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Global Ecovillage Network Annual Report 2019

The Global Ecovillage Network (GEN) aims to empower communities to design regenerative futures through sustainable practices, showcasing diverse ecovillages worldwide that address social, cultural, ecological, and economic regeneration. The 2019 annual report highlights GEN's strategic objectives, regional achievements, and frameworks while inviting individuals to engage in community-driven sustainable initiatives. As the organization transitions leadership, it emphasizes the importance of collective action towards a regenerative world amidst ongoing global challenges.

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Sustainable Development•
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ECOVILLAGE.ORG What matters the most is that the lands are healthy, the water is pure, the wind is free from viruses, and the human beings are at peace with themselves. - Calixto Suarez, Chief Elders of Arhuaco People, Colombia
CONTENTS Letter from the President Letter from the Executive Director Overview Vision and Mission Strategic Objectives GEN’s Call to Action GEN’s Frameworks Organigram Key Performace Indicators 2019 Targets Strategic Objectives for 2020 2019 Projects and Highlights How GEN Thrives: Financial Summary Board, Staff, Advisors, and Regional Representatives CASA Latina (Latin America) GEN Africa GENNA (North America) GENOA (Oceania and Asia) GEN Europe NextGEN (Youth Network) Ecovillage Impact Assesment Ecovillage Incubation Ecovillage Development/Transition Greening Schools EmerGENcies Regenerative Urban Communities Education Consultancy Ambassadors River of Life Friends of GEN GEN FRAMEWORKS AND 2019 ACTIVITIES THE GEN REGIONS IN 2019 GEN PROGRAMMES WAYS TO ENGAGE WITH GEN The Global Ecovillage Network is rich and diverse, like any healthy ecosystem. As such, it is not surprising that any structure or order can only be offer an approximate map of the territory of GEN. We have organized the content of this Annual Report into different sections to ease your reading and trust you will enjoy the journey. Section 1 is dedicated to an overview of GEN and the core frameworks we work with. This section also reports on GEN’s work in 2019 as a Scottish Charity that interlinks all parts of our global networks, and includes details on GEN’s targets for 2019, key performance indicators, highlights of the year, financial summary and team. Section 2 showcases highlights of the work accomplished by GEN’s five Regions and by NextGEN, our youth arm, celebrating the cultural diversity of the journey towards low impact, regenerative lifestyles around the planet. Section 3 looks at scaling up community-led implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Climate Agreement through GEN’s five Ecovillage Programmes. And finally, in Section 4, we invite you to get involved and join us, if you have not already, by visiting an ecovillage, attending a training, engaging with our network, becoming and Ambassador or Friend of GEN. Enjoy! photo credit: G-BIACK
To the GEN family, The GEN Scottish Charity was established 7+ years ago. Since its creation, this organization has been serving, enacting, connecting, showcasing, advancing and inspiring the global network of ecovillages, which comes to be the vibrant ecosystem of regeneration that we - as individuals, communities and networks - form together. In the ecosystem, we feel the presence of the pioneer ecovillages, the ones which are big, mature and well known by many; along with the new ones emerging, forming and growing as traditional communities, government support- based communities, learning-based communities, and a lot more. Each of the ecovillages of GEN are nodes of acupuncture to the relationship we, the humankind, have with ourselves, our peers, and with the planet, our common-home. That sense of common-unity, the Power of Community, is our response, our strategy and our impact! Pandemies and crises may keep coming and hopefully going away, but the challenge of redefining our values as humankind so to enjoy the Buen Vivir remains relevant and urgent, as does learning to live in common-unity. We in GEN are stimulating acupoints THERE! So, may the reading of this report be an experience to recognize and honour how far has reached the dream of Gaia Trust, Kosha Anja Joubert, the “Nine founders of the