Rocciaviva, also known in Italian as “living stone”, is an innovative association with several different restoration locations that are being developed by a diverse team of biologists, agroecologists, educators, and designers who have returned to the land of their birth to rebuild the region. Historical deforestation (150.000 ha of over the last century) and agricultural exploitation of soils have resulted in the high rate of aridity in the summer, soil erosion resulting in the leaching of nutrients and landslides, and a significant decrease in biodiversity. Following an in-depth study of the endemic plants and the analysis of the water intake of the area, the team started work in 2019 with the reforestation of endemic plants and the restoration of the ecosystems based on the specific characteristics of the spaces available.
Rocciaviva acts like a keystone species does in nature, weaving our connections and supporting a network of people with numerous life experiences. They have built a community through active participation and direct, peer to peer approach. Their history is already a case study for local institutions. Rocciaviva’s approach to greening techniques and methods facing the global climate change crisis is invaluable and they are committed to improving on it and sharing their knowledge widely. They are working to foster growth in the biodiversity of humanity too, providing opportunity for meaningful moments of sharing of experiences, skills and knowledge.
The current restoration locations are Rocciaviva-La Fiorita in Matera, the pilot programme focusing on tree planting and water management; Rocciaviva-Terra Dei Venti in Gravina, used as a base for eco-building experiences, edible gardens, food forests and fruit tree planting; and Rocciaviva-Oppido Lucano (Basilicata) where Rocciaviva is restoring biodiversity corridors and establishing an agroforestry system.
Since 2023 Rocciaviva-Oppido Lucano has also been the site of the Magnus Lucus project, a collective land regeneration and ecosystem restoration project together with Plant for the Planet Italia ODV and Save Soil Italia that aims to create a network of sites focused on restoring pre-existing plant and wildlife ecosystems. The goal of the project is to regenerate an ancient, forested landscape and transform it into a permanent laboratory of sustainability, culture, innovation, and community. More specifically, the goals of Magnus Lucus are to:
The project is currently expanding from the initial 4 hectares owned by the Rocciaviva Association of Matera, with an additional 4 hectares acquired by Plant for the Planet Italia ODV, thanks to the generous contributions of private individuals, companies, and environmentally conscious donors, who are demonstrating a tangible commitment to ecological transition, territorial resilience, and intergenerational solidarity. Furthermore, through the active involvement of local farmers and families, who have chosen to make their agricultural lands and natural areas available, the total area of Magnus Lucus is now 34 hectares spread across the territory of Oppido Lucano. These spaces will become a shared green infrastructure, with the long-term ambition to surround the town with a natural green belt, designed to protect biodiversity, foster well-being, and cultivate knowledge.
Magnus Lucus is a living hub where nature is a teacher, where new models of territorial care are tested, and where people, knowledge, and visions from around the world come together. Here, scientific research, art, environmental education, forest bathing, and collective action converge to shape a more just, ecological, and participatory future.
Magnus Lucus is a living human and natural ecosystem that is constantly evolving. With the expansion of land and facilities, Magnus Lucus is now an Open-Air Laboratory and Open to the World. It is ready to host volunteers and trainees to join training experiences focused on ecological regeneration, reforestation, participatory design, environmental art, and sustainability education.
The project aspires to become a reference point for young people, students, activists, artists, and professionals who wish to actively contribute to the care of the planet, engaging firsthand in a virtuous model of coexistence between humans and nature.
Rocciaviva is working hard to achieve its mission of cultivating well-being, and environmental and social regeneration by sowing change, through constructing a community and a network in the region; creating “forest gardens”; building successful demonstration sites; bringing back biodiversity, and improving water management; promoting permaculture practices as a sustainable way of living; and creating educational and cultural opportunities for the local community and visitors.
Until 2023, all results had been achieved purely n a voluntary basis with the help of strong community support. This included planting 12,000 native and fruit trees, donating 2,000 trees, restoring 1 lake, restoring 7 hectares of land at 6 different sites, running 5 courses and around 60 planting events. The team also organised successful public events, laboratories, and seminars on the land (presented by respected Italian and international experts) which earned them the respect and trust of local institutions and the community.
Planet Italia ODV, Save Soil Italia
Water retention
Tree planting
Erosion control
Cover cropping
Habitat creation
Bioremedition
Community building
Fire prevention
Natural building
Educational courses and experiences
Please select one skill and explain in the message field why you would like to volunteer at this ERC.
The rural community of Matera in southern Italy’s Basilicata region has a deep connection to the land. But over the past decades the community has
Ecosystem Restoration Communities are committed to monitoring and improving ecosystems by measuring the effects that restoration approaches and interventions have on soil quality, biodiversity, and
Association Rocciaviva (Living Rock in Italian) was born out of Pietro Franco’s desire to help his community and restore the region of Basilicata, Italy. Located
