Back to the Roots: Ambassadors, partners, and stakeholders at Mariënwaerdt

On May 7th, Life Terra welcomed partners, supporters, clients, and friends to the beautiful Mariënwaerdt Estate in the Netherlands for Back to the Roots, a special gathering marking the project’s fifth anniversary.

Set in the heart of the Betuwe region, the event brought together ambassadors, stakeholders, and nature advocates for a day dedicated to reflection, creativity, and collective climate action. Because apparently the most radical thing humans can still do in 2026 is gather outside, touch grass voluntarily, and talk about restoring ecosystems instead of optimizing engagement metrics.

Throughout the day, guests took part in workshops and experiences designed to reconnect people with nature in tangible and meaningful ways. Highlights included an intimate concert by Iris Hond, a nature photography workshop led by Humberto Tan, inspiring conversations on the rights of nature with Jessica den Outer, and a foraging workshop with Milan Pestel.

The event was officially opened by Servaas Stoop, landowner Otto van Verschuer, and forestry expert Gerard Koopmans. Together with participants, they planted a rare 16th-century apple variety to help restore the estate’s orchard, connecting the anniversary celebration to the long-term restoration of the landscape itself.

Over the past five years, Life Terra has worked alongside forward-thinking organisations and communities to turn climate action into something local, measurable, and participatory. Many of the partnerships celebrated during the event have supported the initiative since its early beginnings, contributing to ecosystem restoration, biodiversity recovery, tree planting efforts, and environmental education across Europe.

But Back to the Roots was not only about looking back. It was also a reminder that the work is far from finished.

As climate challenges continue to intensify, collaboration and long-term commitment remain essential. Events like this show the importance of creating spaces where people, organisations, and communities can reconnect with nature and with each other, while building momentum for the years ahead.

Life Terra continues to invite companies, institutions, and individuals to support its mission: restoring ecosystems, planting trees, educating future generations, and helping make climate action part of everyday life instead of something discussed once a year under conference lighting and recycled lanyards.