What was the most inspiring aspect of COP23 for you this year? Throughout COP23, GEN spoke as a diverse and harmonious family, in a powerful voice about the necessity to involve grassroots communities in the global reflection on and action against environmental degradation. An increasing number of African government officials are reaching out to GEN to seek support and partnership to initiate or reinforce holistic regenerative development programmes in their most vulnerable regions and … Read more
Reflections on COP23 GENOA
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 … Read more
Reflections from COP23 Great Interest in Ecovillage Climate Solutions at COP23
The two most promising and exciting things about COP23 for me was the keen interest among so many delegates first in ecovillage development and second in taking the 1.5 degree goal from the Paris Agreement on limiting global warming quite seriously and then on increasing government ambition to be able to do this. For example I heard again and again about various efforts being made to move towards 100% renewable energy; to sequester carbon in plants and soils; and to reach carbon neutrality … Read more
GEN at COP23
Ecovillages are consciously designed through locally owned, participatory processes in all four dimensions of sustainability (social, culture, ecology and economy) to regenerate their social and natural environments. Ecovillages are living laboratories pioneering beautiful alternatives and innovative solutions that enable villages, regions and nation states to fulfill the promise of the SDGs, the Paris Climate Agreement, and the outcomes of COP23. … Read more
Finding Consensus Through Storytelling A Reflection from GEN's Talanoa Dialogue for the European Day of Sustainable Communities
A night of storytelling to share thoughts, knowledge and experiences related to climate change. The aim of the Talanoa Dialogue organised by the Global Ecovillage Network (GEN) and the Findhorn Foundation, held in coordination with the European Day of Sustainable Communities, was to build consensus and unfold the complexity of a global situation that requires absolute openness and cannot be avoided. As highlighted in a recent speech by the UN Secretary General António Guterres, when thinking … Read more
Report from Talanoa Dialogue #GENTalanoa: Addressing climate change through empowered communities pursuing their own pathways of development
Yvette Dzakpasu, GEN Advocacy Director, attended the Talanoa Dialogue on behalf of the GEN Advocacy Working Group, which also includes Executive Director Kosha Joubert and Main UN Representative Rob Wheeler. Yvette filed this report for the event: The Talanoa Dialogue took place in Bonn, Germany on 6 May 2018, bringing the traditional Fijian storytelling tool to the UN Climate Change policy process. As described by the UN, “the purpose of Talanoa is to share stories, build empathy and to … Read more
February Newsletter River of Life
Through the Global Ecovillage Network's River of Life, brave and generous women from the Western World are financially enabling outstanding women leaders to continue their work at the forefront of community-led strategies for sustainable change in the Global South. The friendships and multi-faceted support are mutual. Another River of Life member shares this: "The year 2017 was full of successes and challenges. The ongoing protest in Southern Cameroon did not make work any fun this year. I … Read more
Developing Ecovillages for Regeneration and Climate Action
- Date: 6 November 2017
- Language:
- English
- Location: Meeting Room 10, Bonn zone, COP23 Conference Centre, Germany
This session draws on how ecovillages provide a plethora of ways to reverse climate change and ensure regenerative development. The panel of speakers will showcase a range of regenerative design solutions from around the world illustrating how ecovillages in Asia, Africa, and Latin America can be a source of inspiration and provide new opportunities for Europe on climate action. … Read more
SDGs: Heritage, Green Technology, Collaboration & Ecovillage Solutions for Peace & Prosperity
- Date: 8 November 2017
- Language:
- English
- Location: Meeting Room 10, Bonn zone, COP23 Conference Centre, Germany
An innovative array of proven and inspiring regenerative solutions addressing the challenges created by climate change, implementing the Paris Agreement and the SDGs, while fostering resilient communities with social, cultural, environmental and economic sustainability principles. … Read more
Achieving the Paris Agreement
- Date: 11 November 2017
- Language:
- English
- Location: Conference Room at the Haus der evangelischen Kirche (House of the Evangelical Church) Adenauerallee 37, 53113 Bonn, Germany, Germany
This symposium on regenerative practices is being organized by a partnership of organizations including the Global Ecovillage Network (GEN), Open Team, the International National Trusts Organisation (INTO), the Nordic Folkecenter for Renewable Energy and Zero Carbon Britain. This event will feature keynote presentations by Bronson Griscom, Director of Forest Carbon Science for The Nature Conservancy and Joachim Schemel, Deputy Head of Division, Climate and Environmental Policy Sustainable … Read more