Ecovillage Definition self-identified communities committed to

living in an ecologically, economically, culturally and spiritually sustainable way

roots in the intentional communities,’ movement, individuals, organizations, businesses, existing settlements and intentional communities/co-housing groups can all contribute to the ecovillage vision (Source: Ecovillage Network of Canada)

5 essential elements of an ecovillage

Community Ecology Economy Energy Spirituality

Community Group united with the same goal living

together on the land according to agreed to sustainability principles

Community spirit is at the heart Essential values of mutual help, cooperation,

solidarity and having regard for each other are foundational

Allow residents to feel secure and confident to develop dynamic relationships and to express themselves

Value diversity Health is viewed as prevention and not just

healing disease

Ecology Permaculture design

Inventory of all natural resources, plans, wildlife habitats etc

Develop a plan for the built environment that has the least impact

Ecological building Other considerations

Specific ecological values of the community

Economy Financial balance (financial

viability/sustainability) Economy based upon the skills and

capacity of the residents Work from home Stem poverty

Wealth sharing Equalized pay for all jobs Skill development

Barter and knowledge sharing

Energy

Self-sufficiency is important Generation of renewable energies Selling the extra production to the

grid More conscious consumption of

goods (energy efficient housing thereby reducing requirements, locally grown food products)

Spirituality Defined by each individual community Some indicators

cultural vitality is maintained by artistic and cultural celebrations and activities;

creativity and arts are perceived as expression of unity and interrelation with universe;

leisure time is valorized; there is support for spiritual manifestation in many

forms; opportunities are available for self development; joy and belonging are realized through rituals and

celebrations; community life has a unity and integrity expressed

through common vision

Damanhur an eco-society based on ethical and

spiritual values, awarded by an agency of the United Nations as a model for a sustainable future on 500 hectres.

founded in 1975 (12 people), the Federation has about 1,000 citizens and extends over 500 hectares of territory throughout Valchiusella and the Alto Canavese area, at the foothills of the Piedmont Alps (Italy).

http://www.damanhur.org/

Damanhur a federation of communities and eco-

villages with their own social and political structure in continual evolution

50% self sufficient in food production 50% energy efficient (photo-voltaics) 70% of residents work in cooperatives

(over 60 businesses and services) school – kindergarten to junior high

The Temples of Humankind (the eighth wonder of the world)

La Cité Écologique an ecovillage based upon an alternate school

based community- respect for nature on 800 acres

founded in 1984 by a 20 families interested in creating a place based education for children, parents, teacher, grandparents, community members located region of Les Bois Francs near Victoriaville, Quebec, today it has 120 members including children

http://www.cite-ecologique.com/english.html

La Cité Écologique the concept was to create ecological businesses where

parents would work and children would learn through activities and apprenticeships

the residents work in different spheres of activities that are related together, such as:

organic agriculture, organic frozen food, health center, ecotourism, agritourism, ethic and organic clothing, forestry, art promoting peace and solidarity, presentation of shows with committed artists

La Cité Écologique La Cité Écologique’s land

is zoned for agriculture rather than as residential, the families couldn’t build individual houses.

they built two large apartment buildings, and some families moved into houses already present on the site.

Large community facility (barn like structure)

Co-op housing, Co-housing and Ecovillages Co-op housing is a form of tenure and can

form the basis of community Co-housing is the intentional effort of

neighbors to design their homes to share common space and common meals (tenure- cooperatives, condominiums, rental units or a mix of different tenures N Street Co-housing in Davis, Ca)

Ecovillages tackle the environmental problems facing the neighborhood, the need for jobs and sustainable livelihood, and explicitly reach out to their neighbors to work and learn together (Source: Urban Ecovillage Network)

Issues and challenges Internal

Clarity of purpose Skills and resources Financial capacity

External Land use & zoning Number of units on a single site without

subdivision Sewage treatment Potable water

Location Most eco-villages have tended to locate in

rural or non-urban areas Exact location function of goal and objectives of the

community – Ecovillages have to be economically viable, not

suburban communities dependent upon an urban centre for economic wellbeing

Trend to look at urban ecovillages It has been projected that by the year 2025, 80% of

the world's population will be living in cities The US recession in some cities – new ideas – Urban

Agriculture -Detroit

Ecovillages-Way of the Future

Enright Ridge Urban Ecovillage (ERUEV)

a community of people fostering a sustainable urban neighborhood that promotes social and economic well-being while contributing to the preservation of our planet.

Located in Price Hill, near downtown Cincinnati, Ohio;

building a new way of life on the foundations of this historic area (affordable homes, the acres of forest that surround the ridge and a traditionally strong sense of community) to create a healthier, more sustainable neighborhood

90 lots http://directory.ic.org/records/

ecovillages.php