When bombs fall, trees still grow — and in Ukraine, ecovillagers are planting hope.
In the face of unimaginable hardship, GEN Ukraine, a national eco community network of over 60 ecovillages, is showing how sustainable living can flourish even under fire. Their courage, creativity, and unwavering commitment to regenerative agriculture, renewable energy, and climate change solutions have earned them the 2025 Hildur Jackson Award.
Rebuilding from the Ground Up
Since the start of the war, GEN Ukraine has transformed crisis into collaboration. Across 11 regions, they’ve planted 4,000 trees, restored 300+ hectares of degraded land, and helped eco communities in frontline and de-occupied areas reclaim their relationship with nature. Each restored ecosystem is a living example of eco-friendly, sustainable development in action.
One of GEN Ukraine’s most inspiring achievements is the Green Road Initiative — a living network of safe, regenerative sanctuaries that stretch across the country.
Displaced families have found safe haven in ecovillage retreats and off-grid living spaces, where they receive food, shelter, education, and environmental training. Rainwater harvesting systems, solar installations, and permaculture gardens provide long-term climate resilience while teaching locals permaculture design principles and sustainable agriculture practices.
GEN Ukraine also focuses on social regeneration, fostering community building and zero waste lifestyle habits among displaced families and volunteers. Former schools and commons are being reborn as community education hubs for eco tourism and environmental education, connecting traditional Ukrainian practices with green technology and eco-friendly architecture.
Economic initiatives include bicycle repair workshops, decentralized voucher systems, and local renewable energy projects — demonstrating how eco village networks can maintain livelihoods and self-reliance even in crisis.
Impact highlights:
- 2,130 tons of CO₂ sequestered/avoided yearly
- 10 solar systems replacing diesel generators
- 10+ rainwater harvesting systems enhancing water security
- 167 hectares of afforestation certified under Ecocert
With the €3,000 Hildur Jackson Award, GEN Ukraine will expand by installing more sustainable water management systems, supporting permaculture gardens, and training communities in regenerative agriculture and climate-resilient food systems. This is a replicable model for eco villages worldwide, proving that eco-friendly communities can flourish even in the hardest conditions.
GEN Ukraine‘s story is a testament to the ecovillage movement — showing that where there is community, creativity, and care for the planet, life finds a way.
GEN Staff
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