Human restoration within regenerative landscape design

A Journey of Regeneration: Two Landscape Projects with a Deeper Purpose

For the past four to five years, I've been preparing for two transformative regenerative landscape projects—each deeply rooted in the belief that healing the land is inseparable from healing ourselves. One project centers on the creation of a pilgrimage route in the Netherlands, and the other involves a large-scale ecological restoration in Costa Rica. Both projects explore the intersection of landscape regeneration, cultural heritage, and human connection to nature.

1. Pilgrimage Route in the Netherlands: A Journey to Rebirth

The first project is the establishment of a pilgrimage route that stretches over 700 kilometers across the Netherlands, following the theoretical zero line that divides the country into two halves—one below sea level and the other above. The route begins in the north, leading travelers toward the reconstructed temple of the ancient goddess Nehalennia.

This journey offers much more than a physical route—it’s an exploration of the evolving Dutch spirit and an invitation to witness the rebirth of Nehalennia. As pilgrims traverse ever-changing landscapes, they’ll move not just through geography but also through time, connecting with the past and future while gaining insight into who we are, who we’ve become, and what we might wish to contribute to the world.

2. Ecological Restoration in Costa Rica: Regenerating Land and Community

The second project, which is on the verge of launching, focuses on the regeneration of a deforested cattle farm in Costa Rica. This initiative brings together various stakeholders—farmers, environmentalists, and designers—to restore the land through holistic practices.

Key goals include improving farmers' income, promoting sustainable cattle farming, reforesting the land, restoring watersheds, and reviving local wildlife. A unique element of this project is the integration of high-end bamboo design, which will be applied to the development of an "inclusive-to-nature" eco-camp.

By encouraging small-scale farmers to cultivate bamboo in non-native areas, we hope to inspire a new generation of bamboo growers, supporting both ecological and economic regeneration. Bamboo is a renewable resource with significant potential in sustainable building, and through this project, we aim to elevate its use in construction while creating long-term, autonomous financial opportunities for local farmers.

3. Inspiration from "The Great Work of Our Time"

The root of these projects lies in a video I watched years ago, called The Great Work of Our Time. Organized by Mr. John Liu, the founder of Eco Community Restoration Camps, the video featured landscape regenerators from around the world sharing their experiences. What struck me most was how their work sparked real change by igniting small, community-driven efforts that grew into powerful restoration projects. These speakers’ focus on practical, grounded methods of landscape regeneration inspired me to delve deeper into the field.

I began studying landscape restoration design and participating in courses, where I consistently found that the most transformative moments in these global projects occurred when the roots of planted trees connected underground, triggering an explosion of biodiversity. This "moment of connection" felt like a revelation—one that physically and spiritually reminded me of our human connection to the land. This insight led me to explore not only ecological regeneration but also human regeneration, as the two are intimately linked.

4. The Spiritual Connection Between Humanity and Landscape

The intersection of human restoration and landscape regeneration has become a core focus of my work. From a spiritual perspective, the connection between ancestry, identity, and the land runs deep. Many cultures and Indigenous communities view the land as sacred—often because it carries the memories and wisdom of past generations. These sacred landscapes offer teachings on sustainable living, harmony with nature, and reverence for all forms of life.

Here are some ways this interconnection can be understood and practiced:

• Sacred Sites and Ancestral Wisdom: In many traditions, landscapes are sacred because they hold ancestral significance. These sites are often linked to rituals, stories, and spiritual practices passed down through generations. The wisdom embedded in these landscapes can offer profound insights into living in harmony with nature and understanding the deep interconnections of life.

• Spiritual Lineages and Ancestral Connections: In spiritual traditions that emphasize ancestry, the landscape becomes a living bridge between past and present. Sacred sites, burial grounds, and ancestral homelands provide a tangible connection to the generations that came before us, offering a sense of continuity and belonging.

• Energetic Resonance and Earth's Spirit: Some spiritual beliefs hold that the land carries the energetic imprints of past events, emotions, and intentions. By attuning to these energies, individuals can access wisdom, healing, and guidance from the Earth itself. The landscape becomes a vessel for the Earth's spirit, nurturing life and offering insights into our shared human experience.

• Nature as Teacher and Mirror: The rhythms of the natural world can serve as profound teachers, offering lessons on impermanence, renewal, and interconnectedness. By observing the cycles of the land, we learn not only about the environment but also about the resilience and wisdom of the human spirit.

• Ceremony and Ritual: Many spiritual traditions incorporate rituals and ceremonies within specific landscapes. These practices honor ancestors, invoke blessings, and deepen our connection to the land and its spiritual significance. Through these ritualized engagements, we strengthen our bonds with the Earth, our ancestors, and the divine.

5. The Costa Rica Eco-Resort: A Fusion of Practicality and Spirituality

In the Costa Rica project, the main focus will be on practical ecological restoration and reforestation. The resort will offer hands-on programs in landscape regeneration, focusing on sustainable farming, biodiversity, and water management—nothing "spiritual" in the traditional sense.

However, the resort will also create space for spiritual programs, aiming to offer something deeper. We intend to invite teachers and practitioners who can help foster a profound connection to the land, one that blends precision with origin and encourages the development of a more integrated, holistic worldview. How this will unfold is still a topic of ongoing exploration and collaboration, but the goal is clear: to create an environment where both the land and the people are regenerated, where the connection between nature and humanity is celebrated, and where each individual can experience the profound impact of living in harmony with the Earth.