This month in Convivial Conservation

March issue

Mar 21, 2025

This month's newsletter covers a range of exciting topics, from a fascinating study on Berlin’s Botanical Garden glasshouses to the critique of capitalist conservation in the book ‘Think Like a Commoner’ by David Bollier, to the upcoming ‘Echoes of the Sanctuary’ exhibition by Louise Carver. Keep reading for insights on innovative, convivial conservation approaches!

Let’s talk Convivial!

In this section, we first explore a study on Berlin’s Botanical Garden glasshouses highlights the complexities of balancing biodiversity, culture, and urban conservation. Then, we delve into the book Think Like a Commoner by David Bollier, which critiques capitalist conservation models and advocates for more convivial approaches.

The Refiguration of Conservation: Introducing the Concept of 'Staging Nature' in the Case of Botanical Gardens

A fascinating study by Jamie Scott Baxter and Séverine Marguin highlights the complexities of staging nature in urban spaces. This study aligns with convivial conservation’s call for integrated, inclusive approaches that move beyond rigid protectionism, embracing conservation as a dynamic, evolving practice.

A message from the authors

Botanical gardens have long collected and showcased plants from around the world while advancing botanical research and conservation efforts. However, as global conservation priorities shift in relation to climate change and species extinction, these institutions are being forced to rethink their roles.
This study examines how Berlin’s Botanical Garden (Bo) is responding to these changes. Taking the example of glasshouses, the researchers examined the complex relationship between conservation efforts and the legacy of colonial-era plant collection and knowledge which continues to structure spaces of conservation in botanical gardens today.
The study highlights contradictions and conflicts in these processes of change. For example, while Bo’s glasshouses play a crucial role in preserving endangered species amid climate change, they simultaneously contribute to Berlin’s carbon footprint, feeding into the very causes their conservation work is shaped by. Meanwhile, efforts to decolonize botanical spaces remain constrained by entrenched knowledge systems and spatial structures.
Joining calls for convivial conservation—which seeks to move beyond the rigid separation of nature and culture in a post-capitalist framework—the study takes the idea further. The researchers conclude by arguing that it is not just an epistemic divide that must be overcome but also the very systems that regulate and govern spaces of conservation today. The research raises critical questions about how institutions like botanical gardens can balance conservation, sustainability, and social justice in a rapidly changing world.

Read the article here

Think Like a Commoner, by David Bollier

Think Like a Commoner by David Bollier is a compelling exploration of the commons as a powerful alternative to capitalist exploitation. More than just shared resources, the commons represent a way of life rooted in stewardship, cooperation, and the long-term care of both land and community.

In a recent blog post, Bollier reflects on his book and highlights movements that challenge market-driven conservation. He advocates for approaches that transcend privatisation and profit, emphasising the need to reclaim collective ownership and responsibility for the land. Among these, he points to convivial conservation as a key movement that offers a radical shift, one that fosters "symbiotic, commons-based ways to protect land."

As ecological and social crises deepen, Bollier argues, reclaiming the commons is not just an alternative; it is an urgent necessity. "Going local" becomes a cornerstone in building a more resilient, post-growth economy. His message is clear: it’s time to start commoning.

"If, like me, you are deeply bothered by the incessant erosion of community life, collective forms of care for each other and our natural environment and the colonization of our life worlds by private gain, read this brilliant book. David Bollier not only sharply dissects many of the ills haunting contemporary capitalist societies, as one of the most pre-eminent thinkers and advocates of the commons, he demonstrates that the ideas, tool and practices to build a different, better world for everyone are all around us. Pick up this hopeful book, start commoning, and ‘intensify and diversify’ the many commons you are already part of to the next level!"

Bram Büscher

More info here

Coming up!

This month we feature an upcoming exhibition that is sure to captivate anyone passionate about the future of our oceans and the principles of convivial conservation.

Exhibition “Echoes of the Sanctuary” by Louise Carver

Apr 05 2025 — Nov 02 2025 | Ocean Space, Venice (IT)

Curated by human geographer, political ecologist and founding member of the Convivial Conservation Centre, Louise Carver, Echoes of the Sanctuary embodies the principles of convivial conservation by weaving together science, art, and community-led marine restoration. This exhibition, opening in April 2025 at Ocean Space in Venice, brings visibility to the work of the Alligator Head Foundation and the community-led marine restoration efforts in Jamaica. Through a ridge-to-reef approach, the Foundation works with local communities to restore coral habitats, embodying the principles of convivial conservation by fostering collaboration, science, and local stewardship.

By prioritising plural knowledge and local stewardship, Louise’s work challenges dominant conservation models and invites us to envision more just and collaborative futures for ocean conservation. Stay tuned for this thought-provoking exhibition!

For more information, click here.

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Join Us in Shaping a Convivial Future

We are seeking visionary partners who share our commitment to convivial conservation and are eager to co-invest in pioneering approaches to halt biodiversity loss while fostering an equitable and socially just economic transition. Contact us to join Wageningen University, Oak Foundation, TBA21 and others, to fund, initiate and set up programmes through the Convivial Conservation Centre. Together, we can drive meaningful change.

Download our Partnership Proposal here!

That is all for this month! We hope you enjoyed the reading. Keep tuned for the next CC Newsletter issue next month!

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Want to know more? Check out these links

The socioeconomics of biodiversity. The value of nature for a sustainable economy and a just society by Reinhard Loske

CBI