network” and all those pioneers teams of GEN who we thank today for their leadership and hands-on work. Let it also be a celebration of what, each of us reading it, have contributed. Feel part of it, because you are! Jennifer Trujillo Obando, GEN President Dear Readers, GEN invites you to join us in imagining the potential for true transformation that lies at the heart of the challenges we currently face. The three most discussed scenarios for life beyond Covid-19 are: · An attempt to return to ‘business as usual’ · A continuing descent into crisis, chaos and collapse · A pathway, through crisis, to a life-affirming culture Which do you choose? More than ever, our eyes have been opened to the importance of deepening our love for place and each other, building trusting community, growing our food locally and celebrating the sheer beauty and vulnerability of the web of life. These are key values that GEN has been working with for the past 25 years. The rich experience, gathered in ecovillages around the globe, is now becoming wind in the sails of a regenerative future. While GEN is better placed than ever to fulfil its potential in the world, after twelve years of deep work in this beautiful network and organisation, the time has come for me to move on from my role as Executive Director. Many of the dreams I had for GEN when setting out have been realised and it is with a sense of fulfilment and joy that I pass on the baton to the next generation of collaborative leaders. Thank you to those who went before, thank you to the coming generation, thank you all for making this such a rich and fulfilling journey! Kosha Joubert, GEN Executive Director photo credit: Marcel Carneiro photo credit: Twin Oaks
Ecovillages embrace the concept of ‘luxurious simplicity’, celebrating and recreating low impact lifestyles that expand a sense of care, responsibility and well being. Thousand of ecovillages around the planet are already demonstrating how we can transition to a fully sustainable future. The community-based capacity for implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals and Climate Change Agreement can be unleashed to establish regional and national programs to support ecovillage development. An Ecovillage is an intentional or traditional community that is consciously designed through locally owned, participatory processes to regenerate their social and natural environments. G L O B A L E C O V I L L A G E N E T W O R K Catalysing communities for a regenerative world VISION The Global Ecovillage Network envisions a world of empowered citizens and communities, designing and implementing their own pathways to a regenerative future, and building bridges of hope and international solidarity. MISSION To innovate, catalyze, educate and advocate in global partnership with ecovillages and all those dedicated to the shift to a regenerative world. photo credit: MariaLuiza photo credit: Issa Diallo photo credit: Dancing Rabbit Ecovillage
GEN’s CALL TO ACTION photo credit: Permaculture Ghana Live in healthy relationship to the world. Develop regenerative technologies and sustainable agriculture. Put back more than you take out. Sequester carbon and regenerate ecosystems. Build an economy that serves life and enriches the whole. Have the courage to share and be generous. Trust in the capacity of each individual to change. Empower yourself and others. Create local solutions for global challenges. Know where your water comes from. Make friends around the world. Reach out in solidarity. Be the change you want to see in the world. Find your way to a high quality, low impact lifestyle. Build community in ever widening circles. Bring your authentic self into a collaborative search for healing. Integrate the marginalised. Allow the richness of diversity to unfold. See the sacred in everything. Celebrate cultural traditions that regenerate life. Provide hope and guidance to future generations. Empoweryouth to contribute actively to sustainable development.
UN National Governments Corporations Academic Research REGIONS ECOVILLAGES GEN KNOWLEDGE CREATION AND GROWTH UN National Governments Corporations Academic Research AN ECOVILLAGE IS AN INTENTIONAL OR TRADITIONAL COMMUNITY THAT IS CONSCIOUSLY DESIGNED THROUGH LOCALLY OWNED, PARTICIPATORY PROCESSES TO REGENERATE THEIR SOCIAL AND NATURAL ENVIRONMENTS. GEN works through five broad regional organizations and our youth movement.
