Post-Humanist research proposal; Understanding the practices and processes required to transition a town to becoming regenerative

The aim of this research proposal, drawing upon a post-humanism methodology, is to investigate the practices and processes necessary for transforming a town into a regenerative community. Regenerative development, through a post-humanist lens, transcends the traditional human-centred approach by considering the agency and value of non-human entities and ecosystems in creating sustainable and thriving environments. This research intends to provide insights into the specific practices and processes required to catalyse and transition towards a regenerative framework.

Research Objectives:

The key objectives of this research, guided by post-humanist principles, are as follows:

a) To identify the key principles and concepts of regenerative development framework, recognising the interconnectedness and co-agency of humans, non-human beings, and ecological systems.

b) To understand the existing practices and processes, acknowledging both human and non-human actors, that facilitate the transformation of towns towards regenerative ways of becoming.

c) To critically assess the challenges and barriers faced during the implementation of regenerative practices, considering the multiple and diverse perspectives and needs of human and non-human entities within the town. The research will explore potential solutions that promote inclusivity and equity.

d) To analyse and document successful case studies of regenerative transformations in towns from a post-humanist perspective, focusing on the relationships, interdependencies, and co-constitutive nature of human and non-human actors.

e) To provide recommendations and guidelines, rooted in post-humanist ethics, for towns interested in embarking on a regenerative development journey that promotes the well-being and flourishing of all constituents, human and non-human alike.

Onto-epistomological entanglement:

To achieve the stated objectives, the research will leverage the following post-humanist approaches:

a) Post-humanist Review: A comprehensive review of current knowledge, feelings and practice will be conducted to understand the principles, concepts, and practices of regenerative operations. This review will explore ways of engaging with non-human actors and ecological systems as active agents within the transformation process.

b) Multi-species Engagements: Engagements and non-hierarchical interactions with human and non-human entities, practitioners, and community stakeholders involved in regenerative purposes, will be conducted. This will generate insights of experiences, challenges, feelings and successes, while acknowledging diverse values, knowledges, and perspectives.

c) Case Studies: Multiple case studies of towns that have successfully initiated and implemented regenerative initiatives through inclusive, multi-species collaborations . Through close observation and analysis, the research will explore the practices, processes, and outcomes that consider the agency and well-being of all participants.

d) Post-humanist synthesis: Conversations, observations, case study materials, stories of traditions will be explored with post-humanist analytical frameworks. This approach will consider the entanglements and relational nature of human and non-human actors, uncovering new perspectives and insights.

Significance and Expected Outcomes:

This post-humanist research is significant for several reasons:

a) Reconceptualising Development: The exploration will contribute to redefining regenerative development within a post-humanist framework, challenging anthropocentric notions of progress and considering the diverse needs and interests of all participants.

b) Pluralistic Sustainability: Regenerative development embraces pluralism and recognizes the rights and well-being of non-human entities and ecosystems. The research will provide practical guidance on creating sustainable and resilient communities while fostering equitable relationships between humans and non-humans.

c) Expanding Knowledge Boundaries: By adopting a post-humanist approach, this research helps bridge the gap in the current understanding of regenerative development processes. It contributes to both the academic discourse, advancing interdisciplinary research through the involvement of human and non-human interactions, but also the community narrative, through the stories that might be passed on when we realised that transformation was within our capabilities.

Ethical Considerations:

Throughout the research process, ethical considerations aligned with post-humanist principles will be upheld. This includes recognizing and respecting the agency and autonomy of all participants, obtaining informed consent, and ensuring the ethical treatment of humans and non-human beings involved in the research. Additionally, transparency, reflexivity, and reciprocity will guide the research process.

Proposed timescale of project

Operating over a five year period this will also form this basis of a combined PhD

The project will bring together lived experience of the operations while practising and implementing the changes

Year 1 - understanding the concept and building the infrastructure

Year 2 - operating and developing the frameworks

Year 3 - creating onboarding mechanism for communities

Year 4 - synthesising the journey

Year five - presenting to the wider community, developing and scaling operations

Budget:

The research budget will cover expenses related to data collection, analysis, and dissemination. This includes resources for engaging with diverse human and non-human stakeholders, travel costs (if needed), analytical tools, and publication fees. The estimated budget for this post-humanist research is £150k per year, creating 5fte positions from year 1 and developing to sustainable operations by year 5

This research will investigate the practices and processes needed for transforming towns towards becoming regenerative. By embracing pluralism, considering the co-agency of human and non-human actors, and recognizing diverse perspectives and ethics, this research seeks to guide towns in creating sustainable, inclusive, and thriving communities.

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