Over the course of the project, the 40 young participants embarked on an immersive journey of discovery, exploring the profound interconnections between soil, ecosystems, and human communities.
The activities began in the classroom, where students analyzed the local landscape and the epochal changes brought about by monocultures. A particularly meaningful moment was the observation of landscapes through historical paintings, which revealed how the territory appeared before the industrial revolution: landscapes rich in biodiversity, free from monocultures and geometric divisions, bearing witness to a more harmonious relationship between human communities and nature. This practice made it possible to link the evolution of the territory to environmental transformations, offering a unique perspective on how art and science can engage in dialogue to deepen our understanding of the ecological history of our landscapes.
During the field trips to the woods of Trevignano Romano, nature became a true open-air classroom. Participants reflected on the importance of soil, understanding that healthy soil is living soil, forming the foundation of both ecosystems and food production systems. Through structured walks with observation stops, the students examined vegetation layers, soil quality, and the interactions among organisms. By analyzing soil samples, they discovered the crucial role of living organisms in maintaining soil fertility and its ability to retain moisture-an essential function for mitigating the impacts of extreme climate events.
The experiential approach was further enriched by integrating artistic activities: participants used natural pigments to express their vision of coexistence between humans and nature, and to visually represent ecological processes, thus connecting art, nature, and observation.
The educational program, structured around three workshops and six field trips, guided the students in exploring both the ideal, life-rich forest soil and the human-altered soil shaped by industrial agriculture. This journey fostered a relational understanding of the Earth as a living partner and inspired a vision of regenerative food systems.
Through these educational pathways, Navdanya International aims to nurture young guardians of biodiversity who are equipped to regenerate soil, protect biodiversity, and strengthen community resilience. Direct experience combined with critical reflection enables students to develop ecological awareness and a sense of responsibility toward the planet, empowering them to confront the challenges of biodiversity loss and the climate crisis.