Whose
question is it – and what do we need to know? Having had a
long-time fascination with these miracles of human stick-to-itiveness
and stick-togetherness, the question would have to be mine.
How do
they come about, what is their ideal form and what sort of benefits
can they bring?
Questions. At any rate, far from being
un-answerable, others have trod[den] this ground before me and yes,
solutions have arisen, mostly through trial and error and sheer force
of determination to find them.
[Referring jointly to the process of
inquiry into, and the actual work of making and maintaining EcoVillages.]
Warm and fuzzy.. visit Earthaven Ecovillage's blog.
They are in Black Mountain, North Carolina, USA.
EcoVillages
are no accident. Intention to live on the land in a certain –
sustainable way and to live together harmoniously in a microcosm of
society as we know it.
The common denominator is that the
environment – both social and physical has been arranged to yield
maximum growth potential (both human and food) with the minimum
amount of disturbance to life (human and otherwise) and enjoyment
thereof (this is unabashedly of the human variety).
This article tells how one group successfully dealt
with their neighbours' concerns, in the beginning
of their planning process.
Yarrow Ecovillage in Southwest British Columbia, Canada,
found a way to distinguish themselves from being
just another development.
What
does not work may be just as instructive as what does – (refers to
the error part of trial and error). No experience is ever wasted in
this regard – and all may learn from the trials of others, no
matter what the outcome.
Ecovillagenews.org has many helpful, insightful
articles on the EcoVillage process.
This particular story talks about an EcoVillage as
a wellspring of numerous productive
cottage industries.
(Photo by Diana Leafe Christian.)
Consensus
over what does work is surprisingly widespread (and results are
easily verifiable). Make sure the group is on the same page (or at
least the same series of books) before commencing, settling on or
acquiring a piece of land.
Winning hearts and minds, and contributing to their
community, Sunraysia Sustainability Network
This "village" features demonstrations and
education for the public.
It is located near the local rubbish tip!
However,
it has proven effective for a small group [e.g. a family or two] to
provide the steering necessary to overcome earliest obstacles. For
example, a group so small that democratic procedures are not a
hindrance to choice or decision-making as often happens at latter
stages once group size has increased.
One way of obtaining land is by retro-fitting an
existing neighbourhood.
BEND (Bega Eco-Neighbourhood Developers)
have taken matters of sustainable
living into their own hands.
Here is some more about them.
As
a counterpoint, the [decision-making] group should be larger than say
one – as autocracies have been proven to be unsustainable. Ideally
it may begin with the vision of one (person) and supporters in small
numbers arrive to provide energy, ideas and consciousness that
benefit the burgeoning/budding project, as well as spreading the
work-load evenly around.
Another way of securing land
is by crowd-funding your project. If enough people
(world-wide) become interested, and you are a good
project planner, you get your land!
How many people does it take
to have the same
idea before it happens?
As
for the form, there are several choices (an infinite number in fact)
but a few templates have already been chosen and experimented with.
The degree of success having more to do with the skill in managing
the human factors, rather than luck (or skill) in choosing the format
itself.
It's comforting to know
you can buy
a place like this in a functioning
EcoVillage!
Because
EcoVillage participants share a guiding or founding intention, there
must needs be a degree of togetherness or sharing on the physical
level – (structures, resources, time and energy channeled to a
common purpose).
Whilst the sharing can vary widely (some
definitions of an EcoVillage allow people to “buy in” and then to
become hermits if they so choose), it is my understanding that the
group's identity (often arising from a sense of place or purpose) is
one attribute that always rises above any tendency for individualism
or isolationism amongst members.
In fact, building a shared identity
is one of the success factors and is highly recommended.
And let's not forget EcoVillage tourism.
To
design – one of my chief interests in the EcoVillage establishment
process. Here we have one of the factors that could be addressed at
the “less democratic” stage. As it could be quite daunting to
achieve [or complete] by committee. Community consultation would be
most beneficial in later stages, as the process of growth or
re-development was undertaken.
Visions of one person when complete
and heart-felt and executed (carried to completion) with the proper
amount of compassion and foresight are both rewarding for the maker –
and can as well be successful in that they have integrity to the
architect's ingenuity. Second-guessing is usually not as helpful as
the second-guesser might intend.
But, co-creation, where the
visionary person is aided and amplified (in their efforts) by the
contributions of others is most welcome. The distinction,
critically, is adherence to the design integrity of the creator's
plan and any modifications would be purely for practical purposes
only. (For example, the architect may not also be the engineer..)
A way to get council
approval (Australia), subdivide
your farm into smaller organic farms.
That's what was done at Rivers Road
in the Cowra (NSW) area.
Being organic meant neighbours wouldn't
interfere with each other's land by spraying
chemicals. A problem that the Cowra
Council had been having..
This
brings me to a notion that may be a successful guiding force (or
power) in some EcoVillages. Utilitarianism. What does this mean? {I am not the first to believe I made up this word.}
Why not re-visit the idea of forming a co-operative?
