Key points discussed
Participants discussed the implications of using "regen" in relation to the regenerative movement and the need for consistent and responsible brand usage. The session also delved into the concept of the Commons and its connection to regen, emphasizing the importance of understanding and adhering to rules to prevent resource degradation. Additionally, the trademark for regen, filed in 2017, was highlighted as a means to create coherence within the regenerative movement rather than as an exclusionary tool.
TLDR; all people are enthusiastic about better coordination for the reputation etc. Trademark wasn't discussed much, but things like a) coordination group to track bad actors b) awards for good actors c) dif. ideas about certification/impact evaluation etc. Also in the context of 7 generations perspective. I guess it's a good direction and together with trademark can unite wider regen ecosystem. We'll probably need to return to that next year
More in-detail key points discussed:
- Concern about inconsistent usage of "regen" & potential impact on movement.
- Trademark for "regen" filed to define a shared resource pool, not for exclusion.
- Leveraging trademark to offer usage rights for deeper coordination & coherence.
- Importance of validating impact & addressing "regen" appropriation within community.
- Distinguishing authentic regeneration from corporate colonization practices.
- Concerns about broader appropriation of ecological terms for social uses.
- Dialogue format & conceptual approach, with region as an important term.
- Challenges of defining regen & refi, suggesting focus on identifying red flags.
- Long-term orientation & avoiding short-term games as crucial for regen projects.
- Building reputation & recognition through certificates & adherence to common standards.
- Challenges of fair reputation systems & alternative approach of highlighting red flags.
- Curation framework for projects: unrated, uncertain, & most likely not a scam.
- Examples of projects with practical regional impact (ATUB & financial liberation).
- Best in Class project category to avoid judgment & allow collective agreement.
- Importance of concrete actions & considering communication/networking as means to an end.
- Balancing impact evaluation: recognizing indirect contributions & knock-on effects.
- Establishing a red team/alarm system to identify scams & raise awareness.
- Platform for sharing ideas, identifying red flags, & understanding complex impact evaluations.
- Exploring spectacular impact awards to recognize & inspire impactful projects.
- Tangible starting points for further progress based on the conversation.
AI Summary provided by the tool Videohighlight w/ timestamps
00:02 Introduction and Background
The conversation is about the responsible usage of "regen" as a brand. Participants introduce themselves and discuss their connection to regen.
Max initiated the session based on his project, "regen score," which aims to track reputation in onchain activities.There is a concern about the inconsistent usage of the term "regen" and its potential impact on the movement.Gregory mentions having a trademark for regen and sees it as an opportunity to build a connection between trademark and responsible brand usage.
00:27 Understanding the Commons
Participants discuss the concept of the Commons and how it relates to regen.
Gregory emphasizes the need for a clear understanding of who participates in the Commons and what rules should be followed to avoid degrading resources.Regen is seen as a cultural, intellectual, social, and spiritual resource that emerges from trust, integrity, and cooperation.The trademark for regen was filed in 2017 to define a common pool resource. It is not intended as an exclusion tool but rather as a means to coordinate and create coherence within the regenerative movement.
01:17 Leveraging Intellectual Property
The participants explore how intellectual property can be leveraged to manage regenerative resources.
The trademark for regen has been granted usage rights to Paul Hawkin's regeneration project.The intention is not to use the trademark as an enclosure or exclusion tool but rather as a means of convening a Commons.By offering usage rights, they aim to magnetize deeper coordination and coherence within the regenerative movement.
02:11 Practical Next Steps
Participants discuss practical next steps for improving the use of regen.
Luke appreciates Gregory's presence in making this conversation more meaningful by bridging theory and practical implementation.The cultural element of regen is crucial in curating positive development and nurturing a regenerative culture.Luke's background includes involvement with Dow stack, the Caribbean blockchain network, and running a D5 fund. He sees potential in leveraging regen for good.
03:01 Conclusion
Gregory shares final thoughts before needing to end the call.
Gregory expresses excitement about discussing the ideas further but apologizes for having limited time due to other commitments.
05:54 Practical Implementation and Meaningful Conversation
Luke emphasizes the importance of practical implementation and meaningful conversations around regen.
Having Gregory present adds depth to the conversation as it moves beyond theoretical concepts.Cultivating a positive regenerative culture can have net positive effects in both short and long term.Leveraging regen for good aligns with Luke's background in impact-focused initiatives.
Note: The transcript provided does not contain enough content to create additional sections.
07:58 What We Hope to Achieve with the Term in the Long Run
The participants discuss their goals and intentions regarding the term "regen" and its long-term impact.