SOCIAL MAP OF REGENERATION
ECO: Comes from the Greek Oikos - relating to family, home, place, and planet. ECO CITIZENS: Individuals aiming to lead ecovillage lifestyles which address the ecovillage principles in all four areas of regeneration (social, culture, ecology, economy) ECO PROJECTS: Initiatives of various sizes that inspire and foster implementation of ecovillage principles, such as eco farms, permaculture projects, learning centres, ecosystem restoration camps and ecotourism sites. ECO / GREEN SCHOOLS: Schools creating environment conducive to learning about and experiencing ecovillage principles in some or all areas of regeneration. ECO COMMUNITIES: ‘Small ecovillages’, with a population of less that 20 adults (starting from extended families), consciously designed to address ecovillage principles in some or all areas of regeneration. ECO NEIGHBOURHOODS: Urban settlements that are consciously designed through locally owned, participatory processes and aiming to address ecovillage principles in some or all four areas of regeneration to regenerate their social and natural environments ECO REGIONS Areas, especially partsof a country or the world having definable characteristics but not always fixed boundaries. A GEN region is referred to the 5 primary geographic areas that make up the Global Ecovillage Network (GEN) - Europe, Africa, North America, Latin America and Asia Oceania. E CO C I T I Z E N S E CO PR OJ E C TS E CO S C H O O L S E CO CO M M U N I T I E S E CO VI L L AG E S E CO C I T I E S E CO N E I G H B O U R H O O D S E CO R E G I O N S ECOVILLAGES: Rural or urban communities that are consciouslydesigning its through locally owned, participatory processes, aiming to address the Ecovillage Principles. Ecovillages have a population ranging from at least 20 to several thousand inhabitants. GEN recognizes ecovillages as such, if they have been in existence for at least 2 years, and are already implementing solutions in at least one of theAreas of Regeneration with an intention to spread implementation to all four areas (social, culture, ecology and economy) as well as whole systems design. MAP OF ENGAGEMENT
GEN PROGRAMMES EMERGENCIES: rebuilding sustainable communities after disasters or with refugees ECOVILLAGE INCUBATION: supporting thecreation of new intentional ecovillages GREENING SCHOOLS FOR SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES: establishing green schools as hubs of inspiration for whole community transformation ECOVILLAGE DEVELOPMENT: transitioning existing settlements to regenerative settlements/ecovillages URBAN ECOVILLAGES: establishing ecovillages within and around cities
GEN as a network, through the five GEN Regions and our youth movement, organises communities on the ground, and carries out region-specific programmes. GEN as an organisation supports ecovillage developmentand dissemination of best practices through the following focus areas and teams. GEN ORGANIGRAM HOW WE WORK TOGETHER
ECOVILLAGE KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS 222 25.475 12.000 20182018 36.884 17.968 20192019 63.170 30.935 2020 may 2020 may 48 22 6090 114 21.000 4000+ Ambassadors Social Media Growth Newsletter Suscribers People reached through GEN Online Summit Volunteer hours Established networks Emerging networks GEN reaches out to communities Ecovillages in Countries 63,170220,161 45 7 Partnership Organizations Including Gaia Education, Let’s Do It! World, Earth Rights Institute, and Ecosystem Restoration Camps MOUs signed with 7 African Governments Website visitors MOUs signed 574 23 Sustainability Solutions Goverment Outreach ecovillage solutions provided in the Solution Library interest from 23 national governments in implementing Ecovillage Development Programmes. social media followers across 5 platforms
1 2 Inspire individual & community participation in ecovillage lifestyles Provide inspirational social media presence Refine the design and functionality of GEN’s website Increase website views to 1.2 million Monthly newsletter and updated news on GEN’s website Increase Newsletter to 15.000 subscribers Empower 250 GENAmbassadors worldwide to be an active voice for GEN Support a gathering or conference to be held in each GEN Region 10,000 people inspired through power of Community Online Summit and other GEN online events Provide consultancy and education for regeneration Continue development of the Solution Library Furtherdevelopmanuals,resourcesandmaterialsfor5EcovillageProgrammes Develop platform and business model for online GEN trainings Develop & pilot face to face trainings for Ecovillage Incubation Develop & pilot online trainings for Ecovillage Incubation Develop online webinars & trainings in collaboration with Regions Finalise and launch Ecovillage Design Cards 2.0 in 10 languages Produce Ecovillage Design Cards edition for school children Develop Ecovillage Game of ReGENeration for youth Deliver 10 GEN Core Trainings Deliver 6 GEN Consultancy packages Above are the outcomes by Dec 2019. Due to personal tragedy in our GEN Education Team this area had to slow down in 2019, only to pick up and implement above targets by May 2020. 