Apply Now For Goumbook’s Regenerative Agriculture Program

Goumbook, a UAE-based social enterprise focused on sustainability and climate action in the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey (MENAT) region, has announced the opening of applications for the second edition of its Regenerative Agriculture Venture Program (RAVP).

The initiative has been organized in collaboration with Saudi Awwal Bank (SAB), HSBC Bank Middle East, the European Institute of Technology (EIT) Food, and the Climate Champions Team of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). 

The program provides researchers, students, and innovators with skills and knowledge to address challenges in food systems, biodiversity, climate change, and water management across the MENAT. It aims to bridge the gap between academia, research, and the business sector by transforming scientific and nature-based solutions into practical outcomes for small and medium-sized farmholders. 

The initiative addresses agricultural challenges specific to the MENAT region, including arid climates, saline soils, desert landscapes, and water scarcity, to foster a regional approach to regenerative agriculture. 

Participants will have the chance to present their ideas and receive guidance on developing solutions for food security, water management, and ecosystem restoration. 

A judging panel will select 20 participants for intensive boot camps and mentorship sessions. The program will culminate in a pitch event, where three winners will each receive US$20,000 in grants and additional support to expand their projects. 

The first edition of the program in 2023 received 158 applications from 18 countries, including representatives from 19 universities and research institutes. 

In a statement, Samantha Kayruz, Goumbook's strategy and sustainability impact director, said, "By welcoming a new cohort of changemakers, we aim to further the journey begun last year, where talented researchers laid the groundwork for agricultural solutions that actively combat food, water and climate issues and improve livelihoods across our region. With the continued support of our partners, we are creating pathways for innovators to move from research concept to impact, shaping a regenerative agricultural future for the MENAT region." 

Faten Abalkail, chief governance and corporate affairs officer of SAB, added, "Our support for RAVP is deeply rooted in the belief that regenerative agriculture can lead to substantial environmental and economic benefits. By fostering a culture of innovation and resilience, we aim to support impactful solutions for Saudi Arabia and the broader region’s unique challenges in soil health, water scarcity, and sustainable food production. Our commitment reflects a profound investment in the present and a sustainable, thriving legacy for our communities and the environment that supports us all." 

Sabrin Rahman, head of sustainability for HSBC in the Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye region, said, "This initiative is part of our strategy to build global partnerships and support climate-resilient innovations. Last year's cohort demonstrated the potential for transformative change in regenerative agriculture, and we are excited about the potential these pioneering ideas bring to the table." 

Established 14 years ago, Goumbook was inspired by the “qawm,” which is Arabic for the collective people and tribes of the region that lived in harmony with nature’s cycles. As a non-profit social enterprise, its mission is to tackle sustainability holistically, envisioning a future where environmental, social, and economic facets harmonize seamlessly. 

Applications are open until January 6, 2025, through the program’s website.