North Kynouria, historically known as Thyreatis, is a municipality in Arcadia Prefecture covering 577 km² of land stretching from the northwestern shores of the Argolic Gulf through Northern Laconia. About 86% of its area consists of forests – mostly black pine, cephalonian firs, oaks, maples and chestnut trees – and grasslands, with the rest dedicated to olive orchards (producing over 10,000 tons of olives), vineyards, and leftovers of Arcadia’s shepherd tradition.

GOV4LL intercepted a grassroots community that, led by Meraki People (MRK), has brought worldwide attention to this secluded corner of Greece. MRK is trained in Theory U and is involved in the MIT Media Lab-led Global Community Bio Summit, a movement exploring the forefront of Open and Citizen Science, how to start and sustain community labs, enabling technologies, education and learning experiences, and how to develop community-based business models for better human-nature relationships.   

 
With a strong entrepreneurial mindset, the leaders of this lab are determined to bring regenerative solutions to the region, transforming it into an inspirational centre for eco-scaping, agroforestry, and rewilding initiatives.