Reflections on COP23

What was the most inspiring aspect of COP23 for you this year?

To see GEN’s growing presence and the increase of interest of governments and NGOs to support and collaborate.

What contribution do you feel ecovillages can bring to Climate Action in your region?

In GENOA where many of the world’s climate vulnerable nations belong, Ecovillages bring hope in a radically changing climate. The region is at the crossroads with many nations experiencing a rise in economic growth at the same time – water levels are rising; floods, typhoons, and droughts are increasing in intensity in some parts. Ecovillages show that it’s possible to create a balance through a regenerative approach in a time of great change.

What hopes do you have for your region, coming home from COP23?

GENOA already has a network of many grassroots led and multi sectoral initiatives that are scalable and replicable. We can look at how to engage these best practices in alignment with the climate agreement and the SDGs through the Ecovillage Development Program. Genoa has a wide spectrum of the region’s engagements from work with indigenous communities, intentional communities, governments, spirituality, and even in forced migration and displacement from war or natural disasters. Many of these can be highlighted more to expand its potential to contribute to carbon drawdown.