In Thailand, another exciting cooperative initiative between government - or stakeholders - of the South with the Global Ecovillage Network has commenced. GEN representatives join hands with ETA (Ecovillage Transition Asia), to support ecovillage strategies for sustainable development in South East Asia. Jane Rasbash and Kosha Joubert report. Bicycle water pumps, meals served in banana leaves, and beautiful hand woven cloth were just some of the attractions at a recent Ecovillage Festival at … Read more
indigenous peoples
The SCOPE News Zimbabwe
The SCOPE programme in Zimbabwe is undergoing a process of launching the revamped, integrated land use design (ILUD) tool, after undergoing a re-strategising process that saw the organization shifting from just the ecological learning aspects to incorporate a phase which can be called 'grounding'. It involves the community elders imparting the historical, traditional knowledge to the young people. This phase is designed to build on the experiences and lessons learnt from implementing the ILUD/ … Read more
Empowering Cambodia Ecovillages for Conservation of Indigenous Traditions and Forests
The original Ecovillages, indigenous communities living in balance with the land and in harmony with their forests, are still alive in many corners of the world. Cambodia’s mountainous north-eastern region of Ratanakiri is one such place, in which local tribes still maintain sustainable land-based livelihoods. Indigenous communities throughout the world are struggling to maintain their traditions amidst the intensifying impacts of globalization. In Ratanakiri, the organization "Ockenden … Read more
Permaculture Works in Chile Together with the Ecovillage Movement
Chile has always been a hotbed of revolution, starting from the Mapuche resisting Spanish occupation for some 400 years. Today we see a young generation with fire in their bellies and dreams of a sustainable future, waking from decades of repression, a generation taking on the powers that be in subversive acts of peace, love and a solutions-based response. Permaculture and ecovillages are two practices that they are taking into the future, says Grifen Hope. The Permaculture community of Chile … Read more
Journey to Senegal Our Common Future An African experience of traditional village transition to ecovillage
Senegal is the first country to utilize ecovillage strategies for sustainable development with a Government Agency for Ecovillages, dedicated to transitioning 14.000 traditional villages to ecovillages! The government was inspired by the work done within the grassroots network of GEN-Senegal, a network of 45 ecovillages. In February, 2013, Jane Rasbash of the Gaia Education Board, Kosha Joubert, President of GEN-International and Advisory Board GEN-Africa, and Ousmane Pame, President of … Read more
The ‘Rain Boat’ of the Amazon A Contribution to an Intentional Sustainable Future
Expedition Barco Iris is a home, a means of transport, a stage of a conscious theatre and an itinerant school that shares knowledge amongst indigenous people and settlers. Barco Iris is one contribution to an intentional sustainable future as well as being Carleton Vaux´ and Henny Freitas´ house, floating through the heart of the Amazon. Our ‘rainboat’ is a tri-maran constructed with materials such as giant bamboos, recycled products and plantation timber. It is used by us to promote cinema, … 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
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
Orissa, India Ecovillage Design Education for Indigenous People
Orissa is the poorest state of India with a population of 23% Indigenous peoples and Dalits. Though the state is gifted with abundant minerals and is generally prosperous, the tribal and Dalits peoples are poor as their lands are often misappropriated for mining, and other purposes. The rich culture of Adivasi - like much of the local community living, rituals and customs - is being eroded as modern ‘development’ creeps in. Siddharthvillage has been instrumental in renewing culture and … Read more
Colombia Ecovillages growing together towards a unified movement
After enduring sixty years of armed conflict and malcontent, the people of Colombia are rising to the country’s longing for a life of peace, stability and well-being. Towards this action, the Ecovillage movement is combining with Colombian grassroots organizations – being those of the Campesinos, Indigenous and Afro-decendant people. While the first vital steps have been taken, there is still a long way to go. In order for these powerfully distinctive forces to enter into a co-operative dialogue … Read more
