A better way to live already exists.

The Research Lab is a new space for connection, exchange, and inspiration, bringing together researchers, practitioners, and students interested in ecovillages and regenerative communities. Our intention is to create a vibrant laboratory where we can learn from one another, strengthen collaborations, and advance collective knowledge. 📅 Date: Wednesday September 23rd🕓 Time: 10:30 Brazil / 13:30 UTC / 15:30 CEST (1.5 hour) Zoom link: https://unibas.zoom.us/j/61404061682   Register Here: https://unibas.zoom.us/meeting/register/io_jg3SJQGqRAaIi0eXazw Transitions towards the pluriverse: Place, difference, alliances and autonomy in two Latin American ecovillages Presented by Dr. Rebeca Roysen Professor at the Graduate Program in Tourism and Hospitality, Co-leader of the Sustainability Transitions and the Pluriverse of Alternatives (TranS-PlurAL) research group, Universidade do Vale do Itajaí (UNIVALI), Brazil This study proposes an alternative analytical framework for sustainability transitions research by drawing on critical scholarship on grassroots innovations and post-development studies. Rather than focusing on scalable innovations and socio-technical regime change, it introduces the concept of Transitions Towards the Pluriverse (TTP)—a bottom-up, decolonial, and context-sensitive approach that recognizes the diversity of transition pathways and places local communities and grassroots innovations at the center of transformations. Through two case studies of Latin American ecovillages, Dr. Roysen explores four key analytical dimensions—place, difference, alliances, and autonomy—to examine how ecovillages promote (or sometimes fail to promote) transitions towards the pluriverse. Whether you are an experienced researcher, a practitioner, or a student beginning your journey, you are warmly welcome to join us. We look forward to learning, exchanging ideas, and building this community together. Recent publications by Dr. Rebeca Roysen Roysen, R., Pereira Prado, M. M., Bruehwiler, N., Kos, L., & Koehrsen, J. (2026). Transitions towards the pluriverse: Place, difference, alliances and autonomy in two Latin American ecovillages. Sustainability Science. Roysen, R., Ayala, D. H. F., Ramos-Mejía, M., Kos, L., Bruehwiler, N., & Koehrsen, J. (2026). Replicating grassroots innovations in the Global South: A case study of ecovillages for marginalized groups in Colombia. Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions. Roysen, R., Fagundes, G. M., Kos, L., Bruehwiler, N., & Koehrsen, J. (2025). Building a World-Ship: A decolonial approach to just energy transitions. Human Geography. More information: Ecovillage Research Global Ecovillage Network 

July 17–24, 2027 | Vermont, USA Discover community living in the heart of Vermont’s Green Mountains Spend eight days exploring eight intentional communities across Vermont, a state with a long tradition of cooperative, ecological and community-centered living. Visit a diverse mix of communities including Cobb Hill Cohousing, Headwaters Ecovillage, Living Tree Alliance, Burlington Cohousing, White Pine Cohousing, Heartbeet Lifesharing, Bristol Village Cohousing and Threshold Village. Travel from Burlington into Vermont’s small towns, farmland and forested countryside while experiencing a wide range of approaches to intentional living—from urban and village-based cohousing to rural ecovillages, regenerative farms, spiritually rooted communities and lifesharing. Meet residents, tour homes and shared spaces, participate in community activities and learn firsthand about sustainable building, permaculture, cooperative decision-making, local food systems and the realities of creating a life in community. Along the way, enjoy some of what makes Vermont special: organic farms, farm-to-table food, artisan cheese, maple syrup, mountain hikes, swimming, waterfalls and beautiful summer landscapes. The small traveling group also becomes a community of its own, offering plenty of opportunities for meaningful conversations and connections throughout the journey. A great fit for: Prospective community members, people curious about cohousing and ecovillage living, aspiring community founders, and travelers interested in sustainability, local food, regenerative living and experiencing a more connected way of life. Learn more about this tour: https://www.ecovillagetours.com/vermont

