and talking as a group. We will be walking much of the time we are together.
We'll cover around 2 miles walking on paths and grass in this city centre park.
Please check the weather forecast and wear suitable footwear and outdoor clothing.
If you have any mobility concerns, please contact us in advance and we will do our best to accommodate you.
- Can I bring my dog?
Well behaved dogs on the lead are welcome. Please be mindful that some people in the group may not be comfortable with dogs close by them.
- What if it's bad weather?
There's not such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing!
We are unlikely to cancel the event unless there is an official weather warning. We will however adjust the route if necessary and perhaps adjourn to a cafe.
- Are there toilet facilities?
There are public toilets near the play park at the east end of the Meadows, and also at the south end of Middle Meadow Walk.
- Photography and audio recording
We may take some photos and record audio of some of the group conversations. These may be used in the Thrivable Scotland podcast, newsletter and social media. Let us know at the time if you don't want to be included.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
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