EP1 - Reclaiming our Connection to Nature

🎙 Out now: the first episode of Rooted to Earth, our brand new podcast!

In this first episode of Rooted to Earth, Christiana Gardikioti, founder and CEO of Meraki People, invites us to reflect on our disconnection from nature. "When was the last time you saw a chicken?" she asks, highlighting how many of us, especially young people, have lost touch with the origins of our food and the rhythms of the natural world.

Through Meraki People, Christiana envisions a "bio-economy" that bridges scientific knowledge and everyday life. Her mission is to reconnect people with nature and transform abandoned Greek villages into hubs of sustainable living, community resilience, and environmental stewardship. In her words, "If you don't look after nature, it may get upset. And upset means trouble."

Christiana discusses how Meraki People is collaborating within Thyrea—a living lab supported by the EU-funded project Gov4All. Here, they are revitalising the soil, empowering local communities, and involving government to build a sustainable future. The Thyrea living lab fosters practical experiments where science, business, and community work together to tackle challenges such as soil health, climate resilience, and local engagement.

For Christiana, sustainability is about fostering trust and knowledge-sharing, especially with farmers who may be cautious about change. "We need to bridge the profound knowledge that scientists have with the common people… the moment you take care of the soil, you take care of the environment, and you take care of humanity."

Reflecting on her own journey from Wall Street to rural Greece, Christiana underscores a powerful message: true wealth lies in a healthy planet, sustainable communities, and a reconnection with the soil.

Tune in to this first episode of Rooted to Earth to hear Christiana's inspiring story and her vision for harmonising people and nature.

Listen to the full episode now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or YouTube.