GATHER · Grounding Adaptation Through Holistic Ecovillage Research: A participatory study of climate adaptation via land stewardship practices in Southern European ecovillages employing Photovoice

As ecological disasters intensify across Southern Europe and the urgency for transformative climate solutions grows, community-led initiatives (CLIs) are emerging as powerful agents of socio-ecological transformation. Among these, ecovillages–intentional, sustainable communities–offer a promising commons-based climate adaptation strategy. Existing research on ecovillages and climate change has prioritized organizational dimensions, neglecting a critical examination of how ecovillages may foster adaptive capacity through land stewardship practices among residents. This gap is significant, as effective climate adaptation requires localized, place-based solutions that center non-extractive relationships between humans and nature. Using a mixed-methods participatory action research approach, GATHER combines surveys with a Photovoice methodology to 1) describe how ecovillages across Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Greece conceptualize and implement land stewardship practices to build adaptive capacity and strengthen disaster resilience and 2) identify the barriers, enablers, and opportunities to embed sustainable land stewardship practices in ecovillage governance, thereby supporting place-based adaptation. Findings will inform practical toolkits describing best practices for implementing land stewardship into ecovillage community governance, a series of adaptable training modules on land stewardship and climate adaptation strategies for CLIs, publications on sustainability transformation theory, and a digital storytelling exhibit. Collaboration with ecovillage networks and interdisciplinary scholars at ISCTE will enable international knowledge exchange, skill development in participatory methodologies, and high-impact publications. Additionally, GATHER will provide teaching and mentorship opportunities that will enhance the fellow’s trajectory as an independent researcher, while positioning ISCTE as a leader in equitable, nature-centered climate adaptation.