July 28–August 4, 2027 | Oregon & Washington, USA Explore innovative communities across the Pacific Northwest Spend eight days exploring eight inspiring ecovillages, cohousing neighborhoods and intentional communities across Oregon and Washington. Visit communities including CoHo Ecovillage, Meadowsong Ecovillage & Lost Valley Education Center, Cully Green, Sahale Learning Center, Fifth Street Commons, Songaia, Sunnyside Village and Rooted Northwest, and meet the people creating innovative approaches to living more collaboratively and sustainably. Experience a remarkable variety of community models—from urban cohousing and established ecovillages to regenerative farms and emerging communities. Learn firsthand about collaborative governance, permaculture, natural building, ecological stewardship and creative approaches to housing. The journey also includes special opportunities to explore Portland’s renowned placemaking movement with architect and City Repair founder Mark Lakeman and learn from Pocket Neighborhoods author and architect Ross Chapin. Along the way, travel through the forests, farms, islands and vibrant cities of the Pacific Northwest, ferry across Puget Sound and stay overnight in several of the communities for a more immersive experience of everyday community life. A great fit for: Prospective community members, aspiring community founders, people interested in cohousing and regenerative living, and anyone looking for inspiration and practical ideas for creating more connected, sustainable ways of living. Learn more about this tour: https://www.ecovillagetours.com/pacific-northwest

I am looking to bring together 6–8 like-minded couples to create a small, self-sufficient, off-grid community in the Eastern Cape., South Africa. Rather than buying land first and then looking for people to join, the idea is to form the founding group first and choose the land together. By combining our resources, skills and experience, we may be able to secure a better property and create something that genuinely suits the whole group. This is intended as a long-term community, not a holiday retreat. It will involve work, responsibility, cooperation and a willingness to learn and contribute. We are particularly interested in retired or semi-retired couples without dependants who are still physically capable and have practical skills or experience in areas such as: Farming, food growing or permaculture • Livestock • Solar, electrical, IT and off-grid systems .  Water farming and Waste management • Mechanical/engines/general maintenance • Healthcare or nursing • Project management, organisation and conflict resolve Each couple would be expected to bring both a useful skill/experience and a financial contribution. The exact structure and investment would be developed collectively by the founding group, with appropriate legal agreements protecting everyone’s interests and possibly managed under a professionally set up Trust Fund There would also be a trial/assessment period before a commitment. The most important thing is finding the right people — practical, trustworthy, respectful and genuinely interested in building a simpler, sustainable life together. If this sounds like something you would seriously consider, please get in touch and tell me a little about yourselves, your skills, your current situation and why this lifestyle appeals to you. The land hasn’t been bought yet — that’s deliberate. Let’s find the right people first, and then find the right place together. I can be contacted on- Ke******@***oo.com I’m eagerly waiting to hear from you

August 7–14, 2027 | British Columbia, Canada Experience community and regenerative living on Canada’s spectacular West Coast Spend eight days exploring some of British Columbia’s most inspiring ecovillages, cohousing neighborhoods and regenerative farms as you journey from the fertile Fraser Valley to Vancouver Island and Salt Spring Island. Visit communities including Abundance Community Farm, Yarrow Ecovillage, Fraser Common Farm & Glorious Organics, Creekside Commons Cohousing, O.U.R. Ecovillage and the Quarry Collective & Chorus Frog Organic Gardens. Meet founders and residents and experience a diverse range of approaches to intentional living—from multigenerational cohousing and cooperative farming to permaculture, natural building and innovative models for local food production. Learn firsthand about collaborative governance, regenerative agriculture, ecological stewardship and the successes and challenges of creating resilient communities over the long term. Along the way, connect with local Indigenous culture, walk among the ancient trees of Cathedral Grove, cross the Salish Sea by ferry and experience the slower pace of British Columbia’s coastal islands. With shared meals, workshops and overnight stays in some of the communities, the tour offers an immersive opportunity to experience community life rather than simply observe it. A great fit for: Prospective community members, aspiring community founders, people interested in cohousing, permaculture and regenerative agriculture, and travelers looking to combine meaningful community experiences with the spectacular landscapes of Canada’s West Coast. Learn more about this tour: https://www.ecovillagetours.com/british-columbia

La Aldea UNC es un proyecto de eco-aldea intencionada, pacífica y autosostenible en proceso de asentamiento en la región de Munster, Irlanda . Buscamos actualmente: Co-fundadores y residentes con residencia/pasaporte UE: Personas, parejas y familias alineadas con nuestra filosofía de autosuficiencia, agroecología y los 5 Clanes de trabajo (Remolino, Estrella, Flama, Relámpago y Luciérnaga) . Inversores de Impacto / Donantes: Socios para co-financiar la adquisición del terreno cooperativo . Mantenemos un código estricto de convivencia con cero tolerancia a la violencia, al acoso y al uso de sustancias psicoactivas o adicciones.

