Mayi Lekuona

Basque permaculture designer, educator, and regenerative systems facilitator

I hold a B.Sc. in Biology, an M.Sc. in Oceanography, and a Diploma in Applied Permaculture Design (Academia de Permacultura Íbera, 2023).

I co-founded Maïa Permaculture, a cooperative on the Basque coast dedicated to designing regenerative systems and fostering resilient communities. Through Maïa, we offer design services, participatory processes, and training that integrate permaculture ethics into daily life. As members of BDSKoop, we actively contribute to regional transformation and public awareness around food sovereignty, ecological transition, and community resilience. 

Alongside cooperative work, I serve as a Diploma Tutor and Mentor with the Academia de Permacultura Íbera, supporting learners on their design journeys. I’m also a core contributor to the Permaculture Impact project, developing tools and training to help projects evaluate and communicate their ecological and social impact.

Together with my partner and children, I also tend to our family homestead Gure Ametza, a suburban-scale permaculture site on the Basque border where we experiment with food growing, plant propagation, and playful, creative design. This personal space nourishes my practice and keeps me rooted in the everyday realities of permaculture living. 

I am an active member of the International CoLab, currently contributing to the Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning Systems (MELS) group. In the past I have also supported the Translation Circle and the Inclusivity & Organisational Transformation (IOT) group, strengthening global collaboration and accessibility within the permaculture movement.

Rooted in Earth Care, People Care, and Fair Share, my work bridges science, creativity, and community action, striving for regenerative change in both local and international contexts.