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LIVING CITIES ACTION RESEARCH ECOSYSTEM
Living Cities Action Research Ecosystem (Living CARE) is a global initiative that unites researchers, city leaders, and innovators to foster regenerative urban stewardship, cross-sectoral partnerships and cross-cultural collaboration. Our mission is to build a dynamic network that integrates interdisciplinary action research across urban studies, environmental science, and global governance. We focus on the evolving concept of living cities as interconnected urban ecosystems that thrive in harmony with their bioregions.
The project explores the emergence of a new citizen identity, one that is deeply connected to others and rooted in a shared responsibility for the well-being of people, places, and the planet. By collecting best practices, disseminating successful strategies globally, and developing adaptable tools, Living CARE empowers local leaders to implement holistic and inclusive approaches to urban development.
Our work prioritizes grassroots initiatives that address local and global challenges, fostering systemic changes that ripple across communities. We promote ecological sustainability, social equity, and collaborative governance, striving to create inclusive societies where all voices, including those of non-human entities, are recognized and valued. Through these efforts, Living CARE aims to connect and support cities worldwide, ensuring the flourishing of bioregional ecosystems and contributing to the health of our planet.
European Union
VISION-MOTTO:
”Living CARE: Thriving Cities for a Healthy Planet”
SHORT PROFILE:
Living Cities Global Action Research Ecosystem (Living CARE) is a global initiative launched by the Living Cities Earth (LCE) co-founders, representing a diverse range of research organisations including Integral City, integralMENTORS & UrbanHub, Integral Africa Coaching Centre, Flourish Project, The Hague Center for Global Governance, Panorama Lab, The Laszlo Institute of New Paradigm Research, and Ecocivilisation, among others. Institutional partners like Amolingua, Lingo+, Home for Humanity, and The Wellbeing Economy Alliance further strengthen the network.
Formed officially in 2024 after years of joint collaboration, the Living CARE team has been active since 2022, writing academic papers, conducting surveys, and organising educational events for city leaders globally.
The primary goal of Living CARE is to transform urban environments by fostering regenerative stewardship, cross-sectoral partnerships and cross-cultural collaboration.
By building a dynamic global network that integrates interdisciplinary research and practical action, collecting best practices, disseminating successful strategies globally, and developing adaptable tools, Living CARE empowers local leaders, nurture inclusive societies, and inspire systemic change that contributes to the flourishing of cities, bioregional ecosystems, humanity, and all life on Earth.
AREA OF WORK:
The sphere of activities of Living Cities Action Research Ecosystem (Living CARE) spans multiple interconnected domains focused on urban transformation and sustainability. These include:
1. Urban Studies and Development: Focusing on the design and evolution of cities as interconnected ecosystems, addressing urban planning, governance, and sustainable infrastructure.
2. Environmental Science: Engaging in efforts to harmonise urban environments with natural ecosystems, promoting ecological sustainability and regenerative practices that nurture biodiversity and reduce environmental impact.
3. Social Innovation and Governance: Exploring new models of local self-governance, participative decision-making, and community engagement, aimed at fostering collaborative leadership in cities.
4. Regenerative Stewardship: Promoting practices that restore ecosystems, including integrating indigenous wisdom with modern science, to ensure cities contribute positively to the health of the planet.
5. Global Collaboration and Networking: Building a global network of researchers, city leaders, and innovators to share knowledge, best practices, and tools that support resilient and sustainable urban ecosystems.
6. Wellbeing and Social Equity: Prioritising subjective wellbeing, intercultural communication, and inclusivity, aiming to create equitable urban environments where all voices, including non-human entities, are valued.
VISION:
Our vision is a dynamic global network of researchers, city and community leaders, and innovators committed to transforming cities into vibrant, resilient, interconnected ecosystems that thrive in harmony with nature. It nurtures human potential and fosters deep connections, curating meaningful, regenerative change in service of flourishing ecosystems and planetary health.
INNOVATION (to Humanity in Unity with all life):
Living Cities Global Action Research Ecosystem (Living CARE) is pioneering a transformative, holistic approach to urban development. By integrating interdisciplinary research, indigenous wisdom, and cutting-edge science, Living CARE develops adaptable and regenerative tools for urban governance. The initiative promotes ecosystems thinking, fostering cross-sectoral collaboration to reimagine urban citizenship. This new model emphasises collective responsibility for the wellbeing of people, places, and the planet.
Living CARE's principal innovation lies in its ability to merge research with actionable, practical solutions. By building a global network of researchers, city leaders, and innovators, it promotes knowledge-sharing and collaboration. This initiative collects and disseminates best practices globally, empowering cities with adaptable tools to meet local needs while promoting thriving, sustainable environments. Through supporting grassroots movements and fostering regenerative stewardship, Living CARE bridges the gap between theory and real-world urban transformation.
VISION FOR THE NEXT SEVEN GENERATIONS:
"Living Cities Action Research Ecosystem (Living CARE) envisions a future where cities across the world evolve into resilient, thriving ecosystems, harmoniously integrated with their natural bioregions. Over the next seven generations, the organisation strives to foster urban environments that prioritise the wellbeing of both people and the planet. These cities will be regenerative, sustaining biodiversity, enhancing human potential, and creating inclusive, compassionate communities.
By building deep-rooted connections between citizens, local governments, and nature, Living CARE's long-term vision emphasises the nurturing of ecosystems where future generations inherit a world of shared responsibility, ecological harmony, and global collaboration. This foresight seeks to create sustainable urban centres that support flourishing life in all forms, ensuring that cities serve as epicentres of positive change for both humanity and the environment, across generations to come."