This book is the result of the first three years of work of the Barbanza Ecosocial Laboratory, a project coordinated by Fundación RIA in collaboration with the HISTAGRA research group of the University of Santiago de Compostela and co-financed by the Banco Santander Foundation and supported by the Juana de Vega Chair.

One of the objectives of the Barbanza Ecosocial Laboratory is the application of the knowledge generated by the research through the promotion, by means of technical and economic support, of initiatives that are governed by the principles of sustainability contained in the research.

For this reason, “When we were sustainable” was published in 2021, the result of the first phase of the Laboratory’s work, which focused on research into local knowledge and the historical management of the territory.

The second phase of the Barbanza Ecosocial Laboratory began with the implementation of the lessons learned during the research through the announcement of an open call for the promotion of sustainable and innovative initiatives—called seed projects—in the Barbanza peninsula.

After the success of the first edition, we are now promoting a second expanded edition that also includes the experience of the first three seed projects of the Barbanza Ecosocial Laboratory and establishes a roadmap towards its future.

The Barbanza Ecosocial Laboratory has completed the first chapter of its journey. In only three years, the learning process was extensive and the starting hypothesis was confirmed: to guarantee the economic, social and environmental sustainability of the territories, the active participation of the communities and the enhancement of local knowledge are essential.

Now, the proceeds from the sale of this book will be used to finance a new call for seed projects by the Barbanza Ecosocial Laboratory, through which to support innovative productive experiences promoted by local communities in this region.

This second expanded edition goes on sale for a non-profit price of 15€, which will cover production costs and will allow Fundación RIA to contribute 10€ for each copy sold to a new call for sustainable agricultural, livestock, forestry or cultural initiatives in Barbanza.

While the book is in print, you can reserve your copy—in Galician, Spanish or English—by sending an email to info@barbanzaecosocial.org.