The problem
In Cruillas, a neighborhood in Palermo, land once taken from the local Mafia sat abandoned and lifeless. Instead of being useful, it became a sad reminder of lost opportunities and the damage caused by organized crime. Young people and locals had no green spaces to enjoy or projects to join that could bring the community together.
Goals
The Terra Franca project, started in 2019 by the Human Rights Youth Organization (HRYO), aimed to transform this neglected land into a vibrant, sustainable green space. The primary objective was to regenerate the land for the benefit of the local youth community while promoting environmental and social well-being.
Approach
The project employed a combination of environmental regeneration and community engagement. Using permaculture principles, Terra Franca created a balanced and sustainable ecosystem. The land has been revitalized with a variety of features including a bee colony, a holistic apiary, a greenhouse for biodiversity, a chicken coop, and a pond.
Through the PermaYouth initiative, international training sessions equip youth leaders with skills in permaculture. The BeeWoman project empowers vulnerable women, particularly those with migratory backgrounds, by enhancing their professional skills and providing new opportunities.
Features
Visitors can learn about beekeeping in a natural way, where bees thrive on the flowers and plants around them. The greenhouse lets plants grow all year long, and the space is designed to bring people closer to nature.
The project also focuses on innovation and sustainability. Bee Wraps, an eco-friendly alternative to plastic wrap made from beeswax-infused fabric, are one of Terra Franca’s creative products. Workshops and educational materials teach the community to build DIY top-bar beehives, promoting self-reliance and ecological awareness.
Lessons learned
Terra Franca shows how communities can work together to bring life back to abandoned spaces. By involving young people and women, the project creates a sense of belonging and responsibility. The mix of biodiversity, innovation, and sustainability helps the environment and makes life better for everyone.
Find out more: https://www.terra-franca.it/
What you can do
Visit a local Beekeeping Initiative and learn about bees, or try creating your own sustainable solutions!