2019 TARGETS Target not met Activity initiaded Target somewhat met Target met Exceeded Target Cultivate relationships of trust and solidarity throughout GEN. Transparent and inclusive organizational structures throughout GEN Articulate strategic purpose of GEN Regions and GEN as a whole Establish feedback systems for the GEN Regions and Next GEN Increase shared ownership of the GEN Regions Agreement Celebrate diversity and cohesiveness through regional websites based on GEN IT systems Monthly communications with staff, members, ambassadors & FoG. Collaborative practices such as Self Management adapted and integrated into GEN. Raise our awareness of transgenerational trauma and how this affects our global collaboration Support and Mediation Circle for GEN staff Showcase the impact of ecovillage projects worldwide Document GEN’s outreach to 10,000 ecovillages & communities Develop GEN Ecovillage Map to be a quality & trustworthy database Add 50 ecovillage projects from each regions to the database Promote ecovillage solutions showcase ecovillages Recognise and honor outstanding achievements by ecovillages and ecovillage projects through the Hildur Jackson Award Develop new national ecovillage networks in each GEN Region Refine the Ecovillage Impact Assessment tool and elicit data from 100 ecovillages GEN’s outreach has been documented and will be made visible of our Maps in 2020. The Impact Assessment has been refined, and a report on the data of 100 ecovillages will be collated in 2020. 3 4
5 6 Showcase logos of 35 global and 20 local partner organisations on GEN’s website Develop alliances with other like-minded organisations - 55 Memorandum Of Understandings (MoUs) and Letter Of Intentions (LOIs) signed Nurture alliances defined by current MOU’s by working on joint projects with 10 partner organisations Encourage local and regional advocacy strategies. Ensure GEN visibility at COP25 to inspire community-led approaches to climate change Partnership with ECOLISE, reaching out to the European Commission/ Parliament Work with government institutions in 6 countries to support the implementation of national or regional Ecovillage Programmes Rights of Nature advocacy led by the regions The work with partners, e.g. the Club of Rome and African Governments, especially, has continued to unfold and deepen. Transition to economic abundance: 3-year strategic development plan in place to guide GEN’s work £750.000 Annual Turnover [Actual: £623,658] Ca. £250.000 in Donations [Actual: £255,189] Friends of GEN (£15.000) [Actual: £7,470] River of Life (£32000) [Actual: £8,185] Ca. £388.200 in Funded Projects [£312,498] Improve GEN’s project management protocol Ca. £107.000 in Earned Income (in Social Enterprise) [Actual: £55,971] Strengthen organisational and financial capacity of the regions.7 GEN has been in a time of transition, with a new Board stepping in and reflecting on strategy and workflows. Some energy and focus has been on reflection and transition rather than income generation. Showcase examples and further define GEN’s 5 Ecovillage Programmes Support the creation of new intentional ecovillages and communities Support government institutions in the implementation of Ecovillage Development in 7 regions or countries Continue to partnerwith RESCOPE on the Greening Schools programme Consolidate an ecovillage-based approach to humanitarian crises - EmerGENcies Actively support the application of ecovillage models to urban and suburban environments. WearehappytoannouncethatmanualsforbothUrbanEco-Neighbourhoods andEmerGENcieswerecollatedandaredownloadablefromourwebsite. 7 Speed up global regeneration through strategic alliances & advocacy Scale up ecovillage approaches to help achieve the SDGs and Paris Climate Agreement Develop economic abundance for a thriving ecovillage network. Target not met Activity initiaded Target somewhat met Target met Exceeded Target
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES FOR 2020 photo credit: G-BIACK 2. ADVANCE INDIVIDUAL AND COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN ECOVILLAGE LIFESTYLES GEN inspires and advances individual and community participation in ecovillage lifestyles in order for there to be positive behavioural change and the increase of effective climate change actions within local communities. 3. SCALE ECOVILLAGE SOLUTIONS VERTICALLY AND HORIZONTALLY THROUGH FIVE ECOVILLAGE PROGRAMMES GEN scales out ecovillage solutions through its five ecovillage programmes: Ecovillage Incubation, Ecovillage Development, Eco Schools for Eco Communities, EmerGENcies and Urban Eco Communities, in order to support governments and regional authorities in the implementation of the Climate Agreement and SDGs. GEN’s IMPACT: GEN catalyzes regenerative lifestyles and communities to support the implementation of the Climate Agreement and the SDGs. GEN will be able to demonstrate this impact by recording data from eco citizens, eco projects, eco communities and ecovillages in its networks,using GEN’s Ecovillage Impact Assessment. GEN has spread inspiration and knowledge about the ecovillage concept for the past 25 years. All ecovillages are started from local leadership and, if at all, GEN comes in to support and honour local participatory design processes. GEN distills tools, builds capacity and celebrates the results of the incredible work tens of thousands of people are doing in their communities on the ground. 1. SHOWCASE, CONNECT AND UNIFY ECOVILLAGE NETWORKS WORLDWIDE GEN showcases the regenerative work done in communities around the planet to prepare for and respond to the climate emergency. GEN connects these efforts by creating spaces for exchange and sharing of best nature-based solutions. GEN unifies through collaboration throughout our networks and distillation of tools and methods. The GEN Map of Scale portrays all levels of initiatives and local transformative processes that are a part of our networks. The GEN Map of Regeneration, embracing the 4 Areas and 32 Ecovillage Principles, is used as a design and impact assessment tool for ecovillages worldwide.
