Key Principles of Ecovillages
What makes an ecovillage be an ecovillage? In this document we try to find answers, to identify aspects which clearly make an ecovillage be more than a conventional village of our time. It is a draft document - please send feedback, extensions to the principles or contributions of any kind to FirmaWebmaster. The document is partially based on the community sustainability assessment checklist which can be found at www.gaia.org.Ecological sustainability: "Not taking more from the earth than giving back"
Minimizing the ecological footprint by
| Ecological Building (solar architecture; local, natural, renewable materials; healthy indoor climate, ...) |
| "Green Technologies" for generating energy, sewage treatment, recycling, ... |
| Food comes from mostly local or bioregional organic sources. |
| Conscious consuming (Conserving water, avoiding waste, buying fair trade, ...) |
| Sharing resources (equipment, tools, clothing, ...) and facilities (kitchens, storage space, offices, ...) |
| Conservation is practiced in transportation systems and methods. |
"Giving back to the earth" by
| Giving space to wild nature |
| Helping the earth to regenerate ("Eco-Restauration", tree planting) |
| Increase humus layer (Composting) |
Economic Sustainability - "Localization"
Building a local economy cycle
self-sufficiency for basic needs (food, water, energy) sustainable small businesses barter and exchange systems (LETS) local market days volunteerism - work contribution business startup programs
Community members also actively engage in economic cooperation in their bioregion, in their country/state or with other parts of the world, however, leaving the community for paid work is rare.
There is exchange with other ecovillages and sustainable communities.
Most community members have meaningful and fulfilling work.
The economy is based on a value system, a new paradigm based on longterm thinking, cooperation instead of concurrency and competition, quality instead of quantity, "ecological is economical", limited growth, etc.
Social Sustainability - building a lively community
The people are connected by a common vision, but also shared cultural beliefs, values and practices that define and express the uniqueness of the community ("identity", "community glue"). Also regular communal activities (celebrations, traditional feasts, rituals) are important for the community spirit.
The community is small enough (usually under 500 people) that everybody feels heard and seen.
There is room and systems, methods in place which foster communication, relations and productivity (e.g. conflict resulution). So there is a healthy social environment with an atmosphere of security, trust, tolerance and understanding, respect.
The community responds supportively to marginalized community members (the poor, ill, dying, troubled, disabled, elderly, etc.) - nobody feels isolated.
Gender issues, womens and mens groups
Community Culture, Continuity of community, community history.
Regaining a "feeling" for nature, for the wild and for the growing of food. Consciously recognizing the interconnectedness of all life and that we are part of nature and get sick, the more distant nature is to us. (Striving to live in harmony with nature.)
Spending time in wild nature Watching plants grow, celebrate the rhythms of nature Learning about local species Using Permaculture principles Attunements, co-creation with nature ...
Integration of Spirituality into every day life
Space and time for silence, prayer, meditation or other spiritual practice.
The community is small enough that every member feels empowered, heard and seen. People can participate in (deep democratic) consensus decisions making processes that affect their own lives and that of the community on a transparent basis.
The community members are regaining control over their daily life. They take full responsibility for their lives. They solve their own conflicts, take care of children, old and weak, take care of their own health and live full lives.
The environment is encouraging for being initiative, starting projects, being an active member of the community.
Fostering holistic development of the individual
The holistic approach to healthy human development comprises the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual dimensions of life:
Creative expression: Dance, Music, ... Space for silence and meditation: spirituality in every day life Education within the community and intercommunal; IT facilities and transport to education centers (cities) are available Health system with a focus on improving the health instead of treating diseases - high value of traditional natural remedies, alternative health practices and body work. Mens groups, womens groups, mutual learning between young and old generation The community members have time for recreational and leisure activities (sports, hobbies, relaxation, etc.). Learning from other people and cultures - high value of diversity Personal growth through constructive conflict management practices Sharing of beauty and aesthetic values
The environment is supportive to developing the individual personality. Opportunities are available for community members to develop artistic talents (classes, apprenticeships, and support for individual artistic pursuits), the community values art, beauty and aesthetic quality.
Building more than just "beautiful islands": Presenting the concepts to the rest of the world (to interested people)
e.g. as "Living and Learning Centers".