Goals and Considerations
Participants express the need to define what they hope to achieve with the term "regen" in the long run.They consider how the term may be appropriated or misused by others, leading to a lack of clarity about its positive impact.Mention is made of a project called Planet Refi that seems to appropriate the term without demonstrating any positive impact.There is a desire for a way to recognize and manage such appropriation while also addressing any gaps in understanding.
08:26 Validating Impact and Policing Appropriation
The participants discuss the importance of validating impact and addressing appropriation within the regenerative space.
Validating Impact
Participants highlight the need for tools or methods to validate and attest to the positive impact created through regenerative practices.They emphasize creating a track record of impact both for themselves and within a wider context.
Policing Appropriation
Participants explore how they can police each other within the regenerative community without aspiring to be authorities.They discuss establishing boundaries, dispute resolution mechanisms, and escalating sanctions similar to those found in commons management.The importance of raising awareness about inappropriate use or appropriation of regenerative concepts is emphasized.
09:45 Differentiating Authentic Regeneration from Colonization Efforts
The participants delve into differentiating authentic regeneration from colonization efforts by large corporations.
Raising Awareness
Participants discuss raising awareness when something appears dodgy or appropriative within regenerative spaces.They emphasize using language like "this is not kosher" to signal that certain practices or approaches are not aligned with authentic regeneration.The example of large corporations like Cargill and Monsanto colonizing the regenerative agriculture space is mentioned.
12:03 Appropriation of Ecological Terms for Social Uses
The participants discuss the appropriation of ecological terms for social uses and the need for more precise terminology.
Appropriation and Terminology
Participants express concern about the broader appropriation of ecological terms, including "regen," for social purposes unrelated to their original meaning.They suggest using a more precise term, such as "succession," to specifically refer to ecological systemic processes of regeneration.The importance of distinguishing between social and ecological measurements is highlighted.
15:02 Validation and Perspectives on Regeneration
The participants share their perspectives on validation, B Corp labels, and practical work in the regenerative space.
Validation and B Corp Labels
Participants mention the relevance of validation in the regenerative space, drawing parallels with B Corp labels.They appreciate Diogo's perspective based on practical work done on the ground.
15:46 Exploring Working in Rep Spaces
Li shares her experience working in rep spaces and highlights aspects that may be interesting to explore further.
Working in Rep Spaces
Li mentions her involvement in rep spaces for over a year.She hints at other interesting aspects related to this topic but does not provide specific details.
16:32 Working on Communication and Knowledge Flows
The speaker discusses the importance of connecting with others and the challenges of communicating about concepts like "repi" and "return to finance." They suggest that cultural production could help in better understanding these terms.
Connecting with Others for Positive Impact
It is important to connect with other people to have a real positive impact.Bringing in individuals who are not yet part of the "repi" space can provide different perspectives.Effective communication should be tailored to the specific regional interests and fields of work.
Cultural Production for Better Understanding
Cultural production can help in conveying the essence of concepts like "repi" and "return to finance."The speaker suggests that the term "region" aligns more with cultural aspects than "wei."There is an interest in discussing and clarifying the meanings of terms like "repi," "region," and their appropriate usage.
18:56 Dialogue Format and Conceptual Approach
The discussion transitions into a dialogue format, where participants can freely share their thoughts. The concept of region as a term is highlighted as important, potentially influencing trademark usage. One participant raises concerns about defining terms like regen and refi, suggesting focusing on identifying serious red flags instead.
Dialogue Format and Trademark Usage
Participants are encouraged to engage in a free-flowing dialogue.The conceptual approach to the term region is considered significant, especially regarding trademark usage.Suggestions are made for creating a platform or group where leading voices can identify projects with serious red flags.
Identifying Serious Red Flags
Rather than getting stuck on defining regen or refi, it may be easier to start by identifying projects with serious red flags.A proposed idea involves creating a Telegram group to share and discuss projects that raise concerns.This approach aims to coordinate efforts in addressing potential scams or misrepresentations.
21:25 Defining Regen and Red Flags
Participants share their thoughts on defining regen and identifying red flags. The importance of long-term orientation, avoiding short-term games, and considering the wholeness of life are emphasized.
Long-Term Orientation for Regen
Regen is connected to the term "regenerative" and implies increasing capacity over time.Short-term games are not considered regen by nature.Long-term orientation is crucial for regen, focusing on leaving a positive impact over time.
Identifying Red Flags
One participant suggests creating a Telegram group called "Regen Web 3 Red Flags" to identify projects with serious concerns.Projects claiming to be infinite but having a short timeframe may not align with regen principles.The importance of considering the duration and intention behind projects is highlighted.
