ROOTS is an inclusive community initiative that integrates environmental education, biodiversity preservation, and civic participation through social agriculture.

Implemented from May to October 2025 at Villa Zileri in Monteviale, Vincenza, Italy, the project transformed a shared garden into a collaborative space where citizens — particularly people with fewer opportunities such as individuals with disabilities, migrants, and the long-term unemployed — could engage in hands-on learning about regenerative agriculture, seed saving, and sustainable food practices. 

By combining ecological awareness with social inclusion, ROOTS empowered participants to develop green skills, strengthen community ties, and contribute actively to local sustainability. The initiative followed circular economy principles by promoting waste reduction, resource reuse, and biodiversity conservation, while encouraging a just and inclusive ecological transition.

The initiative was led by Studio Progetto Cooperativa Sociale in collaboration with Frutti di Marta. The project was funded by the European Association for Local Democracy (ALDA), within the local grants programme of the project “Together in Action: Empowering Local Communities for Sustainable and Inclusive Futures”, funded by the European Commission through the CERV – Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values ​​Programme (CERV-2024-OG-SGA).