Overview: Creating Regenerative Commons

Creating regenerative commons involves establishing legal structures, acquiring land, setting up governance, and implementing regenerative practices. This guide outlines the key steps based on OASA's model.

Step 1: Form a Core Team

Begin by forming a core team committed to the project:

• People aligned with regenerative principles
• Diverse skills (legal, financial, ecological, community)
• Long-term commitment
• Shared vision for regenerative commons

Step 2: Establish Legal Structure

Nonprofit Entity

Create a nonprofit organization to hold land:

• Nonprofit association or foundation
• Mission aligned with regenerative principles
• Governance structure for community decision-making
• Compliance with local regulations

Perpetual Land Trust

Establish perpetual land trust structure:

• Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) or trust to hold land
• Legal guardrails preventing sale or privatization
• Ensuring land remains in perpetual commons
• Protection for future generations

Step 3: Acquire Land

Land Selection

Choose land suitable for regeneration:

• Size appropriate for project goals
• Potential for ecological restoration
• Access to water resources
• Legal clarity and clean title
• Community support and local relationships

Financing Land Acquisition

Finance land acquisition through:

• Initial loans or investment
• Bonding curve financing through token sales
• Community contributions
• Grants or donations

Step 4: Place Land in Perpetual Commons

Transfer land to perpetual land trust:

• Transfer title to SPV or trust
• Establish legal protections preventing sale
• Ensure land remains in perpetual commons
• Create permanent protection

Step 5: Set Up Governance

DAO Governance Structure

Establish DAO governance:

• Token-based participation system
• Transparent decision-making processes
• Proposal and voting mechanisms
• Constitutional limits aligned with regenerative principles

Community Values and Principles

Establish community values:

• Shared principles and commitments
• Alignment with regenerative principles
• Conflict resolution processes
• New member integration

Step 6: Implement Regenerative Practices

Regenerative Principles

Begin implementing seven regenerative principles:

1. Soil: Build soil health through agroforestry and organic practices
2. Water: Create water retention landscapes
3. Air: Plant trees and sequester carbon
4. Waste: Eliminate waste through composting and circular systems
5. Biodiversity: Dedicate 50% to rewilding
6. Resources: Use renewable resources
7. Community: Build strong, resilient communities

Step 7: Set Up Token System

Tokenized Access Rights

Create tokenized access rights:

• Design token model representing access
• Set capacity limits based on physical capacity
• Create bonding curve for price discovery
• Implement smart contracts for sales

Bonding Curve Financing

Set up bonding curve financing:

• Deploy commons market maker smart contract
• Enable continuous token sales
• Allocate proceeds to debt retirement and infrastructure
• Create transparency in sales and pricing

Step 8: Build Infrastructure

Develop necessary infrastructure:

• Water systems and water retention landscapes
• Housing and common spaces
• Energy systems (renewable)
• Internet and communication infrastructure
• Agricultural infrastructure for regenerative agriculture

Step 9: Build Community

Develop strong community:

• Recruit members aligned with community values
• Create shared spaces and activities
• Establish mutual support networks
• Support participatory governance

Step 10: Monitor and Improve

Continuously monitor and improve:

• Track ecosystem health through biodiversity monitoring
• Measure progress on regenerative principles
• Adjust practices based on outcomes
• Support debt retirement through token sales

Key Considerations

Legal Compliance

Ensure compliance with:

• Local land use regulations
• Nonprofit regulations
• Token and securities laws
• Environmental regulations

Financial Sustainability

Plan for financial sustainability:

• Revenue from token sales
• Community contributions
• Grants and donations
• Long-term debt retirement strategy

Community Resilience

Build resilient communities:

• Strong community values
• Effective governance processes
• Mutual support networks
• Long-term commitment

OASA Support

OASA provides support for creating regenerative commons:

• Constitutional framework through OASA Constitution
• Technical guidance on regenerative practices
• Governance templates and tools
• Network of regenerative commons projects

Related Terms

• Regenerative Commons Economics - Economic framework
• Perpetual Land Trust Model - Legal structure
• DAO Governance - Governance setup
• Regenerative Principles - Practices to implement