Key Takeaways
- Goumbook hosted the first MENAT Regenerative Agriculture Summit under the patronage of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA).
- The event gathered 150+ regional and global stakeholders to promote regenerative agriculture in the Middle East, North Africa, and Türkiye.
- Held in partnership with HSBC, SAB, EIT Food, UN Climate Change High Level Champions, and SAFTA, the summit delivered a collective call to action.
- Goumbook’s Regenerative Agriculture Venture Programme announced three innovation winners to receive $20,000 in grants and incubation support.
- A closed-door regional consultation laid the groundwork for a MENAT-specific regenerative agriculture framework.
Goumbook Launches Landmark MENAT Regenerative Agriculture Summit
The inaugural MENAT Regenerative Agriculture Summit, organized by Goumbook’s MENAT Regenerative Agriculture Initiative, convened over 150 stakeholders in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Hosted under the patronage of MEWA, the event marked the region’s first dedicated platform for regenerative agriculture.
Centered on the theme “Cultivating Soil Capital: Regenerative Food Systems & Nature-Based Solutions,” the summit aimed to accelerate the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices suited to arid and desert climates.
Dr. Zeyad AlZeyadi of MEWA noted: “This summit marked a valuable milestone in advancing regional dialogue on sustainable agricultural practices and ecosystem restoration.”
Goumbook Brings Together Leaders, Innovators, and Policymakers
Multi-Sector Collaboration at the MENAT Summit
Goumbook partnered with HSBC, Saudi Awwal Bank, EIT Food, the UN Climate Change High Level Champions, and the Saudi AgriFood Tech Alliance to deliver a robust programme including:
- Keynotes from HRH Princess Mashael AlShalan and HRH Princess Noura bint Turki Al Saud
- Expert panels on policy, innovation, financing, and successful regenerative agriculture case studies
- Representation from institutions including FAO, IFPRI, KAUST, Estidamah, Earthna, and others
Eng. Rakan AlOtaibi of SAFTA stated: “We are proud to have contributed to a platform that reflects values of innovation, community, and climate resilience.”
Showcases Innovation Through Venture Programme
Live Pitch and Award Ceremony for 2024/2025 Cohort
As part of the summit, Goumbook presented 20 innovations shortlisted from its Regenerative Agriculture Venture Programme. Five finalists pitched on stage, with three winners selected to receive $20,000 grants, mentorship, and scaling support.
Winning Projects:
- Actinobacteria (Morocco): Soil microbes for drought resistance – Omaima Marhane
- Farm to 2Fs (Saudi Arabia): Bioenergy from animal waste – Estidama team
- RedDot (UK): RNA-based pest control – Teodoro Garcia-Millan and team
Tatiana Antonelli Abella, Founder of Goumbook, said: “It is clear from today’s dialogue that the MENAT region holds immense potential to lead the way in regenerative solutions.”
Goumbook Leads Regional Effort for Regenerative Agriculture Framework
A closed-door regional consultation, facilitated by Goumbook, brought together high-level participants to develop a blueprint for regenerative agriculture in the MENAT region. The outcomes will be published in an Insights Paper to guide next-phase activities.
The goal: position MENAT as a center of excellence for arid-climate, climate-resilient, and regenerative agriculture.
Highlights the Role of Regenerative Agriculture in MENAT
Contextual Challenges and Strategic Importance
According to FAO, irrigated farming in MENAT consumes 85% of renewable water resources, with 40–70% of land degraded. Goumbook emphasizes that regenerative agriculture can address:
- Water scarcity and land degradation
- Reduced crop yields from nutrient loss
- Inaccessible innovation for smallholder farmers
Jose Joaquín Campos of SAN stated: “This initiative demonstrates how sustainable farming can simultaneously revive ecosystems and enhance farmer livelihoods.”
Commits to Long-Term Regional Transformation
Founded in 2023, Goumbook’s MENAT Regenerative Agriculture Initiative has already attracted 660+ innovations from 80 institutions across 65 countries. Its mission: bridge science, policy, innovation, and finance for ecosystem regeneration.
As the summit concluded, Goumbook reaffirmed its commitment to building a platform that supports food system transformation in one of the world’s most climate-challenged regions.