GEN Projects 2019 Reflecting our values of collaboration, diversity, and capacity-building, GEN’s projects are co-created with partners across the globe and feed into our five core Ecovillage Programmes. We strive to serve and engage youth and elders, the global South and North, grassroots communities and high level government representatives. GEN has consultative status at the United Nations. As we bring our contribution as an active agent in the world of NGOs, these initiatives weave together to form a part of a life-affirming culture and regenerative future. With the goal to reach wider audiences, our first Online Summit welcomed 10,000 participants, many of them gathering in local community hubs for meaningful conversations as they gained insights from 30 visionaries and leading edge practitioners. On an individual level, the River of Life programme builds solidarity by pairing women in the global North and South to support their local communities to scale out solutions. GEN built capacity in young adults while also learning from their fresh energy and perspectives as members of the GEN team through European Solidarity Corps, in European Partnerships. GEN has further developed our tools and frameworks for the implementation of the Ecovillage Programmes. We worked on strengthening the underpinnings through the ECOGAMER, refining the Ecovillage Impact Assessment and developing mythological gaming approaches to ecovillage design for youth and school children. The Ecovillage Incubation Programme was strengthened through CLIPS, led by GEN Europe. The Ecovillage Development Programme was brought to COP25, where GEN’s involvement shone a light on the potential of community-led initiatives as solutions for climate adaptation and mitigation and firmed up agreements with governments. We travelled to Morocco, Sierra Leone and The Gambia to firm up collaborations with government institutions. In the vicinity GEN’s head office, the LEADER project helped to bring Ecovillage Development to Scotland, aligned with the Local Development Strategy. And lastly, the Ecovillage Transition in Action project draws learnings from municipal transition processes for Ecovillage Development. GEN continued to engage in the Greening Schools Programme in the Zambia and developed Manual for the EmerGENcies and Urban Eco-Neighbourhood Programmes. With the understanding that Ecovillage as a process, not an outcome, GEN celebrates each project as a unique expression of the overall vision – spreading a regenerative human presence on earth in culturally contextualised ways. Our diversity is our strength. Our coherence gives us a powerful voice. Our cooperation and mutual support helps us to thrive.
OUR WORK AROUND THE WORLD Highlights of projects around the world that GEN’s international education and consultancy focus areas conducted in 2019 - plus EmerGENcies projects and GEN Regions’ international gatherings. Major advocacy event Consultancy project Active EmerGENcies project (affiliated with GEN Region) Regional GEN Gathering Youth SIRCle innovation lab Ecovillage Training of Trainers Ecovillage Design Introduction New partnership with university New MOUs signed with national governments Other funded project
ONLINE SUMMIT Our first Online Summit ‘Power of Community - Climate Change and Consciousness’ welcomed over 10.000 participants. A consortium of 30 leading edge thinkers, activists, and grassroots leaders shared insights into working towards a community-led and regenerative future. Over 145 hubs organised events in communities, ecovillages, education centers, farms, institutions and private homes, in 51 countries: from small circles in families to large ecovillages hosting screenings to organisations in capital cities hosting workshops. “The summit inspired us to move our community in an ancient dynamic of sharing time, energy, and love by trusting on each other.” CLIMATE CHANGE AND CONSCIOUSNESS From April 20-26, 2019, the Climate Change and Consciousness Conference: Our Legacy for the Earth (CCC19) took place in Findhorn Ecovillage in Scotland, and was co-hosted by GEN. With presenters like Vandana Shiva, Bill McKibben, Xiuhtezcatl Martinez and Charles Eisenstein, the event brought together eminent scientists, wisdom keepers, business people, activists, ecovillage representatives, entrepreneurs and young people, to envision and begin to inhabit our joint future. A significant and deliberate element of the conference was the presence of many indigenous leaders – from Senegal, Namibia, Nigeria, Aotearoa, Brazil, Greenland and, of course, Scotland! ESC In 2019 GEN hosted 6 long-term European Solidarity Corps (ESC) participants in the GEN Office in Findhorn, Scotland.The Erasmus+ programme, funded by the European Commission, enables GEN to support young people who share our vision of a world of empowered citizens and communities to develop skills and experience in projects, work in an international team, and gain communication and cooperation tools - empowering them as lifelong leaders. Based in the Findhorn Foundation Community, they also witness and experience the life of sustainability, and social cooperation that ecovillages model.
