Shape the Future of
Regenerative Economies
Shape the Future of
Regenerative Economies
Learn to create fair, resilient, and regenerative economic systems for communities and the planet.
Redesign economies for a thriving future
The GEDS Economic Dimension Course equips you with practical tools and frameworks to rethink how economies function. Dig deep into the principles that underpin our current economic system and explore a diversity of alternative economic ideas, models and examples which will support you to design systems that prioritise equity, resilience, and ecological health. Learn how to implement regenerative economic ideas and models into your community, business, or organisation.
photo: Gary Barnes
Key Skills
Understand and explore economic systems that put people and the planet first
Apply post-growth and regenerative economic models to real-world challenges
Understand how purpose and values led economies strengthen community resilience
Integrate cooperative and ethical business practices into organisations and enterprises
Understand the relationship between money, value, and wealth to create resilient and regenerative solutions
Key Questions Explored in This Course
How can we create economies that allow all life to thrive whilst living within planetary boundaries?
What are the alternatives to mainstream capitalist systems, and how can they be successfully implemented?
How can we shift from a scarcity mindset to an abundance-based perspective?
What role does money play in shaping society, and how can we redefine its impact?
How can communities reclaim power and control over their economies and resources?
Real-world impact: What past participants have achieved
Social Enterprises & Cooperatives ▸ Graduates have launched ethical businesses that prioritise people and the planet.
Circular Economy Initiatives ▸ Participants have designed local systems that reduce waste and promote resource reuse.
Community Currencies ▸ Some have introduced local currencies to strengthen regional economies and increase financial resilience.
The Economic Dimension in Gaia’s 4D Framework
Gaia’s Economic Dimension integrates with ecological, social, and worldview aspects to create a balanced, sustainable future.
Economic
Foster equitable, resilient economies.
Social
Strengthen collaboration and community bonds.
Ecological
Restore and regenerate natural systems.
Worldview
Shift mindsets for a sustainable future.
Go beyond a single dimension.
Enrol in the full GEDS course to integrate all four dimensions and create systemic change.
Course details
Course format:
Online, interactive modules, and and live zoom call sessions
Price:
GBP 405
There´s a limited number of scholarships spots, you can apply here
Duration:
9 weeks
25 May - 25 July 2026
Commitment:
Approx. 10 hours per week
Structure:
Six modules with accompanying 90 minute live discussions per module, group projects, and assignments
Live sessions at 18.30 - 20.00 UTC
- Opening session; May 30th
- Module 1: June 6th
- Module 2: June 13th
- Module 3: June 27th
- Module 4: July 4th
- Module 5: July 11th
- Final closing session: July 25th
Facilitators:
Expert instructors with real-world economic transformation experience
Certificate:
Issued upon successful completion
Is this course for you?
This course is designed for changemakers who want to strengthen communities, lead with purpose, and drive meaningful change.
Educators and students exploring innovative economic strategies.
Policymakers designing equitable economic systems.
Educators and students exploring innovative economic strategies.
Community leaders building local economies.
Entrepreneurs creating sustainable businesses.
Anyone passionate about transforming economic systems.
From Classroom to Community real results
In this online course, you will gain the understanding and skills to become a confident changemaker in social issues of sustainability.
The aim of this programme is to give you a better understanding of the true meaning of social equity and participatory action and to enable participants to apply transformative tools that align us with more resilient social systems. Our relationship with others is too dear to let it default to old domineering paradigms.
After completing this course, you will have learned practical and effective ways to create the change we all seek. Our distinct programme is your chance to learn about the different ways to participate in this (r)evolutionary shift in paradigms.
H3 Loren Ipsum Dolor
In this online course, you will gain the understanding and skills to become a confident changemaker in social issues of sustainability.
The course modules
Explore Key Economic Transformation Tools:
Module 1
Rethinking Economics
Challenge mainstream economic assumptions and explore alternatives beyond capitalism.
Module 2
Economics for People and the Planet
Discover post-growth and degrowth approaches that prioritize sustainability and well-being.
Module 3
Reclaiming the Commons, Democracy, and Work
Explore how shared resources, participatory governance, and meaningful work shape a just economy.
Module 4
The Ecology of Money
Understand the origins of money, alternative financial systems, and regenerative investment models.
Module 5
Utopias and Thrutopias
Use imagination activism to design realistic and inspiring economic futures.
Module 6
Final Project
Apply your knowledge by developing a practical, transformative economic initiative.
Learn from Experts in Economic Innovation
Our facilitators are pioneers in sustainable economics, bringing global expertise and hands-on strategies to the course.
Meet the facilitators
Emma Woods
Educator, facilitator and network weaver. Emma is passionate about alternative economics, systems thinking and energy science which places care, trust and relationships at the center of a flourishing future. She is the founder of Flourish Economics, set up in 2023 which offers regenerative economics education, heart-led facilitation and community weaving. She has designed and facilitated workshops that challenge mainstream economic thinking, provides radical research consultancy that aims to disrupt the status quo and leads community weaving events that seek to create strong and resilient community bonds. She is a trained Offers and Needs Market facilitator and one of the co-creators of the Sheffield Doughnut Economics Snapshot.
