Project Meraki began in Monzuno, a small town in the Bolognese Apennines at the start of the stunning Via degli Dei trail, that connects Bologna to Florence.

This ecovillage was born from the vision of Carlo Taglia, known as “Vagamondo,” a young man from Turin who, after difficult years marked by struggles and dependencies, chose to embark on a round-the-world trip without planes, radically transforming his life. After his first journey, Carlo continued to explore different cultures, turning his passion into a career as a blogger and bestselling travel author, sharing his experiences to inspire a lifestyle free from social conditioning.

Over time and through many incredible adventures, Carlo realized that while travel is formative, it could also become an escape from meaningful relationships and from responsibilities towards society and the environment. This new awareness led him down a path of inner discovery, which, in 2021, inspired him to found Project Meraki along with other like-minded travelers. Today, Meraki serves as a community living project where people can practice permaculture, craftsmanship, self-production, and holistic wellness, encouraging both personal and collective growth.

The Evolution of Meraki: Vision and Values

Today, Project Meraki is a thriving community, home to nine people and one child—the first born in the ecovillage. The community spans 35 hectares of land and includes structures like a 500-square-metre farmhouse, a 10,000-square-metre agricultural warehouse, and a 300-square-metre barn. Designed as an educational centre, Meraki supports ecosustainability through practices that respect both people and the environment, striving for self-sufficiency in food, energy, and water.

Through permaculture, the project is committed to using natural resources in an eco-friendly way, creating resilient systems that support biodiversity. At the heart of Meraki’s philosophy are values like respect, welcome, authentic relationships, and empathetic communication. The community actively practices non-violent communication, fostering a space where everyone can express themselves freely in an inclusive and respectful environment.

Meraki’s Decision-Making System

Meraki’s decision-making structure is based on sociocracy, an inclusive method that ensures each member of the community has the opportunity to share their views and participate actively in collective decisions.

This approach operates through decision-making circles, where choices are made by consensus, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued. Even Carlo, as the founder, holds the same decision-making power as everyone else, avoiding rigid hierarchies and promoting an environment of equality and mutual trust. Sociocracy enables the community to address conflicts constructively, fostering a climate of collaboration and creativity.

Meraki’s Economic System

From an economic perspective, Meraki follows a mixed economy, integrating diverse revenue sources to maintain self-sufficiency and reduce reliance on external resources. The community generates income through organic farming, selling locally grown products, and craftsmanship, which values manual skills and natural materials. Additionally, Meraki receives financial support from donors and collaborations with like-minded organisations, creating a flow of solidarity. To diversify further, Meraki also organizes events, trainings, and retreats open to the public, which not only sustain the community financially but also create valuable connections with other local initiatives, strengthening networks of collaboration and exchange.

Projects and Initiatives

Community life at Meraki is rich with projects and initiatives aimed at personal and collective growth. Among the main activities are experiential retreats, which include workshops on yoga, music, dance, self-production, craftsmanship, and personal and collective growth practices. These events become opportunities to learn and share skills and values that strengthen the bond with both nature and the community. Additionally, outdoor summer camps for children and young people introduce new generations to community living, encouraging a deep connection with nature.

How to Experience Community Life

Meraki offers various ways to experience community life. The ecovillage organizes open days and seminars, giving visitors the chance to explore the place and meet community members. During these events, anyone eager to contribute is invited to participate and discover the values that guide the project.

If you’re looking for a more immersive experience, you can join the Meraki Experience—a two-week volunteer program that lets you fully dive into the reality of this ecovillage. During this period, participants engage in activities like land care, managing shared spaces, and attending workshops, offering a unique opportunity to connect deeply with nature and like-minded people who share a vision based on respect and harmony. The Meraki Experience is much more than a hands-on program: it’s an inner journey that invites you to slow down, reflect, and truly connect with yourself and the world around you.

In a Nutshell

Located in Monzuno, along the beautiful Via Degli Dei trail, Progetto Meraki is an ecovillage promoting a sustainable lifestyle through permaculture, craftsmanship, and holistic wellness. The core values of the community include ecosustainability and non-violent communication, shared within an inclusive organisational structure. With initiatives like open days, retreats, and the Meraki Experience, this community project offers everyone a chance for inspiration, growth, and immersion in a more mindful and interconnected lifestyle, grounded in respect for other humans and the natural world.