Berta Garriga Garriga is an herbalist, an environmental educator and a young mother focused on creating community around sustainability, not only in the rural area where she lives but also beyond. In this interview, Berta talks about environmental education through nature but also about its very important role in cities or more urban areas. She shares some of the learnings on a deep Degrowth experiment carried-out on a tipi with a group of volunteers and provides her own insights on … Read more
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An interview with Taisa Mattos: How the Ecovillage Movement changed her path
Taisa Mattos is an Educator and Researcher of the Ecovillage Movement. She trains individuals and groups on sustainability, social innovation, and community life. My first contact with Taisa Mattos was online. As part of my ESC programme, I was starting my work with GEN International and I received an introduction to its Education area provided by her, who connected from Brazil. Research on ecovillage living seemed to be one of her biggest passions, something that caught my attention and … Read more
Rewilding and decolonising go together. A conversation with Pupak Hagighi.
Pupak Hagighi defines herself as an artist, activist, writer, and earth healer, among others. In this interview, Pupak talks about her personal journey and its connection with making soil, rewilding, decolonising and healing on different levels. I met Pupak on a Saturday morning. I had attended a Working Party which takes place the last weekend of every month at the edible woodland gardens, as part of the Hinterland Trust Conservation mission. It was the first time I went there since I … Read more
Inspiring Women Healing the Earth: Interview with Shilo Shiv Suleman
Shilo Suleman: “Reclaiming imagination as a prophecy of what we want” Shilo Shiv Suleman is an Indian visual artist & activist. Her work and practice encompasses art for social change, technology and magical realism through illustration and urban art. When I first knew I would have the chance to interview Shilo Suleman I was thrilled. The opportunity came through one of my flatmates, Ann-Chris, who tends to surprise me with her huge network of friends. When she knew I was dreaming … Read more
Ecovillages featured in IPCC report New report on mitigation emphasises the need for holistic, collaborative and networked responses
Earlier this month the International Panel for Climate Change, IPCC, published the final part of their Sixth Assessment Report, Mitigation of Climate change - featuring the Findhorn Ecovillage Community on the cover. The picture shows the East Whins cohousing cluster, part of the Findhorn ecovillage, with superinsulated adjoining homes built with ecological materials. The buildings face the equator for maximum solar gain. They are topped with solar PV and water heaters and have rain … Read more
EcoGamer Erasmus+ funded strategic partnership for youth, in the area of cooperation for innovation and the exchange of good practices
Completing a 3 year long collaboration, we are excited to launch the two main outputs of the EcoGamer project. Ecovillage Impact Assessment The Ecovillage Impact Assessment details and measures the impact of key community-scale practices for fulfilling the UN SDGs and Paris Climate Agreements. Available online for anyone to use, it teaches and showcases the transformative power of community action for sustainable development. Click here to explore the Ecovillage Impact Assessment tool … Read more
BLAST – New Resources for Transformative Learning Blended Adult Learning for the Socio-Ecological Transition
Completing a 2 year collaboration, we are proud to launch a series of resources aiming to build capacity for blended and transformative learning for socio-ecological transition. These include: Guides to Blended Learning and Communities of PracticeA competency framework for trainers and community catalystsA Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion methodology All of which you can find below! Collaboration Partners BLAST was a strategic collaboration of transformative educators … Read more
GEN Elders & NextGEN Firechats
The spirit of our ecovillage network comes alive through collective learning and community building. In 2021, the members of NextGEN, the youth branch of the ecovillage network, set out to host virtual fireside chats together with the GEN Elders to celebrate this spirit. These calls were a space to nurture and expand our intergenerational connections at the heart of GEN (Global Ecovillage Network), and to bridge the past, present and future of the ecovillage network. The youth … Read more
Harvesting experiences and insights from GEN’s first Permaculture Design Course (PDC)
Celebrating with you GEN’s first Permaculture Design LIVE Online Course – facilitated by Andre Soares and co-facilitator Lucy Legan, co-founders of the Ecocentro IPEC in Brazil and Global Ecoversity – which turned out to be a great success. The next offering will start on the 7th of May 2022. Lead facilitator Andre Soares has been teaching permaculture education for 24 years all over the world - ranging from Australia, USA, Portugal, Spain, Haiti, Argentina to … Read more
Auroville needs our help!
