Cultivating diversity for resilient and inclusive communities

The DiverSeedPaths project aimed to foster knowledge exchange between migrant communities and European seed networks to strengthen agricultural biodiversity and seed sovereignty. The project had t...

The DiverSeedPaths project aimed to foster knowledge exchange between migrant communities and European seed networks to strengthen agricultural biodiversity and seed sovereignty. The project had three main objectives: ● Enhance seed-saving capacity by integrating traditional knowledge from migrant communities with local seed networks and Community Seed Banks (CSBs) to promote climate-resilient agriculture. ● Empower farmers, seed guardians, and policy actors through training and capacity-building on EU seed legislation, advocacy strategies, and sustainable seed practices. ● Promote inclusive and participatory learning spaces by organizing intercultural workshops, storytelling events, and policy dialogues, ensuring that diverse voices contribute to the shaping of seed policies and biodiversity conservation efforts.

Seeds, Ideas, and People Stories Festival (Volos, Greece, May 2024) – Public event highlighting the links between migration, seeds, and cultural heritage. Activities (storytelling and agroecological gardening workshops, seed exchange) were attended by more than 200 participants . Biodiversity & Migration Workshop (Thessaloniki, July 2024) –Migrant communities and agrobiodiversity stakeholders from different countries met to discuss food sovereignty, seed networks, and social inclusion. The workshop was attended by 35 participants . Let's Liberate Diversity Forum (Antibes, France, October 2024) – A major international gathering (attended by around 500 participants) connected farmers, seed networks, and policymakers to share best practices in seed conservation and sustainable agriculture.. Capacity-Building on EU Seed Policy & Legislation (October 2024) – Training participants on EU seed regulations and advocacy. 400 people registered to the session and more than 100 attended the online workshop. Community Seed Banks & Resilience Workshop (January 2025) – Focused on seed banks, dynamic seed management, and climate resilience strategies. The online workshop was attended by about 100 participants.

Publication of the seeds stories booklet. -Handbook with personal stories and experiences connecting migration and refugees with seeds. - Translated in greek, English and french and printed in greek and english (700 copies). Publication of the Seed Policy Booklet – Comprehensive guide on EU seed legislation and advocacy strategies for farmers, seed networks, and policymakers . - Printed in 3 languages (300 copies). Training & Capacity-Building Events – Conducted 2 workshops (On CSB and on Seed Policy) and organised international forums, engaging migrant communities, farmers, and biodiversity organizations in seed conservation, agroecology, and policy advocacy. Public Awareness & Storytelling Initiatives – Through the Volos Festival and Thessaloniki Workshop, the project amplified migrant voices, emphasizing the cultural and ecological significance of seeds. Strengthened Transnational Networks – Facilitated collaboration between European seed organizations and migrant communities, promoting intercultural learning and shared seed-saving practices. Increased Policy Engagement – Enabled stakeholders to participate in EU seed policy discussions, contributing to a more inclusive and biodiversity-friendly regulatory landscape.