Terra Viva My Life in a Biodiversity of Movements

Vandana Shiva has worked with farmers’ and people’s movements across the world against what she calls “seed imperialism”, economic polarisation, and the digital colonisation of our ecological and social diversity.

This powerful memoir looks back at the most memorable campaigns and movements that she has been part of, while looking ahead to the challenges posed by the COVID crisis, the privatisation of biotechnology, and the commodification of our biological and natural resources. “The awareness that Vandana’s work and actions provoke is sublime,” says Gilles-Éric Séralini, “it will bring you light.”

This book is a testament to the great work that Vandana has done for the food and ecological movements.

—Carlo Petrini, Founder, Slow Food

Vandana Shiva is the most brilliant woman I know; she is impressive, with a global knowledge of the environmental problems created, above all, by social disorders and the selfishness of short-term power.

— Gilles-Éric Séralini, molecular biologist and co-author of The Monsanto Papers

Vandana Shiva’s brilliant, discerning mind, granite character, poetic soul, and her galvanising skills as a grassroots organiser have won her place in the pantheon of the most effective and beloved leaders of the global environmental movement.

— Robert F. Kennedy Jr., environmental lawyer

This beautifully-written memoir is a compelling narrative which should be read by everyone who loves land, life and the integrity of our precious Planet Earth.

— Satish Kumar, Founder, Schumacher College

Reading this book will open your mind to the causes of the deep problems we have been pushed into by the actions of a few, and give you hope and courage to reverse the downward spiral.

—Hans R. Herren, Founder and President, Biovision Foundation

Terra Viva is one of the most remarkable books I have ever read. It is an awe-inspiring tale of multiple struggles against multiple injustices against people and our environment … Vandana’s life story shows that she is one of our most extraordinary leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Dr Martin Luther King.

—André Leu, International Director, Regeneration International

Terra Viva chronicles Vandana’s thoughts, knowledge, convictions, and a sustained commitment to movement-building and maintenance of life. Thank you, Vandana, for the generous offering of this testament, this living book, this sharing of your life.

—Nnimmo Bassey, author of To Cook a Continent