In Congo, the heart of Africa, shaken by a long war, the people and the land urgently need healing and alternatives. Due to a variety of issues such as rural migration and lack of education, together with environmental degradation such as deforestation and soil erosion, the self-confidence of villagers, especially around Kinshasa, is greatly diminished. Luc Lutala, Vice President of GEN-Congo and president of Hope for All, organized an EDE course in Congo in December 2012, supported by Lua … Read more
Europe
Ecovillages Online Solution Library Join the global exchange of knowledge and expertise
As the cradle of human civilization, Africa provides a rich archive of humanity´s wisdom within its tangible and intangible cultural heritage. The online Solution Library gleans this traditional and contemporary knowledge, publishing solutions from the global sustainable development models, and specifically from the cultural heritage wealth of Africa. The initiator, Niveen Adel Morsy, is a GEN-Africa Ambassador and the Islamic Heritage Manager of CULTNAT (the Egyptian Centre for Documentation … Read more
Invitation to the 13th Vision Council: "The Call of Quetzalcoatl" in Mexico
Since 1991, a growing network of alternative projects from all over Mexico has been gathering annually, bringing together hundreds of representatives from different complementary movements and experiences, from Mexico and other countries on the planet. For the last 21 years we have held twelve Vision Councils (Consejos), with people coming from indigenous nations, emerging intentional communities and ecovillages, healers, permaculturists, artists, social activists, youth, children and elders, … Read more
Ecovillages – Alternatives & Models Ecovillages as Alternatives, Models and Learning Places to Overcome the Economic Crisis in Southern Europe
How are ecovillages affected by the economic crisis in Southern Europe? From the answers of initiatives and ecovillages in Spain, Portugal and Greece it seems that the crisis actually empowers and accelerates the ecovillage movement. As old securities fall apart, people start to look for alternatives. And so, ecovillages face a challenge to demonstrate their knowledge and to develop into best practice models, ecovillage 'midwives', and training places to foster regional autonomy. By Leila … Read more
Decision-making in Earthaven Why Earthaven Ecovillage, USA, Changed Its Decision-Making Method
Decision making processes are a big and challenging topic for communities and ecovillages. While many started with the consensus principles, most have changed that in the meantime, as they feel it gives individuals too much power to block the group. Diana Leafe Christian, longtime editor of Communities Magazine and member of Earthhaven Ecovillage in USA, has observed the processes in different communities and gives an overview. “Consensus . . . allows each person complete power over the … Read more
Chance of a lifetime: Interview with International Student Volunteers at Bellbunya
Bellbunya is an ecovillage and demonstration centre for sustainable living in Queensland, Australia, and member of GEN. On 40 acres they have organic food gardens, wildlife corridors, a creek and lagoon, a conference hall and restaurant. Every year they host volunteers from all parts of the world. The following interview was made with two American students of the International Student Volunteers (ISV) program. The students worked on a section of Belli Creek clearing a lot of Lantana and … Read more
The adventures of the EarthCode project
EarthCode is a portal of information that hosts the findings of two adventurers in search of an intentionally sustainable future. By documenting the experiences whilst visiting or residing in settlements, eco-villages and communities, EarthCode’s discoveries report on sustainable aspects of life, be it for intentional or survival reasons. It also documents on the efforts of individuals that contribute to the global awareness of positive life and values local expressions of emotion through … Read more
Tunza International Youth Conference 2013
In February 2003, the Governing Council of United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) adopted a long-term strategy for engaging young people in environmental activities and in the work of UNEP. The strategy was entitled the Tunza Youth Strategy. The word “TUNZA” means “to treat with care or affection” in Kiswahili (a sub-regional language of Eastern Africa). The overall Tunza Concept, therefore, is built around this theme. It is an initiative that is meant to develop activities in the areas … Read more
GEN Data base
Estimada comunidad GEN, En los últimos meses hemos estado trabajando en un sistema de base de datos nuevo contacto para la gestión de nuestras redes GEN. El propósito de este sistema es tener todos los contactos de personas interesadas e involucradas en todo el mundo en un solo lugar. Esto nos permitirá llegar de manera eficiente a las personas, por ejemplo, mediante el envío de la Newsletter trimestral GEN u ocasionalmente invitaciones especiales a eventos mundiales como el Día de … Read more
Noticias para el boletín del GEN EUrope
Hola, ya se está preparando el boletín de Marzo con las noticias de las ecoaldeas y comunidades del GEN. Aqui os paso el mensaje, traducido con google:: QUERIDA GEN, nadie siente tener una historia interesante e inspiradora para compartir? Queridos amigos, (GEN embajadores, miembros de ecoaldeas, activistas y corresponsales a ser), Gracias a su ayuda, el primero Noticias GEN ha sido enviado con éxito en enero a 10 000 direcciones. El segundo llegará aún más! GEN News es un medio de … Read more