May 1–8, 2027 | Southern Spain Experience regeneration and intentional living in the heart of Andalusia Spend eight days exploring a diverse network of intentional communities across Southern Spain, where ecological regeneration, creativity and collaborative living come together against a backdrop of olive groves, Mediterranean coastline and dramatic desert landscapes. Visit pioneering communities such as Los Portales, Oasis Al Hamam, El Molino de Guadalmesí, Resonancia Community and Maitreya. Meet residents and community leaders and discover how each is approaching intentional living in its own way—from biodynamic agriculture and permaculture to natural building, renewable energy, cooperative governance, water stewardship and off-grid living. Along the way, take part in workshops, share locally prepared meals and experience the landscapes and culture of Andalusia as you travel from the countryside around Seville to the wild coast near Tarifa and the desert landscapes of Almería. The tour offers an opportunity not only to see sustainable practices in action, but also to learn about the social and personal dimensions of creating community. A great fit for: Prospective community members, aspiring community founders, people interested in permaculture and regenerative living, and travelers looking for an immersive way to experience the communities, landscapes and culture of Southern Spain. Learn more about this tour: https://www.ecovillagetours.com/spain

Want to connect with and support sustainable projects in Latin America? CASA Perú is excited to announce the “ENIS”, Encuentro Nacional de Iniciativas Sostenibles (12/13/09/2026), an upcoming gathering of intentional communities and regenerative initiatives in Oxapampa, Peru’s altitude jungle, 10h from Lima.  It’s a preliminary for the biennially CASA Latina’s meeting, the “ECCO 2027”, Encuentro Continental de Comunidades (27/05-3/06/2027). We expect 180 participants from 15 different nationalities from South America. We also connect with “Raices y Alas”, the NextGEN meeting (11-18/05/2027, Tarapoto, Perú), “only” 16h far from Oxapampa. So you’re very welcome to participate and support both events. We’ll be meeting at San Jorge’s School and surroundings (ecovillage Tierra de Bosques), in Gramazu, 40’ from Oxapampa city, to share workshops, concerts, bio-market and construction. Our main construction goal in 2026 September: a huge kitchen stove and ecological showers/toilets to be ready for you in 2027. Thanks for support ! Those events (both ENIS and ECCO) are titled “Oñets Awathotheñ” : “Ancestral River” in the Yanesha language. We explain why in CASA Latina’s web (when I discover it, I feel SO blessed !). We have the honor to receive the Yanesha Native Community (mainly from Satchopen, 15’ from us) and they’ll led art, music, dance, language, handcrafts, legends and ceremonies. We’ll also open workshops about the 5 dimensions of regeneration with local and international facilitators: Social : participative governance, community-building, egalitarian communities, etc. Ecological: waste management, conscious diet, agro-forestry, vermicompost, etc. Cultural : art-therapy,  Economical: local currencies, digital no speculative money Whole System: dynamics of popular education to understand global interdependencies, presentation of Gaia Union Ecosystem We hope the event will create a stronger regional network in Peru ahead of GEN’s ECCO 2027, which will bring together intentional, native and “campesinas” communities and regenerative leaders from across the world. If you’d like to attend, tickets are available at this link. We’re also seeking volunteers, who can attend at a reduced cost in exchange for help and support from early September. To apply to volunteer, email us. If you’d like to give a talk or offer a workshop, we still have a couple of places available. Please fill up the form (for ENIS 2026). For ECCO 2027, more info coming soon here. Support us through our crowdfunding campaign. Thanks and blessings to all our donators. Your support allow us to build much more than a kitchen. Any donations beyond this goal will support ECCO 2027, to allow the participation of more native leaders from all the peruvian jungle (and further). Hoping to see you in Oxapampa! CASA Peru and CASA Latina Ticket Price for ENIS: S./150 to S/.350 (€40 to €90)* *Our sliding-scale pricing lets you pay what you can. The minimum covers your food and transportation, while higher contributions help subsidize participation for others.