Launched in autumn 2019 this ECOLISE-led partnership aims at building capacity for Blended Adult Learning for the Social-ecological Transition. The aims are to strengthen cross-movement capacity to offer blended transformative learning, to create better pathways between education in different movements, and to strengthen the European Community of Practice for transformative education. BLAST partners met in October 2019, in Cloughjordan Ecovillage in Ireland, and now host monthly BLAST Community of Practice calls, self-organised spin-off activities, and BLAST Working Groups for the creation of toolkits, competency frameworks, manuals, events and a community of practice guide. BLAST photo credit: Angel Matilla GAMER Running since May 2018, Eco GAMER is a GEN-led youth project aiming to increase capacity to measure the impact of ecovillages, and gamify the process of ecovillage and social enterprise design in a form that is fun, dynamic and attractive to young people. In 2019, the partnership hosted 3 transnational meetings, in Egypt, Italy, and Portugal and completed pilot versions of its central outputs: • a clear and scientifically grounded method for mapping and demonstrating the impact of ecovillages and related projects, and • a live action game of ReGENeration - an educational live roleplaying game focused on leadership skills, community building, ecovillage design, and regenerative project creation. photo credit: Angel Matilla
With the aim to provide innovative education to develop cross-sectoral partnerships, community building, participatory design, and climate change mitigation, GEN launched a project for municipal authorities and local citizens to work together to develop alternative pathways to local development, based on a holistic framework of regeneration. In our networks we see examples of engaged rural communities working for positive change who feel unsupported by local government. We also see municipalities with positive goals and a determination to act,strugglingtobuildgenuinelycollaborativerelationships with local citizen initiatives. Along with ECOLISE, GEN Germany, Hurdal Ecovillage in Norway, and St Andrews University in Scotland, GEN will facilitate this collaboration to develop accessible and transferable educational tools, trainings, curricula, and methods for bringing together Community Lead Initiatives and local government actors. ECOVILLAGE TRANSITION IN ACTION LEADER In 2019, GEN implemented the Moray Ecovillage Development Project: A Model for Sustainable Community Building in Scotland - funded by Moray LEADER. With the aim to build local capacity to improve community resilience using ecovillage whole systems design, it aligned with the Moray Local Development Strategy’s objectives to move towards a low-carbon economy through domestic, business, community and collaborative action. After an initial phase of community meetings in late 2019, three showcase projects from Moray were selected to be part of the project’s mentorship programme. The focus is on sharing best practices for community transformation, with partners providing blueprints of successful integration of LEADER and ecovillage projects in other EU member states and partner nations, while gaining knowledge from the wisdom of local practices in Scotland.
In collaboration between GEN Africa, Windhoek, Schloss Glarisegg, and PorteLinha, a series of workshops, film screening and networking workshops were offered to 34 Namibian participants, in cooperation with ten other partners. The Conscious leadership and trauma-informed conflict resolution training embraces the complexity and diversity of people to facilitate transformation. The project worked with various family backgrounds, history, intergenerational and gender related trauma and highlighted the possible impact this healing brings to change our structures toward peace and balance on a holistic level. PIONEERS FOR PEACE RIVER OF LIFE A project, by women for women, around the world, to express their solidarity with each other. The programme matches women in the global North with women in the global South, providing steady financial support for exceptional women leaders in Africa, Asia, and South America to transform their communities. The River of Life contributes positively to the national and regional networks the women are part of and supports their local communities to scale out solutions. The women who are part of this programme are also able to upskill and grow professionally.
