EP11 - Nature and people, hand-in-hand

Episode 11 of Rooted to Earth is out now!

In Episode 11 of Rooted to Earth, we speak with Concha Salguero, second president of Landcare Europe, a growing network present in over 29 European countries.

"We believe in protecting nature together with people, rather than from people."

At the heart of their mission is the belief that biodiversity and healthy ecosystems go hand in hand with local communities. Rural people are not separate from nature, they are essential to its care and resilience.

They build bridges between farmers, land managers, policymakers, and conservationists. For Concha, the key is clear:

"We are convinced that collaborating with our farmers is the key to success. We learn as much from them as they do from us."

Their model is based on respect and practical support:

• Listening to farmers and valuing traditional knowledge

• Including them in decision-making

• Finding economically viable, realistic solutions

• Helping them access funding, training, and logistical support

Concha highlights the importance of local communities and involving young people in land stewardship. Landcare works with students and aspiring farmers, helping them gain skills and, crucially, access to land. She shares the story of a young girl who "just wanted to be a shepherd" as a symbol of the vocation-driven future Landcare aims to support.

"Traditional knowledge can teach us how to deal with climate change and contemporary problems. We should not lose it."

Concha also recounts the moving annual transhumance event in Madrid, where thousands witness shepherds and their flocks crossing the city. More than a cultural display, it's a reminder that pastoral systems still shape and maintain some of Europe's most biodiverse landscapes.

🎧 Listen now to Episode 11 of Rooted to Earth to explore how Landcare Europe connects regeneration, culture, and communities.