In the serene, green landscape of the Netherlands, Mieke Elzenga is quietly revolutionising the way communities interact with land and sustainability. As the founder of LiberTerra, a unique nature reserve and sustainable community, Mieke has become a beacon of innovation in rural development, showcasing how abandoned agricultural spaces can be transformed into thriving centres of learning, living, and environmental stewardship.
Mieke’s journey into this transformative work began with a keen observation of a growing crisis in the Dutch countryside. “In the Netherlands, many farmers are leaving their lands because their children aren’t interested in taking over the farms,” Mieke explains. This exodus has left swathes of fertile land untended and farmhouses empty—a poignant symbol of a way of life that was slowly fading away.
But where others saw decline, Mieke saw opportunity. With a background as a social entrepreneur and a deep commitment to sustainability, she envisioned a future where these neglected spaces could be re-purposed to address some of society’s most pressing challenges: housing shortages, the need for sustainable living, and the desire for community-orientated education.
The result of this vision is LiberTerra, a nature reserve that serves not just as a model of sustainable living but as a hub for social innovation. Here, former farmlands are being revitalised to provide housing and educational opportunities, particularly for young people eager to learn about and contribute to sustainable practices. “What we do at LiberTerra is really connect the challenges and problems of the area and turn them into solutions,” Mieke says, underscoring her belief that the challenges of one sector can often become opportunities for another.
Mieke’s innovative approach to rural development is deeply collaborative. She emphasises the importance of building strong relationships with local authorities, entrepreneurs, and civil leaders. “For me, it’s really important to work together,” she notes. This integrative approach, which blends the expertise and goals of various stakeholders, has been key to the success of LiberTerra. It’s also a model she believes can be adopted by other women in farming and rural areas who are looking to innovate and create impact within their communities.
Of course, the path has not been without its obstacles. Navigating the complex web of regulations surrounding land use in the Netherlands has been one of Mieke’s biggest challenges. The rigid categorisation of land for specific uses—whether agricultural, residential, or industrial—makes it difficult to re-purpose land for mixed or alternative uses. But Mieke has met these challenges with determination and a focus on collaboration. “It’s about showing the authorities and the community that we can live and act in a different way—one that doesn’t fight against the system but works within it to create new possibilities.”
Mieke’s work with LiberTerra has not only had a profound impact on her local community but is also gaining recognition on a broader scale. Through her involvement with the FLIARA Project (Female-led Innovation in Agriculture and Rural Areas), she’s helping to demonstrate the powerful role women can play in driving innovation in rural areas. “What I really like about the FLIARA project is that it brings women from different cultures and backgrounds together to share experiences,” Mieke says. “We inspire each other, learn from each other’s challenges, and find new ways to push our projects forward.”
Looking ahead, Mieke is committed to expanding the impact of her work. She envisions a future where more abandoned farms and rural spaces are revitalised in ways that blend sustainability with social innovation. She also hopes that through initiatives like FLIARA, more women will be empowered to take on leadership roles in their communities, using their unique perspectives to drive change.
For aspiring female innovators in agriculture and rural areas, Mieke’s advice is simple yet profound: “Be proud of your skills and experiences. You have something valuable to offer the world. Don’t make yourself small—show up, share your challenges, and collaborate. Together, we can create a better world.”
As Mieke continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in rural development, her work stands as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential that lies in every community, waiting to be unlocked by those with the vision and determination to see it through.