Franziska Weissoertel

The Global Ecovillage Network invites for a time of knowledge transfer, sharing, collaboration and networking. A movement is picking upmomentum: new ecovillages and communities in the countryside and in cities emerge worldwide and existing ones keep on growing. In the global south traditional villages adopt strategies of social and environmental sustainability – and as a result a fair, equal exchange between North and South comes about. Considering the economic and social crises and considering the poverty or urban loneliness more and more people are joining together to take over mutual responsibility for their region, their environment, their resources and their children. They learn from the experiences of many existing ecovillages about decentralized energy autonomy, about organic farming, about decision-making in communities, regional economics, and much more. At the 19th GEN Europe conference representatives and interested persons of ecovillages and communities across Europe meet, to network with each other and with other movements. The conference is open to community seekers and community representatives , activists from development- and environmental organizations , experts on decentralized solutions in economy, ecology and social knowledge as well as simply for people, who look for a better life. am***********@********pe.org

Wednesday, July 11, 2018, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM EDT Please join us for an exchange of knowledge and celebration focusing on ‘implementing SDG 11.4 through Local Voices and Global Agendas for Cultural & Natural Heritage,’ a special event to be held in parallel to the UN High-Level Political Forum (HLPF). The event will bring together both local (US) and international stakeholders active in the protection of the world’s natural and cultural heritage, illustrating the vital connections between integrated heritage protection and sustainable development. Through speakers’ interventions and poster presentations, the event will also showcase exemplary efforts on how SDG11, the Urban Goal, can be implemented from the perspective of 11.4. The UN High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) will be convening in New York City on July 9-18, 2018 to undertake their annual review of progress made on Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals, under the theme “Transformation towards sustainable and resilient societies.” The HLPF 2018 will also review SDG11: this is where the UN has explicitly recognized the fundamental role of culture and heritage in sustainable development, i.e. Target 11.4 to “protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage” in order to “make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.” Both cultural and natural heritage sites, while under immense pressure from the impacts of urbanization, climate change and degradation due to other natural and human factors, play a crucial role supporting local economies, livelihoods, and quality of life in human settlements. LIGHT FOOD AND BEVERAGES WILL BE SERVED Selected poster presentations will be on view during the reception. An event organized with the collaboration of UNESCO, UN-Habitat, Government of Ireland, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Global Ecovillage Network (GEN), United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) and

Creative Collectives and New Earth Systems for life are very proud to present this special event: This will be a chance to get up-close and personal and gain an in-depth insight into the the issues David Holmgren is most passionate about. During his presentations he will uncover new perspectives to keep permaculture activists ahead of the game. “The interactions between Climate Chaos, Oil Shocks and Economic Contraction is confused in the minds of the public and policy makers alike. The rapidly changing context in which sustainability activists and entrepreneurs work is reshaping the context for planning and action.” This workshop is intended to help those at the front line of sustainability use the over-the-horizon thinking of leading Australian sustainability teacher, David Holmgren. Building on thirty years of permaculture teaching, Transition activism and personal example David synthesises how to survive, thrive and contribute to a better world, wracked by unfolding climate chaos, peak energy, economic contraction and geopolitical stress. The Brown Tech Energy Descent scenario is the reference point and context for the workshop, but David also draws on more recent published and unpublished work, including an Energy Descent Action Planning consultancy for Hepburn Shire Council (Vic) as well as his influential Retrofitting the Suburbs presentations that have evolved over time to the current version Surfing The Suburbs. Topics Covered: 1.Energy Descent Scenarios, Planning and Outcomes. Personal Peak Probability Profile, Mainstream Sustainability & Permaculture/Transition compared, Nested Scenarios, EDAP framework & Melliodora case study. 2. Brown Tech Signposts and sub scenarios. a. property bubble collapse; b. climate chaos disasters and c. geopolitical/energy shock. 3. Interactive group activity A personal consideration of sub-scenarios and permaculture strategies. NETWORKING DINNER: The workshop will be followed by a networkin

Hub for the GEN Online Summit. Please get in touch with ma****@******ur.org for further information