The story of Progetto Gaia Terra begins with the dream of Debora, a visionary woman who wanted to create a space for connection and sharing. After searching in many places, Debora was invited to visit an abandoned industrial warehouse in Rivignano Teor, in the province of Udine, Italy.

This building, which used to be a brick factory until the late 1800s, immediately struck her as having the potential to become a model of regeneration and biodiversity protection. Debora teamed up with Damiano and seven other pioneers of change, and in 2018, that old brick factory was transformed into a "factory of relationships," giving birth to Gaia Terra.

Holistic Wellbeing at Gaia Terra

Today, Gaia Terra stands as a real social experiment, embracing a holistic vision of wellbeing, considering the physical, mental, and relational aspects of individuals. The community is dedicated to fostering authentic social relationships, plant-based diets, and maintaining both mental and physical health. This approach extends beyond individual wellbeing to the wider social and natural ecosystem surrounding the community.

Green Building at Gaia Terra

At Gaia Terra, green building plays a central role in creating sustainable living spaces that align with nature. The buildings are constructed using natural materials like wood, straw, and raw earth, combined with energy-efficient solutions such as solar panels, reducing their ecological footprint while promoting the physical and mental wellbeing of residents.

Key spaces include a multi-purpose hall, which hosts daily shared activities, and a new dormitory currently under construction, designed to accommodate even more volunteers. The community is also developing energy-sufficient housing and "fun-gaia," an area equipped for growing edible mushrooms.

Permaculture: a Regenerative Approach

Permaculture is the foundation of daily life at Gaia Terra. This approach, rooted in ecological principles, guides the cultivation of the land, which is managed to regenerate itself continuously.

Biodiversity is encouraged through harmonious interaction between plant and animal species, with practices like mindful mowing and a food forest designed to provide food year-round. This system reduces the community's environmental impact and enhances its self-sufficiency, fostering an ecosystem where humans and nature coexist in balance.

The Economic System Of Gaia Terra

Gaia Terra’s economic system is based on a mixed economy, combining self-production with traditional trade practices. The community strives for self-sufficiency through sustainable agriculture, eco-friendly construction, and artisanal products. Additionally, Gaia Terra collaborates with local farmers and artisans, exchanging goods for labor. This model strengthens ties with the local area, reduces dependence on money, and encourages collaboration and sustainability.

Gaia Terra also hosts year-round courses and events focused on social relationships, ecology, and holistic wellbeing, providing educational opportunities and a source of income. Popular workshops include permaculture, Eastern medicine, contact improvisation, and acroyoga.

Consumption As A Political Act

At Gaia Terra, political power is expressed through the active and conscious participation of all community members. Here, politics goes beyond the ballot box and shows up in daily life, particularly through conscious consumption choices. According to Gaia Terra's philosophy, every decision about what to consume—or not to consume—is a political act capable of influencing the economic and social system. The community is committed to minimizing reliance on external sources by producing as many goods as possible internally.

The Decision-Making System of Gaia Terra

Gaia Terra uses sociocracy as its decision-making system, ensuring inclusive and transparent governance. Decisions are made collectively through "decision circles," inspired by the principles of the Circle Way, allowing the integration of diverse voices and finding solutions that reflect the needs and strengths of all community members.

Discover Gaia Terra: Become A Volunteer

Gaia Terra celebrates its seventh anniversary, and while it has already made significant progress, there's still much more to be done. Volunteers are the driving force behind this evolution, and thanks to their ongoing efforts, the ecovillage continues to expand and improve.

However, the journey is far from over! Gaia Terra is constantly looking for new energy and offers volunteer opportunities throughout the year. If this vision resonates with you, you can apply for a volunteer experience by filling out the form on their website.

In A Nutshell

Gaia Terra, located in Rivignano Teor, in the province of Udine, is an ecovillage nestled in nature, representing a living social experiment. It shows that it’s possible to break free from traditional societal systems and build a new lifestyle based on meaningful human relationships and profound respect for nature.