Sunseed Tecnologia del Desierto

Sunseed was first conceived in 1982 with the goal of finding and spreading new ways to help people in poverty on desertified land. In the ’90s, teams went to Tanzania to start trials of an ultra-low-cost solar cooker. Since 2002, Sunseed has changed its mission to: “To realise, demonstrate and communicate appropriate and low-technology solutions that support a low-impact lifestyle”

Sunseed is based in an ancient little Andalusian village with a long historical background. The electricity is provided by solar panels, nearby water source is providing water for daily use and natural water treatments are used for sewage. With around 50 inhabitants it is a place of different creative projects.

We are located in a valley of endangered river Aguas in the natural reserve of Karst en Yesos de Sorbas, famous for its gypsum crystal caves. Various hiking trails are located in the valley, including a route to the source of the river passing through the natural swimming pools.

Sunseed is an international transient community with the staff/volunteers constantly changing. On average there are 20-25 people living and working at Sunseed. We have a number of different workers at Sunseed, staff, assistants, paying volunteers, interns, and ESC participants. If you wish to get involved please visit: https://www.sunseed.org.uk/

We all live and work together among four houses and several garden terraces. Staff and volunteers share the responsibility of cooking and cleaning throughout the week. We spend one day a week working together communally which is split between the weekly meeting (using sociocracy) and the communal activity.

Sunseed is divided into 8 departments:
– Organic Gardens
– Sustainable Living
– Ecosystem Restoration
– Appropriate Technology
– Eco Maintenance
– Communication
– Education
– Administration

Each department has a coordinator to manage the work, helped by assistants. Volunteers have the opportunity to experience and work in each different department during their stay.