COSTA RICA ECOVILLAGE TOUR January 16–24, 2027 | Machuca Valley Experience Costa Rica’s established ecovillage movement Spend nine days exploring some of Costa Rica’s most established intentional communities and regenerative neighborhoods. Visit communities including Alegría Village, La Ecovilla, Colectivo Tacotal, Ecovilla San Mateo, Saint Michael’s Sustainable Community and Dos Colinas, and meet the people who are creating new ways of living together. This itinerary offers a close-up look at what community life is really like—from governance and shared spaces to education, permaculture and everyday life in Costa Rica. With a comfortable pace and a mix of community visits, nature and local experiences, it’s an excellent introduction for anyone curious about joining an intentional community, relocating to Costa Rica, or simply seeing what community living looks like in practice. A great fit for: First-time visitors, families, prospective community members, and anyone looking for an accessible introduction to intentional living in Costa Rica. Learn more about this tour: https://www.ecovillagetours.com/costa-rica

February 8–22, 2027 | Auroville, India Experience one of the world’s most extraordinary intentional communities Spend 15 days immersed in Auroville, an international township in southern India that is home to more than 3,000 people from over 60 nations. Founded with a vision of human unity, Auroville offers a fascinating opportunity to experience an established experiment in conscious, sustainable and community-centered living. Go beyond the typical visitor experience with an insider’s look at Auroville’s neighborhoods, permaculture farms, schools, spiritual centers, sustainable businesses and ecological projects. Meet long-term residents and community leaders, explore pioneering work in reforestation, organic farming, alternative building and education, and visit projects such as Sadhana Forest, Solitude Farm, the Solar Kitchen and Auroville Botanical Gardens. The journey also explores the spiritual and cultural dimensions of life in this part of India, with visits to the Matrimandir, nearby Tamil villages, Pondicherry and the sacred pilgrimage town of Tiruvannamalai. Along the way, enjoy local cuisine, yoga, meditation, beaches and other opportunities to experience the culture and rhythms of southern India. A great fit for: Those interested in intentional community, conscious living, spirituality, sustainability and regenerative practices; prospective community members; community founders looking for inspiration; and travelers seeking a deeper, more meaningful experience of India. Learn more about this tour: https://www.ecovillagetours.com/india

March 10–19, 2027 | Nelson–Tasman, New Zealand Discover some of New Zealand’s most inspiring intentional communities Spend 10 days exploring nine intentional communities and ecovillages across the beautiful Nelson–Tasman region of New Zealand’s South Island. Visit communities including Riverside Community, Tui Community, Kōwhai Cohousing, Braemar Ecovillage, Rainbow Valley Community, Atamai Village and WantooWantoo Community, with rare behind-the-scenes access made possible through longtime relationships with local community leaders. Experience a diverse range of approaches to intentional living from one of New Zealand’s longest-running communities to cohousing, permaculture-based settlements and a residential yoga community. Meet founders and residents and learn firsthand about natural building, regenerative land stewardship, shared decision-making, food systems, cooperative businesses and the practical realities of creating and sustaining community over time. Along the way, experience the spectacular landscapes and culture of New Zealand’s South Island, including local markets, organic gardens, sacred springs and Māori culture. With overnight stays in several of the communities, the tour offers an immersive opportunity to experience what community life actually feels like rather than simply visiting from the outside. A great fit for: Prospective community members, community founders, people interested in sustainable and regenerative living, and travelers looking for an immersive introduction to intentional community in one of the world’s most beautiful natural settings. Learn more about this tour: https://www.ecovillagetours.com/new-zealand

About Me I’m 62 years old, with deep roots in the environmental and regenerative farming movements. I’ve worked in permaculture, started a farmers market, and have spent years as a yoga teacher and sound bath practitioner. I’m a Kundalini yoga teacher and leader in that field, currently living in the Black Hills of South Dakota. A few years ago I went through a divorce, and I’m now exploring relocation — looking for my people: those living in harmony with the land who also hold a spiritual practice, where I can contribute the full range of skills I bring. I care deeply about raising consciousness on the planet and bringing health and wellness to both people and the earth — I consider myself a water protector, and the environment matters enormously to me. I love teaching and education in general. I’m organized, comfortable with social media and administrative work, though what lights me up most is the deeper work — teaching, healing, and helping communities thrive. What I’m Looking For A 3-month work-trade opportunity, ideally December 26 – February 27. I can offer: Yoga and meditation instruction Farming, harvesting, and food prep Administrative support

