8th April 2026, Lumbini, Nepal: A Regional Conference on Deep Regenerative Agriculture was successfully organized from 6-8 April 2026 at Lumbini Buddhist University, in Lumbini, bringing together over 100 participants from Nepal, India, Bhutan and Myanmar. Jointly organized by Lumbini Buddhist University, Nepal Genebank, WWN, and WWF, with financial support from The Rockefeller Foundation, the conference marked a significant step toward advancing deep regenerative agriculture in the Eastern Himalayan region.

Over three days, the conference served as a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange and dialogue, integrating indigenous wisdom, agroecological approaches, and regenerative practices to promote resilient, nature-positive agricultural systems. Participants, including farmers, researchers, policymakers, academicians, development partners, and private sector representatives, engaged in critical discussions on transforming agriculture beyond conventional productivity-driven models.

Guided by the keynote presentation from Dr. Ghana Shyam Gurung, Country Representative of WWF Nepal titled “Harnessing shared wisdom and partnership for Deep Regenerative Agriculture,” deliberations spanned key areas including deep regenerative agriculture, agrobiodiversity conservation, climate-resilient mountain farming, eco-spiritual agricultural practices, and market systems for nutrition and health. Discussions emphasized that while conventional agriculture has increased yields, it has also contributed to soil degradation, biodiversity loss, and erosion of traditional knowledge systems. In response, deep regenerative agriculture was recognized as a transformative pathway to restore soil, water, air, and biodiversity while strengthening community resilience as well as food and nutrition security.

The conference adopted a holistic CRAFTSWALS (culture, religious values, agrobiodiversity, forest biodiversity, tradition, spiritual and astrology, water and renewable energy, air and environment, land, and social systems) framework and reinforced the understanding that agriculture extends beyond food production, benefitting health, environment, climate and livelihoods. Strong emphasis was placed on the importance of balancing agrobiodiversity conservation and sustainable utilization, prioritizing local and native variety of crops, livestock and medicinal herbs. Furthermore, indigenous knowledge and eco-spiritual traditions and beliefs were recognized as vital to achieve this balance.

As part of the broader REGAGRI initiative, the conference showcased ongoing efforts in conserving native agricultural genetic resources, including community-based conservation practices, repatriation of local landraces, and strengthening agroecological resilience across the region. Participants also explored the potential for establishing a Himalayan Seed Vault to ensure long-term conservation of genetic resources in mountain regions.

The conference concluded with the endorsement of a Regional Declaration and Way Forward on Deep Regenerative Agriculture, outlining key commitments to strengthen on-farm conservation of native agrobiodiversity, promote diverse and site-specific farming systems, enhance regional collaboration, develop supportive policies, scale up regenerative practices, and create enabling markets for local products.

Key outcomes include strengthened regional partnerships, enhanced capacity of stakeholders, identification of research and policy priorities, and a shared vision for resilient, inclusive, and nature-positive agricultural systems. The conference will further contribute to knowledge dissemination through the publication of proceedings, journal articles, and outreach materials.

“Deep regenerative agriculture is about returning to our roots and reconnecting with traditional knowledge, skills, and our relationship with land, food, and well-being. In going back, we uncover deeper wisdom from the past, while thoughtfully integrating modern agricultural systems to enhance productivity and resilience for the future.” Said Dr. Ghana Shyam Gurung, Country Representative of WWF Nepal.

The event closed with a strong call for collective action by governments, academic institutions, development partners, and farming communities to advance deep regenerative agriculture as a pathway to ensuring food and nutrition security, environmental sustainability, cultural integrity, and long-term well-being for present and future generations.