They’re Building a New Kind of Regenerative Village in Costa Rica — And It’s Working

What if a village could actually support human health, community, and the land — without becoming dogmatic, restrictive, or idealistic?In this conversation, I sit down with Marat, founder of the ARK, a regenerative wellness village in Costa Rica that’s quietly doing something rare: making an alternative way of living work in the real world.We talk about what led him here — from childhood memories growing up in the former Soviet Union, to working at the highest levels of global politics, to a pandemic-era realization that it was time to build something tangible, human-scaled, and regenerative.This is an honest look at what it actually takes to build a modern village rooted in health, autonomy, regeneration, and togetherness — including the challenges, trade-offs, and hard decisions most people never talk about.In this episode, we explore: • Why Marat felt “called” to build something radically different • How The ARK balances freedom with shared responsibility • What regenerative living really means beyond buzzwords • How healthcare, education, food systems, and economics are reimagined • Why profit-sharing is part of the model — and how conflict is handled • What it takes to restore land after decades of industrial use • How community governance works without becoming controlling • Why this project feels meaningful — even when it’s hardThis conversation isn’t about perfection or escape.It’s about remembering how humans are meant to live — and proving it’s still possible.⏱ Timestamps00:00 Childhood memories & early environmental awareness00:32 Introduction and welcoming Marat01:15 Marat’s background and personal journey04:32 World Expo & career in Kazakhstan07:18 The pandemic and the birth of a new vision13:55 Finding and developing the land in Costa Rica17:04 Building a regenerative community19:58 Principles and practices of The ARK22:16 Healthcare and wellness in the village24:54 Profit redistribution & regenerative economics25:25 Addressing conflict and participation26:55 Community events and daily life27:37 Diversity of people, ages, and cultures29:12 Personal reflections & long-term vision35:04 Challenges, doubt, and persistence39:46 Sociocracy and shared decision-making41:41 Environmental rules & community standards43:40 Property management and guest stays44:52 How people find The ARK & closing thoughtsLearn more about The ARK:🌍 https://theark.world📸 Instagram & YouTube: @theark.worldGreen Living Now — Home of The Elegant RebellionI’m Amy Hartshorn—green living mentor, organic farmer, and upcoming TEDx speaker—here to help you build a non-toxic life that actually works in the real world.What you’ll find here:• Clean eating & real-world label literacy• Non-toxic home upgrades (air, water, materials, cleaning, safer beauty & body care)• Organic gardening (backyard, containers, and small spaces)• Plastic-free, low-waste living• Holistic healing tools (including red light & laser therapy, acupuncture, targeted herbs, brain-entrainment tools, and more)• Non-toxic pet care• Conversations with chefs, farmers, green-living experts, holistic healers—and everyday rebels who turned “no answers” into real healing🌿 Notes from the Rebellion (Free)Short, grounded insights for people who want to live cleaner without losing their minds—or their lives.👉 Subscribe here:https://8c02-amy.systeme.io/2f1bd82cFree Resources👉 The Conscious Woman’s Guide: 5 Steps to a Toxin-Free Home & Lifestylehttps://8c02-amy.systeme.io/2ee1189eExplore Courses, Programs & Coaching🌎 https://www.greenlivingnow.comConnect with Amy📸 Instagram:   / amytodisco  🔗 LinkedIn:   / amytodisco  📘 Facebook:   / amy.d.todisco  DisclaimerThe views expressed are personal opinions and not medical advice. This content is for educational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare provider regarding health decisions.