What’s going on in Auroville? Currently Auroville, an intentional township in South India, is facing an extremely difficult struggle within its community. Some of our forests, watersheds, and homes are subject to threat due to a contentious interpretation of the town's development plan. On December 4th, the Auroville Town Development Council started bulldozing trees, despite Auroville residents trying to protect the area (See the Timeline of the events). Since then, bulldozers have … Read more
Ecovillage & Substack Recommendations Reflections from Nicola (Devi) of Edenhope Nature Preserve, Vanuatu
An ecovillage is a microcosm of creation; for those who live in it and share in its way of life, it becomes a world unto itself, in which the whole order of existence is related from part to whole. By definition, an ecovillage is a group of people committed to living together as a community, relating sustainably with their natural environment. It is by no means a radical proposition, for the concept simply refers to people creating their culture through place — which has been practiced in varied … Read more
GEN at COP26: Collective solution to the climate change emergency A youth perspective from GEN Volunteer Irene Canalís, with support from Lukas Goertz
My first impression of COP26 is that the energy here in Glasgow is very intense. I’ve bounced between feeling small and then, suddenly, very empowered, embracing my opportunities to be an individual who is part of the collective solution to the climate change emergency. My name is Irene, I’m now volunteering for GEN International's Communications Team from the Findhorn Ecovillage office in Scotland, the place I’ve been calling home for the last two months. I grew up in Mallorca and last year … Read more
Twinning João de Barro: Co-bioconstruindo Succes stories of the Twinning Project
Ecovila Nomade / Instituto Çarakura (Brazil) & Ecovila La Rosina (Spain) With macro goals of enhancing natural buildings on the two properties, it was the underlying goals of ensuring comfortable and welcoming spaces for volunteers and guests that really motivated these two teams from Brazil and Spain. Beyond the physical manifestations, as we’ve witnessed with every other twin project, the collaborative partnership was a highlight, as the twinned participants delighted in the opportunity … Read more
Meet GEN’s new Team Members Thanks to the European Solidarity Corps
For several years, the GEN head office in Findhorn has had the privilege of welcoming a youth perspective from participants from across Europe thanks to the European Solidarity Corps (ESC, previously called European Voluntary Service). Funded by the European Union, it facilitates opportunities for 18 to 30 year olds to contribute to community initiatives while gaining work experience and personal growth. This year, GEN will have the pleasure of working with Karoline, Ann-Chris, Irene, Rubén, … Read more
Connecting communities and academia for a regenerative world: The EVIST Research Project
Rebeca Roysen is a member of Instituto Biorregional do Cerrado, an ecovillage in Brazil, and also an active member of the GEN Research Group and of the CASA Brasil Research Circle. This year, she was appointed Coordinator of a four-year research project called “Ecovillages as Incubators for Sustainability Transitions” (EVIST), supervised by Prof. Dr. Jens Köhrsen at the University of Basel, Switzerland. The aim of the EVIST Project is to better understand the role ecovillages play in … Read more
Hildur Jackson Award 2021 winner: Global Permayouth Project
The Global Permayouth Project is the winner of the 2021 Hildur Jackson Award for Extraordinary Project! The Hildur Jackson Award is a €3,000 annual prize that supports and honours projects around the world that demonstrate regenerative best-practices in all dimensions of sustainability. The prize is awarded to projects bringing the most impactful inspiration about ecovillages/ecovillage lifestyles to a broad audience. In the 2021 edition we have received outstanding 25 applications from 18 … Read more
GEN at COP26: we want to hear your voice! What message do you want us to take?
We’re entering crucial months for the future of humanity! The world is preparing for COP26, the UN Climate Conference in November. The Global Ecovillage Network will send a small delegation to advocate for the ecovillage pathway of regeneration, and we need your support. We want to hear from you! What message would you like the GEN team to deliver at COP26? How is your ecovillage or your project creating the better world we know we can build together? Please share with us by leaving a … Read more
Vidalia Ecovillage, Spain, Building the new normal!
This is the story of Ben. His journey took him to Vidalia Ecovillage in Spain, where he explored community and human relations through the flow of dance. Building the new normal! The climate crisis has emerged because the growing human community has taken more than was sustainable. With our natural resources depleting and more and more ecosystems collapsing – the change begins within. When we feel loved, whole and at peace in ourselves, we can stop taking so much, and begin to love – to … Read more
Ecovillage Design Education (EDE) is a success! Celebrating with you the first EDE live Online Programme!
Celebrating with you the first Ecovillage Design Education LIVE Online Programme - according to the Gaia Education curriculum - which turned out to be a great success. The next offering will start on 12 March 2022, running on Saturdays for 4.5 months. Coordinated and facilitated by two experienced EDE trainers: Taisa Mattos and Macaco Tamerice, with well-known guest trainers from the Ecovillage Movement, from 14 different countries, including some of the GEESE, such as: Kosha Joubert, May … Read more
Help us choose the Hildur Jackson Award 2021 winner! Inspiration From This Year's Most Impactful Ecovillage Projects and Solutions
We are absolutely thrilled to share with you the 10 finalists of the Hildur Jackson Award! The jury has had a challenging time deliberating, as we have received outstanding 25 applications from 18 countries and across all of the 5 regions. Together with Gaia Trust, GEN developed the Hildur Jackson Award, a €3,000 annual prize that supports and honors projects around the world that demonstrate regenerative best-practices in all dimensions of sustainability. Meet our 10 finalists for the 2021 … Read more
Eco-community in Vietnam Building the New Normal!
