Ambassadors

After decades of amateur research into permaculture and regenerative agriculture, Tilen Praprotnik transitioned his professional career in archaeology to a new commercial pursuit of organic farming. Since its establishment in 2016, his farm has been one of the pioneers of regenerative agriculture and practical agroecology in Slovenia. The farm is a showcase of a vital and resilient farming environment. Its diverse farming operations are based on organic matter-rich and biologically active soils, while equally taking into account other ecological, economic and social aspects. Through on-farm education and involvement in various organizations and projects, Tilen Praprotnik has spread awareness that there is no civilization without agriculture and there is no agriculture without soil.

Flori Uka is a winemaker, sommelier, and farmer dedicated to regenerative agriculture. As the administrator of Uka Farm in Albania, he preserves soil health and biodiversity by cultivating over 250 plant species, fostering natural pest control, and eliminating chemical inputs. Continuing his father’s vision, the farm serves as a scientific laboratory for sustainable farming. Flori collaborates with small vineyard owners to revive Albania’s ancient grape varieties, aiming to rewrite the country’s lost wine history. He advocates for natural farming methods, inspiring others to restore degraded soils and build a sustainable future for agriculture.

Ananda Fitzsimmons is a speaker and advocate for soil and water and works to raise awareness about their critical role in climate regulation. She is the author of two books, Hydrate the Earth: The forgotten role of water in the climate crisis and Restoring the Pillars of Life. Ananda co-founded Concentric Agriculture in 2007, a company which developed soil amendments from naturally occurring microorganisms. She helped establish Regeneration Canada, a non profit organizations working to promote regenerative agriculture in Canada and is still the President of the Board. In addition Ananda sits as Vice President for the EcoRestoration Alliance, a global alliance of members working to mitigate climate through ecosystem restoration and regenerative agriculture.

Mariam Jorjadze - biologist, with more than 25 years of professional experience in the areas of agroecology, organic farming, agricultural biodiversity, Geographical Indications and rural development. Since 2003 a director of the Biological Farming Association Elkana, a Georgian non-governmental organization established in 1994, aiming at improvement of the socio-economic conditions of the Georgian population and environmental protection through the fostering the development of sustainable organic farming and increasing self-reliance of the rural population. Elkana provides extension service to its members, is involved in conservation of agricultural diversity & traditional knowledge, rural development and advocacy, reaching over 2,500 households of rural areas of Georgia.

Egzona Shala Kadiu – Environmental Advocate & Sustainability Leader. Egzona Shala Kadiu is a dedicated environmental protection specialist with over 15 years of experience in ecology, sustainability, and community engagement. As the Executive Director of EcoZ, she has led over 33 environmental projects, advocating for green transitions, biodiversity conservation, and the protection of natural resources in Kosovo and beyond. Egzona is recognized for her leadership in climate change adaptation, environmental justice, and policy advocacy. She has been at the forefront of challenging illegal hydropower projects, empowering communities like Obiliq in their transition from coal to renewables, and educating youth on environmental sustainability.