Regenerative agricultural projects under the Regenerative Fund for Nature now span 1.1 million hectares worldwide, reaching 105,000 people through direct and indirect benefits. This scale already exceeds the original target of 1 million hectares set for 2026. It reflects rapid progress in embedding environmentally and socially resilient practices across cotton, wool, leather, and cashmere supply chains in diverse landscapes and communities.
- The facts and figures are from the Regenerative Fund for Nature’s 2024 Annual Report published Thursday last.
- Total enrolled land equals 1,111,404 hectares, comprising 845,000 hectares of direct impact and 267,000 hectares of indirect impact, often rounded to 1.1 million for reporting.
- Direct beneficiaries number 36,000 individuals, with indirect beneficiaries totalling 69,000 across eight participating countries, including several newly launched initiatives.
- Portfolio interventions target cotton, wool, leather, and cashmere, addressing biodiversity loss, soil degradation, and community livelihood challenges through locally adapted regenerative practices.
THE FUND: Established in 2021 by Kering and Conservation International, with Inditex joining in 2023, the Regenerative Fund for Nature supports the shift to regenerative agricultural practices in fashion supply chains. Its work spans cotton, wool, leather, and cashmere systems, aiming to improve ecosystem health, strengthen livelihoods, and enhance resilience. By the end of 2024, the Fund’s portfolio covered thirteen projects in eight countries, enrolling 1,111,404 hectares and reaching 105,000 people through direct and indirect benefits.
- The Fund was created to transform one million hectares (2.5 million acres) by 2026 through targeted interventions in key commodity supply chains.
- Portfolio growth in 2024 came from new project launches and expansion of existing initiatives, increasing both hectares and beneficiaries.
- Activities are designed to address biodiversity loss, soil degradation, water management, and climate resilience in agricultural landscapes.
- Governance involves collaboration between corporate partners, technical experts, and field organisations to guide priorities and evaluate outcomes.
WHAT’S WORKING: In 2024, the Fund strengthened its monitoring and evaluation framework, refined its claims process, and launched new projects. These developments support transparency and connect field results to credible public claims about regenerative progress in global commodity supply chains.
- Allocation methods now differentiate direct from indirect impact for hectares and beneficiaries, improving accuracy in reporting and claims.
- Projects are classified by ecosystem type, land classification, and transition phase to enhance understanding of progress and scale.
- Ecological, social, and economic considerations inform investment decisions across diverse landscapes and communities.
- Annual Learning Exchanges promote knowledge-sharing between grantees, corporate partners, and technical experts to refine approaches.
WHAT THE DATA SHOWS: Performance data for 2024 demonstrates tangible benefits from regenerative practices. Results include price premiums for certified fibre, increased biodiversity, improved soil health, and strengthened livelihoods. All metrics are measured against established indicators, providing verifiable evidence of impact across multiple geographies and commodities.
- Forty-four producers now benefit from earning an approximate 15% premium for Regenerative-Wildlife Friendly-certified fibre compared to standard global market prices.
- Wild bee populations are nearly double in sainfoin-sown plots compared to control plots, showing a measurable biodiversity benefit linked to targeted planting practices.
- Average soil organic matter across three sites increased from 2.49% to 5.75%, indicating substantial gains in soil health and productivity potential.
- Mongolia’s rangeland regeneration supported 7,025 people through improved livestock management and sustainable grazing practices across targeted regions.
WHERE THINGS STAND: Active projects address environmental degradation and socio-economic challenges in agricultural systems. Strategies include biodiversity conservation, soil restoration, and welfare improvements for livestock, tailored to local ecological and cultural contexts for lasting results.
- Patagonia’s livestock management project covers 310,000 hectares under regenerative and wildlife-friendly practices, benefiting producers and endemic species.
- The Gran Chaco initiative has enrolled 122,502 hectares and trained hundreds in regenerative livestock methods adapted to regional needs.
- Uganda’s cotton programme registered over 2,000 farmers, half of them women, strengthening gender inclusion in agricultural transitions.
- South Africa’s wool project targets rangeland health and livestock welfare, building resilience against climate-related challenges in grazing systems.
RIPPLE EFFECTS: The Fund’s work is producing outcomes beyond immediate project boundaries, influencing market demand, industry standards, and rural economies. Wildlife recovery, integration of regenerative materials into fashion collections, and livelihood gains are demonstrating the interconnected benefits of these interventions.
- Predator-friendly livestock practices are designed to reduce conflict with species such as pumas and the endangered Andean cat in areas where both coexist.
- Wildlife-friendly certifications provide alternative revenue streams for producers, linking conservation to commercial opportunities.
- Certified regenerative fibres are now incorporated into luxury brand collections, connecting supply chain sustainability to consumer markets.
- Expanding demand for regenerative materials is strengthening rural economic resilience and incentivising sustainable production practices.