As did Bindarrabi Co-operative Village in
Tenterfield Shire (Northern NSW, Australia).
Their "rural land sharing community"
succeeded in developing a site
near Koorelah National
Park (despite some murmurs in that area).
"Utilitarianism"
That
what brings people together is a shared desire to pool their
practical abilities (and to build their knowledge of what this
entails). While it is an “ISM” (a set belief system) its main
difference from other idealistic aspirations is purely in its
practicality.
Example, when people create a community together there
is a clear and present need for the basic necessities of life .
Whilst ideals of equality and utopian viewpoints may exist in the
backs of people's minds, the utility value of one person's
construction or well-drilling or road-making skills may prove to be
the over-riding factor in the course of completing the day's work.
All skill levels not being equal, the most valuable commodity would
be the ability to get things done in an orderly, timely fashion –
not the ability to write a thesis on water conservation or land-use
management.
Sometimes the process can be uncertain,
as with Somerville Ecovillage
(Chidlow, near Perth, WA, Australia).
Here is some background information.
(On this, and another in Geraldton, WA.)
Peace
prevails when people's needs are met, and unless the thesis-writing
directly and materially served one of these, utilitarianism as
described above would be the dominant conceptual motivator.
After
all, there would be plenty of time for philosophy once all the
bellies were full to capacity, and any disagreement arising from
varying points of view would cause little unrest in the village and
only be of academic interest or importance.
Going back to school?
can be held in numerous locations world-wide.
They are partners with GEN,
Therefore,
in a utilitarian EcoVillage the unifying force is living together in
a way that provides the material requirements for all participants,
and decisions can be made on this level.
This seems refreshing –
if somewhat mundane to some – and has the potential to unify
participants from a broad cross-section of society's palette (not
just members of the same face book group!).
A permaculture course at Sieben Linden
Eco-Village, (Okodorf Sieben Linden).
It is a social and ecological settlement, as
well as a housing and farming
cooperative near Wolfsburg, Germany.
(The Altmark region of the former E. Germany.)
Active in the international
inhabitants live in multi-family
dwellings in distinct neighbourhoods.
It
has been suggested a success factor for EcoVillages is to design them
taking into account human nature, just as permaculture does (by
taking natural nature as its model). That means that human needs –
we have the hierarchy of Maslow (although recent research suggests
that even this is open to further discussion and modification) must
be accounted for when planning our villages.
Obviously, without
water and food things won't get very far, but provision also must be
made for safety and security, such as long-term viability of the
group's resources and assets. (And social structures – such as,
how robust will the group be at handling the process of change,
expansion and the inevitable setbacks – as well as success.)
The
so-called psychological factors then assume paramount importance.
(When the basics are covered.) We have – in both individualistic
and collectivist arrangements [the issues of] – how healthy and
possible are friendships, relationships; is a sense of belonging-ness
fostered, and can individuals reach their full potential (and thus
create maximum benefit for the group).
A visionary group,
involved in many practical projects,
Tamera Healing Biotope I
in Monte do Cerro Portugal
currently aims to change its local
Tamera's Water Retention Landscape
is part of an ecological approach to healing the land.
It
would be wise to spend a great deal of time, energy and effort in
EcoVillages on the processes of communication and conflict resolution
to ensure the basic human need of “being heard” is met.
For
until we all communicate effortlessly on the unspoken level –
words, words, words and more words will be needed to create a meeting
of the minds (and hearts ) and to foster a sense of inclusiveness.
The Findhorn Foundation in Findhorn,
Scotland contains an education centre,
EcoVillage and is home
to a community of people who wish
to explore conscious
living and co-creation with nature.
The Park at Findhorn begun as a caravan
park, now increasingly
is home to
beautiful structures designed
and built by its inhabitants.
It is the 30 acre hub
and heart of the community's EcoVillage,
and one site where the foundation members live.
What other aspects of human nature are there that might mirror natural systems (in our permaculture analogy)?
Well we mentioned the need for an initiator to “go first” in creating the village. Our pioneer person, just as a pioneer species, enables others to then move in once favourable conditions are established.
The strong nucleus of the village, or the first seed if you like, creates the likelihood of other allied energies (people) or species being able to first find, then establish themselves, then begin to prosper and contribute to the overall ecology of the system (village).
It is a hallmark of living systems (just as in the development of intentional communities to full-fledged village economies) that a primary root or source begets other similar (but not identical) sources that can take on an independent life of their own.
In EcoVillages this translates to a single decision-making body (the village council for example) devolving [some of] its authority to lots of functional groups (businesses, associations, educational bodies) thus allowing a smoother process of innovation and growth.
Keeping this process down (artificially) is thought to hamper the initiatives of bright, motivated members who wish to create new structures and innovate – because they can.
The Dancing Rabbit EcoVillage
offers easy entry to lease-holders through
its Community Land Trust structure.
Only structures that lease-holders build
can be bought and sold in this system.
They are a small intentional
community whose goal is to grow into a self-reliant town,
in Northeastern Missouri, USA.
