After a decade of hands-on experience in social value chain projects across the Democratic Republic of Congo and Colombia, Luca, Chiara, and their daughter Gea have embarked on a new chapter of their journey as social entrepreneurs. Their focus now is the development of biocultural corridors, a vision that connects ecological restoration, cultural revival, and sustainable living. Through their organization, INHABIT, they’ve set their sights on some of the most biodiverse areas of the world, with a special commitment to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.
This unique region has become both their home and the focal point of their most recent efforts. In partnership with local communities and traditional authorities, the family is actively contributing to the activation of three key biocultural hubs: Kilwa, Abana Kayo, and Ñuiyanñi. These hubs are not just places—they are living laboratories for ecological regeneration, cultural expression, and innovation in sustainable livelihoods.
As guardians of Tierra Kilwa, the family is overseeing the development of “La Fábrica del Arte,” a creative space where art, nature, and community intersect. Here, artists and artisans will be invited to create using natural materials, celebrating both the beauty and resilience of the local ecosystem. This project forms part of a larger vision, to create physical bio-cultural corridors across the world, and started with the Sewindua Biological Corridor, which is the first major initiative of ArteSelva—a movement that integrates ecological art with conservation efforts.
Luca, the visionary behind this endeavor, is an expert in social business with over 10 years of experience in ecosystem regeneration, reforestation, and creating art with natural materials. His work reflects a deep commitment to restoring balance to degraded landscapes while also fostering creative expression. Luca believes that art and culture are the key to protect biodiversity the most powerful tool for raising awareness and inspiring further actions to protect the natural world.
Chiara, the heart of the family's organizational efforts, is a project manager and facilitator with a passion for building connections within communities. She’s not only skilled at coordinating complex projects, but also enjoys working with her hands—whether hiking in the mountains or crafting furniture from wood. Her pragmatic and creative approach has helped forge strong relationships with local communities, ensuring that the hubs they create are spaces where culture and nature thrive together.
At just 10 years old, Gea is already proving to be an integral part of this dynamic family. She plays the piano with passion and is deeply fascinated by the natural world—especially the mysterious world of fungi. Gea often spends her time creating intricate miniature ecosystems inside glass spheres, a practice that mirrors the family’s larger efforts to protect and nurture the fragile environments they work within. Her curiosity and creativity offer a fresh perspective, reminding everyone of the importance of instilling a deep love for nature in the next generation.
The family’s vision extends beyond their immediate surroundings. They are currently designing a community project that will welcome six families to Tierra Kilwa, where they aim to create a model for regenerative living. This community will be a place where families not only live sustainably but also actively engage in the stewardship of the land, contributing to its ecological restoration while fostering cultural exchange.
INHABIT’s work in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is more than just a project—it is a commitment to creating a world where humans and nature coexist in harmony. By blending social business, environmental conservation, and artistic expression, Luca, Chiara, and Gea are not only building a future for their family but are also contributing to a global movement for biocultural preservation. With each new initiative, from ArteSelva to the “La Fabrica del Arte”, they offer a powerful example of what can be achieved when passion, purpose, and community come together.