May 15–24, 2027 | Portugal Discover one of Europe’s most vibrant hubs for intentional and regenerative living Spend 10 days exploring more than six inspiring ecovillages and rural initiatives across Portugal, a country that has become a global hotspot for people experimenting with new approaches to community, sustainability and regenerative living. Visit projects including the internationally renowned Tamera peace research village, Traditional Dream Factory, Ananda Kalyani, Spirala Ecological Village, SerVivo and other innovative initiatives working to regenerate both land and community. Meet residents, founders and regenerative leaders and experience a wide variety of approaches to intentional living—from permaculture, regenerative agriculture and ecological restoration to natural building, cooperative economics, alternative social structures and the revitalization of rural villages. Through community visits, hands-on experiences and meaningful conversations, you’ll gain an inside look at both the ecological and human sides of building thriving communities. Along the way, experience Portugal’s beautiful landscapes and culture, from the sun-drenched Alentejo region to the green valleys of Serra da Estrela, while enjoying local food and the connections that naturally develop when traveling with a small group. A great fit for: Prospective community members, aspiring community founders, people interested in regenerative and sustainable living, and travelers who want to experience Portugal through the lens of community, connection and ecological regeneration. Learn more about this tour: https://www.ecovillagetours.com/portugal

From The Ground Up is a 7-day residential Mini Ecovillage Design Education (EDE) at Entelechy, a 13.5-acre intentional community on Salt Spring Island, British Columbia, Canada. August 9–15, 2026. The course follows the Gaia Education EDE framework, covering four dimensions of sustainability: Ecological – Food systems, natural building, energy and water, appropriate technology. Social – Community governance, communication, conflict resolution, collective decision-making. Economic – Alternative economics, cooperative structures, local currencies, social enterprise. Worldview – The values, beliefs, and cultural frameworks that underlie sustainable community – why people want to live this way, and what has to shift for it to last. The course is facilitated by a graduate of both the full EDE and the Gaia Education Training of Trainers programme. It takes place at a working ecovillage where residents live what they teach. Participants stay on-site for the week in wall tents or camping. Communal meals sourced from local Salt Spring farms and Entelechy’s gardens are included. This course is for anyone interested in designing, joining, or strengthening sustainable communities — whether you’re starting from scratch, already involved in a project, or looking to go deeper than a Permaculture Design Course. Up to 22 spots. Application-based enrollment. Early bird: $950 CAD (before June 15, 2026) Regular: $1,149 CAD Payment plans, group discounts, and work-trade spots available. If interested, we invite you to apply here: https://www.entelechysaltspring.ca/ecovillage-design Salt Spring Island is accessible by BC Ferries from Tsawwassen (Metro Vancouver), Swartz Bay (Greater Victoria), and Crofton (mid-Vancouver Island). From the US Pacific Northwest, either by I-5 and ferry via Vancouver, or by taking Port Angeles ferry to Victoria and the

September 29–October 8, 2026 | Northern Italy Discover the people and places shaping Italy’s ecovillage movement Spend 10 days exploring 7+ intentional communities, ecovillages and cohousing projects across the beautiful landscapes of Northern Italy. Visit communities including Torri Superiore, the Federation of Damanhur, Alpe Pianello, Villaggio Verde, La Casa Rotta, Cohousing Numero Zero and Cohousing Montesole, and meet the people experimenting with more sustainable, cooperative and connected ways of living. Experience a remarkable variety of community models—from a restored 13th-century stone village and world-renowned spiritual communities to rural ecovillages, organic farms and urban cohousing. Learn firsthand about natural building, renewable energy, organic and biodynamic agriculture, water systems, group decision-making and the social tools that help communities thrive. Special workshops introduce approaches such as social permaculture and CLIPS, a community-building framework used across Europe. Along the way, experience the landscapes, food and culture of Northern Italy, traveling through hilltop villages, countryside and historic towns, with even a cross-border visit to Menton on the French Riviera. Through Ecovillage Tours’ partnership with the Italian Ecovillage Network and experienced local guides, the journey offers access and conversations that go far beyond a typical visit. A great fit for: Prospective community members, aspiring community founders, people interested in cohousing, permaculture and sustainable living, and travelers looking for a deeper and more meaningful way to experience Italy. Learn more about this tour: https://www.ecovillagetours.com/italy