Today we unite for a celebration of generosity, unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform the world. Xóm Bắc Cầu, Vietnam This is the story of Émilie, who, together with architect Franscesco and teacher Hieu and many other volunteers, has given life to Xóm Bắc Cầu to spread sustainable community living in Vietnam. It is a powerful story, especially when realizing that Émilie at the same time is confronting a genetic disease that weakens her veins. Before going back to … Read more
Twinning for better engaged community, water and financial sustainability, creating wider impact: Govardhan (India) and Kibbutz Gezer (Israel) Succes stories of the Twinning Project
Starting with an appreciation for the diverse cultural background and geographic contexts of the partners, these twins relied on open communication and a shared vision for better-engaged communities along with ecological and financial sustainability. Through community profiling, they shared a learning journey to understand the different approaches to community processes, decision making, and strategic planning. The long-term plan they created together takes into account the benefits of … Read more
Our Annual Report 2020 is here! How the Global Ecovillage Network is catalysing communities for a regenerative world
“This gathering of human and non-human beings has never happened before and will never happen again.” - Charles Eisenstein, GEN Online Summit. As GEN celebrated our 25th year in 2020, and all the contributions that lead us here, no one could imagine the uncertainty the world would face. While gathering the stories and data to showcase our accomplishments for the year, we felt an enhanced sense of gratitude for the abundance within our members and … Read more
A Year After Winning the Hildur Jackson Award Highlights from T.I. Ecovillage in India
In 2020, the Hildur Jackson Award jury welcomed a record number of 70 applications from across the globe. Celebrating their diversity and commitment to the network, we honoured the top 10 projects, communities, and ecovillages, giving special mention to the top 2, and selected one official 'winner' of the Award. We caught up with the winner, one year later to find out how their community has continued to shine, how it may have evolved, and how they've beneffited from being featured. First, a … Read more
GAIA Netherlands will facilitate a blended (online and in person) EDE, Ecovillage Design Education course Bringing together expertise and experiences from successful projects from across the region to help get new projects off the ground.
Living differently, more sustainably, and with more meaning: that is something that more people want. How to achieve this is usually an inner quest, often full of questions, alone or with others. The Ecovillage Design Education course helps to map out these questions and to find appropriate sustainable solutions, facilitated by those who've been on the journey for some time and are passionate about sharing their learnings. With this, you take the first steps to contribute to sustainable, lasting … Read more
GEN Recognised by the One World Award Transcending the model of a global network communities
GEN is thrilled to be recognised by the One World Award, which honors global people, projects, initiatives, and ideas that make the world more equitable through ecological, social, and economic improvements. Receiving the award on GEN's behalf, Kosha Joubert shared wishes for "GEN and each and every community initiating healing relationships in the very depth of everyday love and responsibility, to flourish and shape our future on this planet." She was joined by Sonita Mbah who echoed … Read more
Rio Muchacho, Ecuadorian Organic Farm, Ecolodge, and emerging Ecovillage is recruiting new members Spaces available to immerse yourself in a rewarding and adventurous project filled with possibilities to make a difference
Located 30 min from Canoa beach, Rio Muchacho was the first ecotourism project conceived and developed as a sustainability education model in Manabí and Ecuador. It was endorsed by National Geographic for this unique concept and chosen as one of it’ s 8 favorite places to stay in Ecuador. This social enterprise is now evolving and transforming into an ecovillage! There are 8 membership spaces in total, and 4 are still available. Nicola Mears and Darío Proaño, have blended … Read more
Tu B’Shvat Celebration on Kibbutz Gezer: The Jewish Holiday of the Trees
The 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shvat, or Tu B’ishvat, is the day that marks the beginning of a “new year” for trees. This is the time when the earliest-blooming trees in the Land of Israel, perhaps most famously the beautiful almond tree, emerge from their winter sleep. Tree planting has always been a Jewish tradition. The bible states that "And you shall come to the Land, and you shall plant all kinds of edible trees..." (Leviticus, 19:23). Almost all the forests in modern Israel … Read more
Filka Sekulova: On happiness, mountains, Academia and transformation.
Filka Sekulova is an activist and a transdisciplinary scholar engaged with Degrowth and the study of meaningfulness, among many other things. In this interview, she reflects out loud on her personal story and early days, but also her last years in Academia. She touches deep topics such as coherence, meaningfulness, social change and connection to nature. The first and the last time I saw this inspiring woman was on a bike. She arrived on her bike the first time I had her as a … Read more
APPLY AS GROUP LEADER FOR ECOVILLAGE YOUTH EXCHANGE PROJECT Sharing reports from the 2017 Conference
Apply for the Ecovillage Youth Exchange Project For young people from Senegal and Germany working on Ecology, Social Justice, or community work Deadline: 27 February 2022 Apply here: https://forms.gle/chUgPHcyVRMiXitg8 … Read more
Ecovillage Youth Exchange Project Opens for Applications Connecting youth and communities across continents
Apply for the Ecovillage Youth Exchange Project For young people from Senegal and Germany working on Ecology, Social Justice, or community work Deadline: 27 February 2022 Apply here: https://forms.gle/chUgPHcyVRMiXitg8 … Read more
