A Journey of Conscious Change
When we remember who we are,
we begin to heal the world
From Ego to Eco
ZieMens was born from the understanding that true transformation begins within when we remember our connection to life itself. We exist to help people, communities and organisations rediscover that bond, and to live from it.
Our mission is to change how we see the world: from ego to eco, from separation to interbeing, from control to care. We do this through education, reflection and direct experience in nature, nurturing the qualities of awareness, empathy and shared responsibility.
As the support foundation of Route 66, ZieMens provides the roots and vision that sustain their practical programmes with young adults, youthworkers, Gen Z on Gran Canaria. Together we work for an ecocentricway of living and leading one that places humanity back in balance with the Earth.
Our work follows a seven-step transformative model that moves through discovery, wonder, connection, creation, direction, action and integration. Each step helps participants shift from mental overload to mindful presence, from noise to stillness, from confusion to clarity.
Everything we do rests on four guiding pillars:
- Awareness: seeing with open eyes and an open heart.
- Experiential Learning: learning by doing, sensing and reflecting.
- People & Nature: recognising that we are part of one living system.
- Inclusivity: embracing difference as a source of unity and strength.
ZieMens supports projects, trainings and awareness campaigns that promote non-formal learning opportunities, mindfulness-based nature education, and plant-based, regenerative living.
We invite each person to slow down, to listen deeply, and to act from their inner compass so that peace, harmony and love become daily practice.
Together we form one ecosystem of transformation.
When we realise that awareness is not a goal to reach, but a way to live together, we begin to restore balance between people and planet.
We grow stronger when we slow down, listen and act from the heart, transforming awareness into care for all life.
Supporting Route 66 and the Next Generation
ZieMens is the founding and supporting foundation behind The Route 66 Foundation, a recognised ANBI organisation operating in the UNESCO-protected valley of Arteara on Gran Canaria.
Where ZieMens offers the roots; vision, philosophy and guidance, Route 66 gives life to these principles through concrete, nature-based learning experiences for young adults across Europe.
ZieMens stands for awareness, reflection and long-term direction. Route 66 embodies practice, community and daily experience. Through this partnership we create a full circle: from inner awakening to real-world action, from education to regeneration.
Our shared purpose is to help the next generationlive and lead differently more connected to nature, more attuned to their inner compass, and more capable of shaping a sustainable and compassionate future.
We do this by facilitating non-formal learning opportunities, international cooperation under the European Solidarity Corpsand Erasmus+, and by offering spaces for silence, mindful presence and ecological restoration.
Every young person who joins Route 66 walks the same path that ZieMens first envisioned: the seven-step journey from Ego to Eco: Discover, Wonder, Connect, Create, Direct, Act, Integrate.
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Since its creation, ZieMens has achieved a great deal. Over the years, responsibilities, project funding and administrative duties have grown and so has the need for clear structure. In mutual agreement, it was therefore decided that, as of April 1, 2025, all ANBI-related activities, funds and operational programmeswould be transferred to our partner and successor, The Route 66 Foundation.
Fully certified and equipped, Route 66 now continues the practical work that began here bringing the vision of eco-resilience and inner transformation to life on Gran Canaria and beyond.
The original ZieMens foundation remains active as the reflective root of this movement. Our website, now also accessible via EcoSpirit Vibes, was renamed only to improve online visibility (as “ZieMens” was often confused with “Siemens” in search engines). The legal entity and mission remain unchanged.
Today, this platform serves as a digital archive and reflective space, offering visitors, donors and partners access to our founding mission, policy documents and annual reports, as well as direct links to the ongoing work of Route 66. In this way, the continuum between origin and action stays transparent and alive.
From 31 December 2025, ZieMens will temporarily enter a phase of quiet renewal, awaiting new staff and renewed capacities. The website will remain online as a bridge a space to look back, to connect, and to keep the flame of conscious change alive. Foundations evolve, but the essence remains: awareness in action, service in harmony.
TRANSPARENCY & ACCOUNTABILITY
ZieMens serves as the supporting foundation of The Route 66 Foundation, which holds the official ANBI(Public Benefit) status. From this supportive role, we attach great importance to transparency, integrity and social accountability.
Here you can find an overview of our key documents, including policy plans, annual reports and financial statements offering a clear view of how resources are managed and how our activities contribute to the common good. We believe that openness builds trust, and trust builds community. Every step we take, every euro we spend, is meant to serve the same purpose: to foster awareness, connection and ecological balance.
Annual report
Our annual financial statements are prepared and approved each year by the Board of ZieMens.
They provide a clear overview of:
- income (donations, contributions and partnerships);
- expenditures (project support, accommodation, materials);
- the financial result for each fiscal year;
- and the overall financial position of the foundation.
Most recent annual reports:
- Annual Accounts 2024
- Annual Accounts 2023
- Annual Accounts 2022
All financial statements are available for public review.
Policy plan
Our policy plans define the direction, core values and objectives of ZieMens for each strategic period.
They form the foundation of all our actions and provide insight into:
- our mission and vision;
- the social and ecological challenges we address;
- our partnerships and working methods;
- the use of people, resources and locations;
- and how we strive to create lasting, sustainable impact.
Current plans:
- Policy Plan 2024–2027: focus on supporting Route 66, ecocentric transformation, educational materials and international cooperation.
- Policy Plan 2020–2023: the founding framework of ZieMens.
Activity Reports
Our annual activity reports document and reflect on the work carried out by ZieMensand its partner initiatives.
They include:
– awareness retreats and transformation programmes;
– outreach and nature-based projects on Gran Canaria;
– collaborations with local and European partners;
– stories and reflections from participants and mentors;
– and key lessons learned about impact and community growth.
These reports provide insight into both the measurable outcomes and the deeper learning process that underpins our mission.
These reports are published annually and provide a clear, up-to-date overview of our contribution to the mission of The Route 66 Foundation.
For access to the documents or further information, please contact: info@ziemens.nl
The Board
The Board of ZieMens consists of dedicated individuals committed to the mission of ecocentric transformationand conscious awareness. All board members serve on a fully voluntary basis. They receive no financial compensation for their work, only reimbursement for expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.
The Board safeguards the foundation’s direction, transparency and financial integrity, while supporting close cooperation with The Route 66 Foundationand its ongoing programmes. Decision-making takes place in an atmosphere of equality and reflection, guided by the core vision that defines ZieMens: from head to heart, from ego to eco.
The Board
Martina Jager
Chair & Founder
19 years of experience in awareness and leadership development.
Jolande Van Aken
Treasurer
Extensive experience in financial management and community projects.
The Board
Antoon Wuestman
Secretary
Experienced in organisational strategy and sustainable innovation.
Jan Karsten Botor
Board Member (Data & Security Advisor)
Expert in data protection, cybersecurity and ISO-certified systems.