NOI ORTADINI

By project CASPER

Published on 19 March 2025

Italy

Basilicata

Matera

About this good practice

Noi Ortadini APS was founded in 2020 in Matera with the mission of reclaiming abandoned land and revitalizing degraded urban areas through sustainable agricultural practices, transforming them into vibrant community spaces. The idea emerged during the 2020 lockdown, when Andrea Grieco began tending to an abandoned plot near his home. With funding from the European Solidarity Corps, he was able to engage other citizens, purchase tools, and officially launch the project.
Following its formal establishment, the association partnered with organizations such as the Centro Servizi Volontari della Basilicata and joined national networks like the Coordinamento Garda Italiano. Among its flagship initiatives are "Noi Ortadini Box", which enables families to grow vegetables on their balconies, and the "IoCompposto" neighborhood composting project, which involves residents of Matera’s Serra district in repurposing organic waste to fertilize the soil.
The association actively organizes events, workshops, and European projects such as "I Am OUT", aimed at raising youth awareness on sustainability. Additionally, it participates in international exchange programs with like-minded organizations in Spain, France, and Germany.
Key stakeholders include citizens, schools, local institutions, and environmental organizations, while the primary beneficiaries are Matera residents, who gain access to a regenerated urban environment and tools for sustainable living.

Resources needed

The association obtained funding from the European Solidarity Corps, the New European Bauhaus program, various local/international grants. Its human resources include 11 founding members, volunteers, external collaborators. The activities are sustained through donations, crowdfunding, sponsorships.

Evidence of success

Noi Ortadini stands as a successful model of urban regeneration and social inclusion. Received the 2023 "Rising Stars Award" from the New European Bauhaus. The initiative engaged over 100 citizens in urban farming and composting projects, creating a tangible impact on the quality of life in Matera. Over three years activity, the association expanded to 50 members, organized more than 100 focused workshops, facilitated two international exchange programs, involving 56 young Europeans.

Potential for learning or transfer

The Noi Ortadini model is highly adaptable and can be implemented in other cities with abandoned spaces and communities eager to engage in urban regeneration. Key success factors include active community participation, strategic collaboration with public and private stakeholders, the ability to secure European funding, and international exchange opportunities.
The initiative has already drawn interest from organizations across Italy and Europe, particularly for its neighborhood composting and participatory urban gardening models. The Youth Exchange program has fostered cross-cultural collaboration, enabling young people from diverse backgrounds to exchange knowledge and best practices.
Moreover, partnerships with cities like Barcelona and Amsterdam have facilitated the adoption of innovative urban agriculture techniques. Nonetheless, bureaucratic hurdles and the need for sustained financial support remain significant challenges to the initiative’s broader expansion.