Wisdom and Seven Generations
Wisdom and an orientation towards wholeness are mentioned as important aspects related to regen.Considering the impact on seven generations is seen as significant in understanding regenerative practices.
24:03 Descriptive Title
In this section, the speaker discusses the importance of considering long-term impacts and externalities in regenerative practices.
Importance of Long-Term Outlook
The speaker emphasizes the significance of doing the right thing in regenerative practices, especially when thinking about the impact it will have on future generations. 24:03Actions taken today can have amplified effects in seven generations to come. It is crucial to consider this long-term outlook and ensure that what is put into the world is beneficial for all. 24:22Taking a long-term perspective helps in understanding unintended consequences and externalities associated with actions. This time frame acts as a proxy for considering second, third, and fourth-order consequences. 25:25
25:57 Descriptive Title
In this section, participants discuss the idea of creating a reputation system or certification process to recognize regenerative projects.
Building Reputation and Recognition
Participants suggest establishing a set of certificates or recognition processes that can build reputation among different communities. This could involve participating in regenerative alliances, attending workshops, and agreeing on common standards. 25:57The idea is to start small but aim for long-term growth by certifying projects and identifying those that align with regenerative principles while red-flagging any negative actors. 26:32However, some participants express concerns about building fair reputation systems due to their complexity, resource-intensive nature, subjectivity, and potential contentiousness. They emphasize the need to protect against scams and misrepresentations rather than focusing solely on ranking projects based on abstract values. 27:50
29:03 Descriptive Title
In this section, participants continue discussing reputation systems and the challenges associated with evaluating regenerative projects.
Challenges of Reputation Systems
Participants acknowledge the difficulty of building fair reputation systems with proper evaluations. They mention previous attempts at creating such systems, but note the struggle to ensure longevity and overcome subjectivity. 29:03Instead of focusing on numerical scores or rankings, some participants suggest identifying clear red flags and highlighting projects that should be avoided or brought to community attention. This approach may be more manageable and valuable in terms of effort. 28:39
29:41 Descriptive Title
In this section, participants discuss the importance of curation and coordination in shaping regenerative movements.
Curation Framework
Participants reflect on their experiences with curation frameworks and how they have attempted to set benchmarks for quality in regenerative projects. The goal is to provide references for improvement and guide individuals towards better practices. 29:41However, they also recognize the challenge of classifying projects objectively and avoid being judgmental. As an alternative, they propose a simpler framework consisting of three categories: unrated, uncertain (with potential red flags), and most likely not a scam. This approach allows individuals to make their own judgments based on available information. 30:03
Projects for Practical Regional Impact
The speaker discusses projects that could have a practical regional impact, specifically mentioning the example of ATUB improving smallholder agriculture and financial liberation.
Potential Projects for Practical Regional Impact
ATUB is an example of a project that focuses on improving smallholder agriculture and financial liberation.This type of project has the potential to make a real impact on the world.The speaker suggests four categories of projects that seem realistic for practical regional impact.People can still aspire to be like successful projects such as EUPS without creating a hierarchy between them.
Best in Class Projects and Avoiding Judgment
The speaker discusses the concept of "Best in Class" projects and suggests using this category instead of ranking or judging projects. They also mention the importance of avoiding comparisons between different types of projects.
Best in Class Projects
The top category could be called "Best in Class," focusing on selecting exemplary projects that have stood the test of time and have had a material impact.This approach allows everyone to agree on these leading projects while avoiding judgment or opinions about other projects.Many informal projects exist, but only a few make it into the best-in-class category.
Reputation Systems and Concrete Actions
The speaker discusses reputation systems and how making actions explicit can lead to maximizing their impact. They also mention the importance of concrete on-the-ground actions and suggest adding another dimension related to concrete action in evaluating projects.
Reputation Systems and Concrete Actions
Making actions explicit, especially relationality, opens up opportunities for maximizing their impact.Concrete on-the-ground actions, such as planting trees or building community housing, should be considered as important dimensions in evaluating projects.Regeneration and social regeneration can be seen as different strata or horizons that attract people and lead to on-the-ground action.The speaker suggests considering whether certain activities, like communication and networking, are ends in themselves or means to an end.
Balancing Impact Evaluation
The speaker discusses the challenge of evaluating impact and balancing different types of contributions within a holistic regenerative system. They mention the importance of recognizing indirect impacts and the difficulty of measuring them.
