L’Officiel in collaboration with TEDxDaltVila : Finn Harries
Finn Harries is an environmental activist and chief designer at Juntos Farm. Best known for his work in sustainable architecture and food systems, Finn has spent many years exploring how communities can build resilience through regenerative agriculture. He continues to push the boundaries of regenerative design, demonstrating how environmental challenges can be reframed as opportunities for meaningful change.
Your work bridges design, architecture and environmental sustainability. Can you share how your journey in these fields has evolved?
During my architectural studies, I became increasingly aware of the environmental impact of cities, which led me to question my career path. At one point, I even considered dropping out of my studies. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, someone introduced me to a course called Think Resilience by Richard Heinberg, which explores the concept of the adaptive cycle. This idea - that natural systems evolve through periods of collapse and regeneration -helped me reframe my perspective. Instead of viewing crises as purely negative, I started to see them as opportunities for transformation.
What keeps you motivated and optimistic about the future?
Understanding resilience in nature has shaped my optimism. For instance, when a forest fire occurs, it seems like total destruction, but it also creates conditions for new growth. Similarly, in times of crisis, we have the opportunity to reorganise and rebuild better systems. This perspective is what fuels my optimism in addressing the environmental challenges we face. Instead of despairing, I focus on solutions, like regenerative agriculture, which has the potential to heal ecosystems while feeding communities.
You’ve mentioned that young people are eager to engage with sustainability. How do you see this movement evolving among younger generations?
There’s a growing desire among young people to reconnect with nature and work in ways that have real meaning. I see more individuals, including myself, stepping away from traditional career paths to pursue projects that align with their values. Many young people are actively seeking ways to contribute to regenerative systems, whether through farming, activism or design. However, while youth involvement is crucial, I also push back against the notion that it’s solely up to the next generation to fix these problems. Change needs to happen across all generations, and those currently in power must take responsibility for immediate action.
How do you see the future of sustainability on the island?
Ibiza is an interesting place for sustainability efforts because of its seasonal population shift and reliance on tourism. The island used to be self-sufficient in food production, but today, about 98% of its food is imported. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity. There’s a lot of abandoned farmland that could be revitalised, and there’s a growing movement towards regenerative agriculture. Through initiatives like Juntos Farm, we aim to create a sustainable food economy that benefits both local farmers and visitors. Engaging the community is key, and we’re working to ensure that regenerative agriculture is a viable and appealing option for local landowners and farmers.
By implementing sustainable farming techniques and engaging local communities, we can demonstrate how food production can work in harmony with the planet, inspiring others to rethink the way we grow and consume food, making sustainability a core part of our daily lives.
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