Read more about them and their local currency,
that can be used for all an individual's daily needs.
Examples
exist in Crystal Waters and Findhorn (and others) where the
EcoVillage becomes firmly embedded in the matrix of the surrounding
community (a good ecological analogy – the village cannot exist in
a vacuum, and does not).
Here is an ideal situation, and is the
opposite of isolationism, which EcoVillages need to guard against
(how often has the word “cult” been bandied about by those
outside the village proper, meaning that integration has not been
sought or effectively achieved).
Some good media coverage on
Eco-village Rodnoe (Vladimir Region, Russia).
This of course is inspired by the
Anastasia or Ringing Cedars
of Russia movement.
Many Russians today are leaving behind
the stress of city living for a natural way of life.
Space of Love website reviews
the above DVD, about Rodnoe and its people in summer.
News from Russia --
The Far East of Russia is now open
to a new homestead act,
where people can have a hectare of land,
and five years to settle it and use it
before it can be officially theirs.
For
the individual (organisms!) inside the village, the question often
arises as to how do I make a living for myself and my family? This
has been answered beautifully and a summary is shown here.
Primary Production- Growing Plants and Animals
for Food and Fiber,
also Nursery and Seed Propagation, Herbs
for Cosmetic and Medicinal Use
Value-Adding-
Preserving and Packaging Produce, Teas, Cosmetics, Paint-
making, Hand-crafted Furniture, Locally-
made Crafts, Textiles, Arts, Pottery, Leatherwork,
Needlework
Professional Services/ Creative and Performing Arts-
Whatever you are already trained to do
Education- Master Classes, Children's Camps, Workshops
Hospitality, Tourism and Events- Offer Opportunities
Telecommuting- Using Internet Connections
Etc..
Again,
when the village is taken in its social context, it is at the group
level where individual intiatives (cottage industries, or larger
cooperative ventures) are either stifled or actively encouraged.
Both examples exist, sometimes even in the same village. This shows
the complexity of group dynamics and points toward the need to firmly
establish vision and purpose early on, and to put in place those
effective communications and conflict resolution protocols.
Volodar Ivanov writes
about possible ways of making a living
on his kin's settlement in Russia.
"There is more than enough work," he states.
Basically, doing what you love,
as does this artist.
By
working with human nature, planning for the future and allowing
freedom of movement (to stay or to go) and innovation, villages
increase their chances of carrying on for decades to come.
An aspect
of EcoVillages I find fascinating is the degree to which personal
space is granted, for example, do all live together in one shared
“family” home, large of necessity, or is each family encouraged
to live as self-sufficiently as possible on one hectare domains?
Whichever the case may be, the need for centralised services remains.
(See Blog article on Chris Cole's Kin's Oases Homestead
Settlement in Coonabarabran, NSW, Australia,
for more information on the one hectare model.)
It
is recommended that the shared functions of the village be attended
to first – effectively and on as large a scale as possible. This
creates a strong centre that provides group unity, cohesion (and
practical supports such as laundry facilities and meeting rooms and
visitor accommodation) and serves to attract future and prospective
members in the years to come.
The nucleus may be a social “club”,
a village green (a beautiful, enjoyable open space for communal use),
a school, a sustainability centre, a community or global education
resource place, a store or even a shared home for the core group
members or initiators.
Whether architect-designed or just
pragmatically put in place, this strong nucleus allows members and
visitors the shared delight of meals (and cooking) together, special
events and celebrations and just a visual or tangible reminder of
what the group stands for.
Crystal Waters is an Eco-oriented village
near Maleny, Queensland, Australia-- founded on
permaculture priciples. It features
private ownership of land blocks, but its
The Village Green has monthly
markets, camping,
cabins, kitchen facilities, and is
managed by the co-op.
Events include permaculture education,
the markets, earth-building classes and seasonal celebrations.
Crystal Waters has declared itself a wildlife sanctuary- so no pets allowed!
There is also a listing of businesses that community members
are involved in.
The
EcoVillage process is a long one, and time should be allowed for the
conception, gestation, birth, growth (and maturation) of these shared
ventures. The composition of the group may change over time, but it
is the pattern of the village that must be allowed to persist.
In
answer to my question, they [EcoVillages] arise from intention, exist in many forms
and offer benefits that extend far beyond their own borders, deep
into the surrounding areas and wider bioregion.
Resources on the development and founding of EcoVillages.
These links are convenient to have in one place (contained in text above):
http://www.ecovillagenews.org/wiki/index.php/Robert_Gilman_on_%22Multiple_Centers_of_Initiative%22
http://www.ecovillagenews.org/wiki/index.php/Learning_How_to_Start_a_Successful_Ecovillage
http://www.ic.org/my-advice-to-others-planning-to-start-an-ecovillage/
http://www.ecovillagenews.org/wiki/index.php/%22Rules_of_Thumb%22_for_Starting_an_Ecovillage
"Rethinking Ecotopia," vision of Marcel Matusz.