Balancing Impact Evaluation
The main criteria for evaluating impact should not solely focus on measurable on-the-ground impact.Other roles, such as facilitation, connection, and communication, play important roles in a holistic regenerative system.It becomes challenging to evaluate knock-on effects or indirect impacts that may have an influence down the line.Creating a classification system that considers both direct and indirect impacts is complex but necessary.
Activities as Means or Ends
The speaker reflects on whether activities like communication and networking are ends in themselves or means to an end. They acknowledge the value of these activities while also considering their relationship to concrete on-the-ground action.
Activities as Means or Ends
Activities like communication, networking, and other indirect impacts have value in themselves but should also be seen as means to an end.Recognizing the critique raised earlier about prioritizing concrete on-the-ground action is important.Evaluating the impact of these activities can become murky when trying to measure their knock-on effects.Finding a balance between recognizing different types of contributions is crucial in creating a comprehensive classification system.
Note: This summary provides an overview of key points discussed in the transcript. For more detailed information, please refer to the original transcript.
39:47 Impact of Planting Trees
The discussion revolves around the impact of planting trees and whether it should be the main focus of the group.
Importance of Recognizing Secondary Impact
Evaluating secondary impacts can be challenging but valuable.Tokenization and flow of funds facilitated by protocols may have indirect impact on the ground.Recognizing the necessary facilitation for impactful actions is crucial.
Red Team and Alarm System
A red team or alarm system should be established to identify scams and upregulate signals.
Steps to Tree and Attendance to Nurturing Space
Considering the number of steps from an action to tree planting can be a starting point.Attendance to nurturing spaces plays a vital role in facilitating impact.Understanding and making legible these types of facilitations is important, even if difficult.
Long-Term Social Impact and Regeneration Alliance
Long-term social concerns are important for regeneration efforts.Using tech tools, such as internet connectivity, can enhance social impact.Validated certificates can recognize individuals' contributions to regeneration efforts.
Fuelling Impact Awards
The idea of hosting impact awards is suggested, similar to traditional award shows.Spectacle and recognition play a role in raising awareness about impactful projects.
Reaching Beyond Existing Spaces
Expanding reach beyond existing networks is challenging but necessary.Connecting with wider audiences can inspire others to join impactful initiatives.
48:24 The Importance of a Platform for Sharing Ideas
The speaker discusses the value of having a platform where people can write articles and share ideas on various topics. This platform serves as a gateway for individuals to join a movement and connect with others who have similar interests.
Creating a Channel and Identifying Red Flag Projects
It is suggested to create a channel that allows for the identification of red flag projects.This initiative aims to highlight projects that may have negative impacts or raise concerns.
Understanding the Complexity of Impact Evaluations
The speaker reflects on the complexities surrounding impact evaluations.They emphasize the importance of considering not only production services like food but also regulatory and cultural ecosystem services.There is potential to explore how facilitators' work can be valued, potentially through certification.
Exploring Spectacular Impact Awards and Trending Projects
The idea of hosting an impact award show is mentioned, which could be an engaging way to recognize impactful projects.It is proposed to identify trending projects from platforms like Gitcoin Round for initial selection.
Appreciation and Final Thoughts
The speaker expresses gratitude towards everyone involved in the session.They mention being amazed by the insights gained during the discussion.There is openness to continuing the conversation if there is interest from others.
50:43 Wrapping Up and Moving Forward
Participants express their appreciation for organizing the session and acknowledge tangible starting points for further progress.
Tangible Places to Start
Participants note that there are concrete areas where action can be taken based on the discussions held.These identified starting points provide opportunities for future progress
About the session
Regen, Regeneration and ReFi become a part of a positioning for a number of groups and orgs. With that some concerns come to the responsible use of these terms, so it won’t undermine the movement integrity and support shared values.
Some of the ideas for the ReFi manifesto were discussed at ReFi Gathering in Barcelona (check out the draft here). Also Regen Network Development Public Benefit Corporation have registered a TM for regen use in web3 and is looking to setup some shared structure for good use of it.
That’s why we invite the community and among others to discuss it:
- Gregory Landua (Regen Network Development PBC)
- Luuk Weber (Kolektivo, Celo)
- Monty Merlin (ReFi DAO)
- Jeremy Akers and Bruno Roemers (Regens Unite)
- Max Semenchuk (Trusted Seed)
- Kevin Owoki and Sejal Rekhan (GreenPill)
- Michael Zargham (BlockScience)
Format
- 60 mins panel in Zoom – Dec 7, 11am UTC
- Summary statement
Topics
- Fair usage of “regen” as a term: Norms, rules, patterns of usage
- Regen TM Governance
- Next steps? chat, purpose trust or DAO
- (suggest yours)