Centered on practical and theoretical training, the ecological education project promotes a deeper understanding of the interconnections between soil health, biodiversity, and human well-being, offering a holistic perspective on sustainability. Students engage in hands-on projects such as organic farming, permaculture, and natural resource stewardship while developing skills that contribute to a future in harmony with the Earth. Through direct, on-the-ground experiences with experts and activists, the program seeks to raise awareness among young people about the need to transform living patterns to ensure an ecological and resilient future.
Program Goals
- Build Foundational Ecological Knowledge: Equip students with a comprehensive understanding of key ecological themes, including soil health, seed diversity, sustainable food systems, water conservation, and forest stewardship.
- Promote Environmental Stewardship and Active Citizenship: Inspire students to take responsibility for their local ecosystems and actively participate in sustainable practices that enhance the health and resilience of their communities.
- Develop Practical Skills in Conservation and Regenerative Practices: Through hands-on activities, workshops, and field visits, provide students with practical skills in conservation, regenerative agriculture, and resource management that can be applied in real-life settings.
- Foster a Sense of Place and Community Connection: Encourage students to develop a deeper understanding of their environment, food production systems, and rural communities through direct observation. Strengthen their connection to local landscapes and cultures, fostering an appreciation of traditional ecological knowledge and community-driven solutions.
- Encourage Reflection and Critical Thinking: Through reflective activities and discussions, challenge students to explore the global implications of local environmental issues and think critically about sustainable solutions.
This program, supported by the Ecology Agenda of the Italian Buddhist Union and implemented in collaboration with local schools, offers high school students participating in the Pathways for Transversal Skills and Orientation (PCTO) a unique opportunity to learn ecological and sustainable practices while actively contributing to the creation of ecological communities.
„This project builds on the legacy of the Biodiversity is Life project, funded by the 8×1000 of the Italian Buddhist Union, and runs in parallel with other initiatives developed in conjunction with the Ecology Agenda of the Italian Buddhist Union over the past three years. This ambitious effort has engaged hundreds of students in educational journeys aimed at fostering full ecological awareness.“ (Terrae Vivae: ecological communities in transition, by Manlio Masucci, GATE – Il portale dell’Unione Buddhista Italiana).
Activities – 2nd semester
Introductory Workshop
At the start of the new school year, students from the Agricultural Institute took part in the first session on agroecology, led by Navdanya International. The goal was to introduce the principles of agroecology as a response to the challenges of modern agriculture. Through an open discussion, students reflected on the sector’s difficulties and possible solutions, identifying four key themes: climate change, economic hardship, pollution, and the reduction of farm inputs. Many discovered the concept of agroecology for the first time, summarizing its meaning with a phrase: “For me, agroecology is the balance between agriculture and the environment.”
Activities – 1st semester
Understanding the Land to Shape the Future
of Local Communities
The ecological education program, part of the School of Diffused Agroecology, launched an ecological education program for TSOP students, supported by the Ecology Agenda of the Italian Buddhist Union. Through participatory mapping and a focus on the Bracciano Lake, students developed tools to analyze local ecosystems and build ecological awareness for a regenerative approach to sustainability.
Workshop: Introduction to Agroecology
The TSOP workshop introduced students from Ignazio Vian High School to the concept of agroecology, starting with understanding the meaning of „environment“ and the impact of monoculture over the past 4,000 years. Through interactive exercises and games, participants explored the crucial role of soil as a living ecosystem and regenerative agroecological practices as a key solution to environmental and climate crises.
Hazelnut Monoculture and Environmental
Impacts in the Tuscia Region: A Critical Analysis
In a session with TSOP students from Ignazio Vian High School, the workshop tackled the environmental impact of large-scale hazelnut monoculture in the Tuscia region. Through active research, students explored environmental consequences, legal frameworks, and corporate strategies, examining regulations on biodiversity and natural resource conservation to understand the need for ecological farming practices.
The Role of Animals in Agroecological Systems
The TSOP workshop, hosted by Azienda Agricola Gentili, provided students with hands-on experience in agro-pastoral agroecology, exploring the role of animals and biodiversity. Through field activities, artisanal cheesemaking, and guided reflections, participants compared local and industrial production, understanding the importance of integrating humans, the environment, and sustainable food production.
From Classroom to Field: Students Explore
Agroecological Systems at the Farmers’ Market
Students concluded months of agroecological studies with a hands-on farmers’ market visit, engaging directly with producers to explore short supply chains, biodiversity conservation, and seed sovereignty. Through dialogues with the producers and an agroecology trail in the forest, they witnessed how regenerative practices link soil health, local ecosystems, and community resilience—applying classroom theory to real-world food sovereignty initiatives.
Celebrating Biodiversity at the ArtiCulturae Farmers’ Market
The second edition of the Biodiversity Festival, organized by Navdanya International in collaboration with the ArtiCulturae market in Manziana, offered a morning dedicated to ecological education and caring for the Earth. The event marked the conclusion of an educational journey involving young participants in Navdanya International’s projects, who throughout the year explored themes such as biodiversity, agroecology, local food systems, and water as a common good. The day included welcoming activities, environmental-themed games, certificate presentations, and an exhibition of final works created by the project participants. A picnic featuring local products encouraged交流 and connection among youth, families, and the wider community. This initiative helped strengthen ties to the land and fostered in young people a deep awareness of their vital role in ecological and social regeneration, nurturing a shared culture of responsibility toward the Earth.
Project realized with the support of ‚Ecologia Unione Buddhista Italiana‘, the Ecology Program of the Italian Buddhist Union.
Learn more:
Regenerating Ecological Communities
Navdanya International’s educational program fosters ecological awareness and agroecology to build resilient communities. Through educational pathways and hands-on experiences, it engages students, teachers, and citizens in strengthening the connection between biodiversity, culture, and food systems. Rooted in local territories and guided by sustainability, this initiative promotes a deep, place-based education.