Kening fan 'e Greide (King of the Meadows) is a citizen initiative that began in 2012 in Friesland, Netherlands. It has grown into a movement uniting farmers, artists, scientists, and residents to promote sustainable agriculture and protect the region’s meadow landscapes. Through debates, performances, and educational activities, the initiative fosters community engagement and raises awareness about biodiversity and nature-inclusive farming. This case highlights the essential role of community (mienskip in Friesland) in the circular economy, demonstrating how strong social ties and collective responsibility drive sustainable transitions.

Kening fan 'e Greide exemplifies how community-driven initiatives can foster circular economy transitions by strengthening social cohesion, promoting sustainable practices, and restoring biodiversity in Friesland’s agricultural landscapes.

Friesland’s meadow landscapes, once rich in biodiversity, have faced significant ecological decline due to intensive farming practices, habitat loss, and reduced populations of meadow birds. Conventional agriculture has prioritised high yields over environmental sustainability, leading to soil degradation and loss of natural habitats. The challenge lies in balancing agricultural productivity with biodiversity preservation while fostering community involvement in environmental stewardship.

Kening fan 'e Greide addresses these challenges through a collaborative, community-led approach. By engaging farmers, residents, scientists, and artists, the initiative promotes sustainable, nature-inclusive farming practices that support biodiversity. It organises public events, including debates, performances, and educational programmes, to raise awareness and inspire collective action. The initiative integrates traditional ecological knowledge with modern scientific insights, fostering innovative farming solutions that enhance biodiversity. Furthermore, it leverages Friesland’s strong sense of mienskip-community solidarity and shared responsibility-to empower local stakeholders in driving the transition to sustainable agriculture.

Kening fan 'e Greide has successfully raised awareness about biodiversity conservation and sustainable farming across Friesland. The initiative has strengthened social cohesion, reinforcing the role of community-led action in environmental stewardship. By fostering dialogue between farmers, scientists, and the public, it has encouraged the adoption of nature-inclusive farming practices. The movement has also influenced policy discussions on biodiversity and circular agriculture, showcasing the power of grassroots initiatives in shaping sustainable regional development.

This initiative underscores the importance of community engagement in circular economy transitions. Friesland’s cultural emphasis on mienskip demonstrates how strong social networks can facilitate the adoption of circular principles, ensuring that sustainability efforts are both inclusive and locally embedded.