Towards Integral Non-violence: Regenerative Living in an Ecovillage in Southern Italy
Code: IT-SCI W10.9 | Location: Italy
The Ecovillage Garden of Joy is a wonderful place, affiliated with various local, national, and international networks, which has welcomed visitors, volunteers, seminars, and retreats since 2011. It is a true oasis of frugal and laborious peace in an immense centuries-old olive grove among the mountains and beaches of Gargano, Puglia, where syntropic agriculture, synergistic horticulture, green building, vegan cuisine, arts, wood-baking and spiritual quest are practiced. During the volunteer camp, participants will be supporting in several tasks, especially agricultural ones, necessary for the food and energy self-sufficiency of the resident community.
Description of the Work
The work, organized into two shifts of up to three hours each in the morning and afternoon, will first include mechanical weeding and pruning, and then focus on harvesting the olives donated each year by approximately 560 ancient trees. This will be followed by transportation to the mill and sowing the green manure for the soil's natural nourishment cycle.
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Location & Leisure
During their free time, volunteers will be able, independently or with their local partner, to go to the beach or visit nearby caves, hermitages, towers and lakes. There will also be an excursion to a beautiful shell beach.
Study themes of the project
The study will consist of a more theoretical and a more practical session, both interactive: the first will focus on a possible paradigm of Integral Non-violence, the second on principles and methods of regenerative agriculture. There will also be opportunities for less formal learning about Yoga, vegan cuisine, and green building.
Requirements
As this is outdoor and open-air work, the work-camp is not indicated for people who are allergic to pellitory, olive, or other native plants. The type of work will involve at least some degree of physical effort: volunteers are therefore encouraged to bring appropriate clothing and footwear. Two dogs and three cats also live in the ecovillage.
Host Organization
Exceptional
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Quick Facts
- Code: IT-SCI W10.9
- Dates: 05/10/2026 - 18/10/2026
- Age: 18 - 99 years
- Project Type: Short-term project 2-3 weeks
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Missions:
EnvironmentalManual work
- 🗣️ Project main languages: English, SPA, Italiano
- Nearest station: The nearest airports are Bari and Pescara. The meeting point will be San Nicandro Garganico train station: the local partner will organize a shuttle/van for the journey (about twenty minutes) to the ecovillage. Shuttle departure times (no more than two) w