Rethinking life: the ecovillage model
The United Nations lists ecovillages among the "100 Best Practices" for sustainable living. People live and sometimes work together in a way that is as environmentally friendly and socially acceptable as possible. In harmony with nature. Together. An ecovillage not only helps to protect the surrounding nature, but also to regenerate it, and it improves people's quality of life. The four dimensions of sustainability - ecology, economy, social issues and world view - are integrated into a holistic approach.
The global umbrella organization of ecovillages describes them as follows: "Ecovillages are an expression of conscious human innovation and creativity: groups of people living their principles, regenerating their environment and strengthening their sense of belonging and purpose as a community."
Each ecovillage is unique, and there is no strict definition of an ecovillage. However, there are some groups that are not considered ecovillages, including families, religious groups and sects or cults.
In Europe and North America, the focus when establishing ecovillages is often on the desire for a healthier lifestyle in the community. Meanwhile, in the Global South, the focus is often on survival. Maintaining or regaining food sovereignty, ways out of poverty and survival in conflict regions.
Various ecovillages worldwide
There are many ecovillages around the world. Each one is different and fascinating. In Germany, for example, there is the Zukunftswerkstatt Schloss Tempelhof and the Sieben Linden ecovillage. In Austria, there is currently no real ecovillage, but there is a co-housing settlement called Lebensraum and the Vienna housing project, which also calls itself the "Seven Storey Village".
I stumbled across the future city of Auroville in India a long time ago through a wonderful TV report. It is a multicultural place built from wood and clay, which turned a barren plateau into a green oasis by digging 1,000 km of ditches and planting 400 hectares of forest. Joss Brook, one of the first co-founders: "In Auroville, people from all over the world are trying to find a way of sustainability together with the locals. The most important thing is to perceive the soul in everything - because in the soul we find the memory of the garden of the future."
In Moldova, the poorest country in Europe, on the border with Ukraine, EcoVisio has also created an eco-village, "EcoVillage Moldova", which aims to be a showcase project for the whole country with the help of permaculture principles, the use of regional building materials and the intelligent use of solar technology. It stands for "green awareness" in the poorest country in Europe, which has to find ways of coping with the consequences of climate change despite having fewer resources.
The Mubaya project in Zimbabwe aims to ensure food security for the inhabitants. A project in the ecovillage also aims to promote the economic independence of the village's women by granting microloans. With the help of permaculture principles, the village community aims to provide itself with food and achieve energy independence despite climate change and the resulting lack of rainfall.
Documentary film about 10 ecovillages
In the film "A new us. Ecovillages and Ecological Communities in Europe", produced by Austrian documentary filmmaker Stefan Wolf, gives anyone interested an insight into the lives of ten communities in eight countries. Here is the trailer:
Our pro.earth.conclusion:
Climate-neutral, grandchild-friendly living already works in these enclaves. An exciting concept that has many different manifestations around the globe! Functioning village communities have great potential for change in the right direction.
