Cloughjordan ecovillage measured its ecological footprint in 2014. The ecological footprint of the average ecovillager was found to be 2 gha (the "gha" or global hectare is a measurement unit for the ecological footprint of people or activities related to the biocapacity of the earth), compared to an average of 4.7 gha for the average Irish person. This gives evidence that the ecovillage is modeling the transition to a low-carbon society through developing its own unique ecosystem of innovation … Read more
Dimensions of Sustainability
Report from Talanoa Dialogue #GENTalanoa: Addressing climate change through empowered communities pursuing their own pathways of development
Yvette Dzakpasu, GEN Advocacy Director, attended the Talanoa Dialogue on behalf of the GEN Advocacy Working Group, which also includes Executive Director Kosha Joubert and Main UN Representative Rob Wheeler. Yvette filed this report for the event: The Talanoa Dialogue took place in Bonn, Germany on 6 May 2018, bringing the traditional Fijian storytelling tool to the UN Climate Change policy process. As described by the UN, “the purpose of Talanoa is to share stories, build empathy and to … Read more
SpeakEATsy at Cloughjordan Irish Ecovillage celebrates the arts and brings community together
Life at Cloughjordan Ecovillage involves hard work, meetings and decisions, and celebration of the finer things in life. While the 100+ residents go about their days in the various roles they play to keep the community running smoothly, every so often they gather together for a completely holistic experience. They balance great food with inspiring food-for-thought. Last month, the regular SpeakEATsy event maintained its reputation as “a unique evening that is so much more than the sum of … Read more
December Newsletter
GEN's Metamorphosis: Introducing a new visual identity In a time of great transition, change, and uncertainty our organization is evolving in order to adapt to how we can best serve the collective. To reflect this powerfully and align what is on the outside with what is on the inside, we have redesigned our visual identity. Ecovillages have been seeding visions of regenerative lifestyles and communities around the world while surrounded by growing social and environmental chaos. And, … Read more
Ecovillage Design Education at Schloss Glarisegg Last chance to join!
The team of the Glarisegg EDE invites you to join their amazing 34 day exploration of how to be the change you want to see in the world - taking place from January 22 to February 25 2018 in the beautiful Schloss Glarisegg ecovillage in Switzerland. Sign up now to grab one of the last free spaces! This Ecovillage Design Education (EDE) course, certified by both Gaia Education and GEN, is named "Creating a Transformative Culture" highlighting a new way of being and acting that organically … Read more
Gaia Education Training of Trainers Programme
The glocalisation tide is rising… and addressing the urgent need to nurture the empowerment of local action in the face of global challenges. Gaia Education is embarking on a path to support Glocalisers in building capacity for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals at the local level. By completing the Gaia Education learning journey and becoming a Certified Trainer, you will enhance your competences for ushering in the transition of our communities - one at a … Read more
Los Portales in Spain A Community in Service Of Human Sustainability and Global Transformation
Los Portales is a group of people and a community that was founded in 1984 with the intention of developing innovative ways of life in different areas (organic agriculture, holistic education in healthy and co-creative relationship to nature, soft and alternative medicines, arts, clean energies, an economy based on sharing and generosity, and above all, the empowerment of each individual) progressing in this way towards greater sustainability and self-sufficiency. In close relationship to nature … Read more
What is an Ecovillage? Reflections from the Network
An ecovillage is an intentional, traditional or urban community that is consciously designed through locally owned, participatory processes in all four dimensions of sustainability (social, culture, ecology and economy) to regenerate their social and natural environments. GEN’s definition of ‘ecovillage’ is broad, allowing for many different kinds of communities and projects to be recognised. Because each ecovillage is designed by the people who live there, according to their vision, … Read more
SCIPP Sustainable Communities Incubator Partnership Programme
SCIPP is a 2 year EU Erasmus+ funded strategic partnership between several GEN networks. The aim of the project was to develop and scale up an Ecovillage Incubator made up of a workshops, a written guide, mentoring and an online platform with resources,nks, examples and tools for both projects and trainers engaged with supporting communities to grow . Thus, CLIPS was born - the Community Learning Incubator Programme for Sustainability. Read more about CLIPS, browse resources and engage in the … Read more
Youth Led Societal Innovation for Resilience (ySI4R) AKA Bridgedale360
Also known as Bridgedale360, ySI4R was a 2 year EU funded programme with the aim of inspiring youth toward sustainable living and active citizenship - it was completed Jan 2017 and is awaiting the final report/verdict from the EU. GEN International was a one of 7 partner projects. The final outcome of the project has been the www.Bridgedale360.org online toolbox. Bridgedale360 is built upon the Gaia Education sustainability mandala with the 4 dimensions growing out into 16 modules, each … Read more
