What is an Ecovillage?

Social/Community

The social dimension of an ecovillage

Ecovillages are communities in which people feel supported by and responsible to those around them. They provide a deep sense of belonging to a group. They are small enough that everyone feels safe, empowered, seen and heard. People are then able to participate in making decisions that effect their own lives and that of the community on a transparent basis.

Permaculture project at an ecovillage in Bolivia. In South America, the sense of community as seen in this picture is as an example to any intentional ecovillage in the world.

Community means:

• Recognizing and relating to others
• Sharing common resources and providing mutual aid
• Emphasizing holistic and preventive health practices
• Providing meaningful work and sustenance to all members
• Integrating marginal groups
• Promoting unending education
• Encouraging unity through respect for differences
• Fostering cultural expression

"Among intentional communities, the more socially motivated ones are reacting to the alienation of the individual due to institutionalization of traditional support functions, the breakdown of the family, and the marginalization of the weaker members of society. They tend to emphasize re-establishing "community" and are closely associated to the co-housing movement. The latter is closer to the mainstream and represents the easiest first step for many."
Ross Jackson