After over 13 years of working in the UK public sector, Emma left a career as a successful economist as it became clear our current economic system and ways of thinking would never be capable of tackling the deep and systemic issues we collectively face. After reaching this key turning point, she wants to build networks of shared knowledge and understanding which can create resilient, regenerative and cooperative economies that allow people and planet to thrive.
Della Z Duncan
Della Duncan is a Renegade Economist whose work focuses on guiding people upstream to the root causes of today’s social and ecological challenges—supporting them to remember who they truly are, why they are here, and how they can contribute meaningfully to a more just and flourishing world.
She is the host and producer of the Upstream Podcast, where she challenges mainstream economic narratives through documentary storytelling and in-depth conversations. The podcast, now over a decade old, has produced more than 20 documentaries and over 250 episodes, featuring leading voices and stories in post-capitalist economic thought and practice.
As a Right Livelihood Coach, Della supports individuals in aligning their work with their values. She also works with organizations and businesses as a post-capitalist consultant, helping to design equitable and ecologically responsible economic strategies. As an educator, besides Gaia Education, she teaches at the California Institute of Integral Studies, Santa Cruz Permaculture, and Vital Cycles Permaculture. She also serves as a Senior Fellow at the International Inequalities Institute at the London School of Economics.
In 2023, Della co-founded the California Doughnut Economics Coalition, a worker self-directed nonprofit dedicated to bringing the principles of Doughnut Economics into local, regional, and statewide decision-making. Since its founding, the coalition has published a California Doughnut Snapshot and is currently developing local doughnut portraits for San Francisco, San Jose, and Petaluma.
Her academic background includes an MA in Economics for Transition (with Distinction) from Schumacher College, dual BAs in International Relations and Sociology (summa cum laude) from University of California, Davis, and a graduate certificate in Authentic Leadership from Naropa University. She is also a certified Gross National Happiness Master Trainer through Bhutan’s GNH Centre, and has completed Joanna Macy’s Work That Reconnects Facilitation Intensive and James Baraz’s Dharma Teacher Support Training.
In 2024, Della re-designed this Economic Dimension course with Emma Woods. This is her third year as a course instructor. She is also the designer and co-facilitator of Gaia Education’s Cultivating Regenerative Livelihoods course.
Hear from our alumni
Imagination Activism and an accompanying "why not?/what if?" outlook and inquiries. I also feel like I came away with a much more holistic understanding of the interconnectedness of these topics and economics in our dominant political system. I also really appreciate being forced to put thought to page, even though it is difficult. I realized I hadn't been challenged in this way since graduating from college over 5 years ago and it is fun to shake the rust off!
– K. K.
I loved how the course was able to tackle economy and such dense themes in an accessible and welcoming way. Both outstanding facilitators, who felt committed to making the content, theme, reflections and conversations as welcoming as how it was approached in the modules. A lot of significant changes: new avenues to expand my knowledge on economics; understand and exercise new ideas focused on the challenges I see and face; be more positive and how I can try to act more and impact my community; and so many more.
– M. B.
Taking this course has provided me with a deep understanding of what economics is and changed my perspective. I am keen on applying the regeneretive economics learnings in my daily life and in my business. Moreover, I would like to find ways of applying it in my community. I have started integrating the gift economy into my practice.
– D. Z.
Your Questions Answered
No previous experience is required. All you need is a passion for community building and collaboration.
The course is designed to fit busy schedules with around 10 hours per week of flexible study. Though highly encouraged, Live Sessions are not mandatory and are recorded to be watched later.
Yes! The course provides hands-on tools you can apply immediately in your community.
" A: "No prior experience is required. The course is designed for all levels.
The course is designed to fit busy schedules with around 10 hours per week of flexible study. Though highly encouraged, Live Sessions are not mandatory and are recorded to be watched later.
Yes! The course provides hands-on tools you can apply immediately in your community.
Your Questions Answered
No prior experience is required. The course is designed for all levels.
The course is designed to fit busy schedules with around 10 hours per week of flexible study. Though highly encouraged, Live Sessions are not mandatory and are recorded to be watched later.
Yes! The course provides hands-on tools you can apply immediately in your community.
A comprehensive programme covering four dimensions of sustainability: social, ecological, economic, and worldview.
No prior experience is required. This course is designed for both beginners and advanced learners. Whether you’re new to sustainability or looking to deepen your expertise, the course provides accessible and actionable content for everyone.
Entirely online with live sessions, group discussions, and self-paced assignments. You’ll have access to experienced facilitators, a supportive learning community, and rich resource materials.
Yes, each dimension can be taken as a standalone course, so if you are interested in specific dimensions, you can take them separately. Enrolling in the full course provides a holistic understanding of sustainability and is more cost-effective.
The Design Studio is the integration piece of the GEDS Full programme that you can join after complete the 4 Dimensions.
Participants have life-long access to the course material. Though the course has a defined length, participants can go back to the material any time after the course completion.
Have questions? We’ve got answers.
Do I need prior experience in social design?
No prior experience is required. An interest in sustainability and community building is beneficial.
How is this course delivered?
It’s delivered online with weekly live sessions for interaction and collaboration.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes, upon successful completion, you’ll receive a certificate from Gaia Education.
What if I have limited time?
The course is designed for flexibility, requirig around 10 hours per week.
Start Your Journey to Economic Transformation.
Join a global community redesigning economic systems for people and the planet. Secure your spot today!
Speak with us on Whatsapp!
