France Embraces Regenerative Economy with New Social and Solidarity Initiatives
France advances its regenerative economy vision alongside the Month of Social and Solidarity Economy events, emphasizing cooperation, sustainability, and citizen engagement.
- • Navi Radjou defines the regenerative economy with pillars of cooperation, distribution, and regeneration, going beyond sustainability.
- • French regenerative initiatives include Decathlon's biodiversity efforts and Losange's upcycling project.
- • The 'fête des bons plans' in Colomiers on October 25 launches the Month of Social and Solidarity Economy with exchanges, workshops, and community stands.
- • La Mijoteuse will hold networking and pitch events in November to support social economy projects.
Key details
France is witnessing a growing momentum in embracing the regenerative economy model, which seeks not only to minimize environmental harm but actively improve societal and ecological health. Navi Radjou, an innovation expert and author, highlights this approach as a frugal economy based on cooperation, distribution, and regeneration, distinguishing it from traditional sustainability that focuses solely on harm reduction. Radjou stresses the urgency of addressing France's rising social inequalities, noting the poverty rate exceeds 15%, and advocates for workforce integration into growing regenerative sectors through training. Examples of successful regenerative projects in France include Decathlon's biodiversity efforts in Saint-Jouan-des-Guérets and Losange's upcycling initiatives in Nièvre. He also warns of "regeneration washing" and calls for clear performance metrics to measure local well-being and biodiversity impact. The model promotes a distributed economy that creates opportunities for all rather than just redistributing wealth, suggesting growth and regeneration can coexist.
Parallel to these developments, the Month of Social and Solidarity Economy (ESS) kicks off in Colomiers on October 25 with the 'fête des bons plans' at Hall Comminges. This event features toy and bicycle exchanges, an eco-sport flea market, DIY workshops for cosmetics and cleaning products, and stands focused on local food and solidarity projects. Key players such as La Mijoteuse and other community organizations will be present, fostering citizen engagement. Admission to events is free, promoting accessibility.
Further, La Mijoteuse will host two November events: 'speed busin’ESS' on November 18, a networking opportunity for social economy actors, and a pitch competition on November 20 where projects with social, societal, or environmental value are presented. The month concludes with a documentary screening on November 27, highlighting ongoing ESS activities.
Together, these regenerative economy initiatives and ESS events reflect France's commitment to fostering a socially inclusive, environmentally beneficial economy. Radjou is optimistic about Europe’s potential, noting more than 40% of companies are already engaged in such practices, emphasizing rural areas' role beyond urban centers in this transition.