The Living Atlas For Bioregional Regeneration
What is the Living Atlas?
Developed by COBALT, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, the Living Atlas for Bioregional Regeneration is a novel “weaving” initiative designed to activate system-seeing, sensing, and communication capacities across bioregions to support regenerative transformations. It aims to link together plural methods, practices and knowledge systems to track, visualize and communicate complex and emergent regeneration processes within and across bioregions.
Why is it needed NOW?
Amid growing social-ecological crises, we need more ways of collaborating and understand our collective potential – and potential of place. While many people and projects are driving change, we lack the infrastructure to scale, connect and hold the complexity of these efforts. At the bioregional and community levels, this requires strengthening system-sensing and communication pathways to foster shared understanding, navigate tensions, and link initiatives for transformative impact.
What does it aim to do?
The Living Atlas is an emergent, ever-evolving space—both digital and physical—for exploring bioregional complexity and pathways for regeneration. The Living Atlas weaves together ecological, social, financial, cultural, and spiritual dimensions, helping practitioners learn, share, and connect their regeneration efforts for greater collective impact. It is a living system that grows and adapts with those who engage with it, supporting key aims:
Facilitate multi-scalar interaction: Provide a bird’s-eye view of bioregional dynamics alongside detailed place-based initiatives, exploring interconnections between socio- ecological, economic, and governance systems at different scales.
Connect digital & embodied system sensing: Connect methods like GIS mapping and social network analysis with place-based embodied practices —including cultural rituals and lived experiences—to holistically understand bioregional learning processes.
Strengthen navigational capacities: Offer resources for bioregional practitioners to navigate complexity and uncertainty, fostering networks of practice and triple-loop learning through visual dialogue and immersive experiences.
Ethical & Responsible Data Stewardship: Curate a piloted model for balancing participatory crowdsourcing with data sovereignty to protect sensitive knowledge while prompting inclusivity
Why COBALT?
At COBALT, we have the vision, expertise, and engaged communities to bring the Living Atlas to life. Our team includes experienced community weavers, systemic designers, digital mapping experts, and Indigenous community leaders who are ready to develop the prototype. At COBALT, we take an adaptive, reflective approach, regularly assessing new insights and consulting with transdisciplinary experts, local knowledge and community advisors to ensure our work stays aligned with our shared goals. Your support will help realize this visionary approach, empowering communities and bioregions to navigate and shape regenerative futures!
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