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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 

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

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