Training activists
We run webinarsWe develop coursesWe publish educational articles
IMAE: Iniciativa Meta-Activista EspañaMeta-Activist Initiative Spain
Under construction
We are preparing something new
We are working hard on a new platform for the Spanish movement for farmed animals.
Training, collaboration and strategy in one place. In the meantime, here is a glimpse of who we are and what we do.
Spanish Meta-Activist Initiative
Compassion can be organized too. Activism with tenderness and strategy.
At IMAE we work to unite, empower and amplify animal advocacy in Spain.
We are a non-profit meta-activist association founded in 2025. Our aim is to strengthen the animal rights movement in Spain from within.
We believe that cooperation, continuous learning and knowledge sharing are essential to achieve real and lasting impact in animal protection and liberation.
We work on three levels
- 1Individual activists
- 2Organizations
- 3The movement
Our initiatives
We launch initiatives to support the animal movement in Spain.
Enabling collaboration
We connect activistsWe create learning spacesWe drive joint projects
Developing strategy
We analyze the movementWe identify prioritiesWe develop recommendations
2025 survey
Mapping the animal movement in Spain
In 2025 IMAE carried out the largest survey to date of animal advocacy in Spain. With 510 activists taking part from across the country, the results give an unprecedented picture of the movement today: who it is made of, what motivates us, what holds us back and where we need to go.
74%women
47average age
60%vegan
49%activists for 10+ years
A few more figures Who are we as a movement?
How do we get involved?
Social media activism leads with 82% participation, followed by demonstrations and protests (74%), boycotts and ethical consumption (60%) and volunteering at shelters or sanctuaries (55%). There is a gap between what we do and what we think works: media outreach (81%) and political pressure (80%) are seen as the most effective strategies — and they are the least practised.
What holds us back?
The main obstacles are lack of time (63%), financial constraints (35%) and fear of confrontation (20%). The most telling figure: 80% of activists have experienced frustration or exhaustion, and 41.6% feel it often. Burnout is not the exception — it is the norm.
How do we see the movement?
81% name the lack of unity between organizations and activists as the number one strategic priority. 75% call for a stronger political presence and 71% find alliances with other movements useful, especially environmentalism (62%) and feminism (38%).
Our webinars
We run webinars so we can keep learning. And there are more resources in our community, which you will soon be able to join! (Webinars are in Spanish.)
Our team
The people behind IMAE.
Tim De Smet
Has more than 20 years in the animal movement, specialising in meta-activism. He is Development Strategist at V-Label International, founder of AGORA and Project Manager at AVA International.
Cristina Marcos
Devotes her career to activist communication for animal rights, working with projects such as IMAE, Fundación Salvando Peludos, Observatorio de Bienestar Animal, FESA and Animales con Derechos.
New platform on its way
Be among the first to join
We are working hard on a new platform for the Spanish movement for farmed animals. Leave us your email and we will let you know when it opens its doors.