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 of … Read more
traditional communities
Spirit of Asia NextGEN in GENOA gaining momentum
Half of the world´s population is under 20 years old. It is the young people of the planet - their resilience and positive power for a change - who are the vital future decision makers and responsibility holders. NextGen, the youth movement of GEN, has created educational and action tools to empower the youth of the villages - and to make them aware of alternatives to the current destructive power of globalization. In Thailand, Japan, Ladakh, Bangladesh and Australia, NextGEN has … Read more
Ghana Permaculture Institute Achieving secure, stable food systems and improving quality of life for all
GEN Ghana was founded in 2013. One of its members is the Ghana Permaculture Institute, a non profit organization in Techiman, in the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana. Paul Yeboah shares the work of this initiative, which has been supported by the UK based company Lush. It shows how permaculture and ecovillage principles provide solutions for regions that are ripe for making the change to a more sustainable lifestyle. The Permaculture Institute was established especially for the rural dwellers, … Read more
Democratic Republic of Congo: “Hope for all” Trains Pioneers in Ecovillages
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
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
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
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
D.R. Congo GEN Congo connecting to Eastern Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo can be seen as the heart of Africa. The country is extremely rich: in resources, in biodiversity and in young people. However after many years of conflict and exploitation the Congolese are searching for a new perspective. GEN Congo was first formed in 2009, stemming from research done by Lua Bashala-Kekana (Secretary General for GEN Central and Southern Africa), who at the time lived at Khula Dhamma Eco Community (www.khuladhamma.org) in Eastern Cape, South … Read more