SIERRA LEONE MOROCCO To kick start the process of exploring an Ecovillage Development Programme in Morocco, GEN consultant, Kosha Joubert, initiated relationships with interested stakeholders to explore the national context and climate. Hosted by Kenza Isnasni and Omar Hajji of Marrakesh Organics and supported by GEN Africa, GEN benefited from two community visits and numerous conversations, amongst others with the Ministry of Environment and SMIT Morocco, the national tourism agency, to deepen the understanding of the potential of the programme and identify next steps. THE GAMBIA Strengthening relationships and building on an MoU, GEN Consultants, Kosha Joubert and Niveen Morsy (Vice President of GEN Africa) were hosted by the Sandele Foundation in a visit with The Gambia Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources to begin to pave the way for next steps in the development of a national EDP. The partnership also continued planning for the 2020 GEN Africa Conference to be held in The Gambia. By engaging with key stakeholders such as donors, communities, local networks, and The Gambian Tourism Board, they enhanced the next steps of the EDP. A workshop on Ecovillage Design was held for NGO leaders and government representatives. Local media coverage helped raise awareness of the EDP and connecting to PADRE, an online platform, allowed communities to access data on risks and the environment. Through meetings with various Ministries and the United Nations Development Programme, GEN Consultants explored how an Ecovillage Development Programme could support eco-tourism and ecosystem restoration in Sierra Leone. Following up from an MoU with the Environment Protection Agency, GEN generated significant positive interest and agreed the formal partnership, location of pilot villages and next steps for collaboration. They also benefited from new and unique opportunities such as delivering a workshop on ecovillage design with the civil service school and two media engagements for general awareness.
Since 2000 GEN has had a consultative status at the UN-Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) commission which gives GEN the chance to assist national governments in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and prioritizing vulnerable groups such as women and children, youth, elders and people with disabilities. GEN has sent delegations to every edition since COP21 in Paris, France and in 2019 GEN hosted a delegation with 11 community leaders from all of the 5 regions, including representatives from Brazil, Colombia, Cameroon, Ghana, Morocco, Australia, New Zealand, United States, Germany and the United Kingdom. GEN’s main objectives at COP25 were to lift the voice of community-led initiatives and showcase ecovillage solutions for climate adaptation and mitigation. Invited by The Nordic Council, GEN representatives COP25 IN MADRID Kosha Joubert (Executive Director), Jennifer Trujillo (President of the Board) and Kenza Isnasni (Advocacy Coordinator), presented “The Power of Culture, Nature and Community-led Development in response to the Climate Emergency.” GEN hosted the exhibit “Communities and Culture: Critical for Transformative Climate Action“ for communities, business and government representatives to explore our efforts to catalyze communities for a regenerative future, supporting poverty reduction and climate resilience in our world’s materially and financially poorest places. The delegation was able to spark conversations with dozens of curious stakeholders and Ministers of Environment from The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Togo, Liberia, Nigeria and Burkina Faso signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) for nation-wide implementation of GEN’s Ecovillage Development Programmes.
The education programme, ReScope, which serves five African countries earned this year’s top prize. Since 2004, exemplary community projects have been celebrated by the award (previously called the GAIA Excellence Award), initiated by the Gaia Trust. This year, among 32 inspiring applications, we recognised ReScope for their accomplishments of disseminating green technologies and permaculture techniques across Kenya, Malawi, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Their aim since 2006 is to facilitate the whole school approach to greener and resilient communities. HILDUR JACKSON AWARD GREEN ECONOMY FOR RESILIENT COMMUNITIES An integrated approach to climate and economic resiliency was implemented in ten communities in Zambia, empowering smallholders to sustainably diversify their income streams while increasing environmental husbandry, by applying the innovative Integrated Land- Use Design (ILUD) methodology. Funded by the Scottish Government and in partnership with the ReScope network (Regional Schools and Colleges Permaculture), it reached 400 beneficiaries (35% being single mothers and out of school youth). In June 2019 over forty participants in the Climate Justice Innovation Fund project in Kapiri Mposhi and Monze converged at the Munyeke homestead for training in social enterprise development and making rocket stoves. Facilitated by GEN members from Cameroon, Malawi, and Zambia, participants gained knowledge in agro- ecological practices such as rain water harvesting, natural soil improvement, intercropping, mulching, and crop diversification for nutrition and income security. If there is a little bit of hope - an ember of hope - I am going to blow on it and try to start a fire. -Albert Bates, The Farm
GEN FINANCIAL FOUNDATIONS Summary of current income streams and change over time In concert with the reorganization of the Trustees group in 2019, GEN underwent a reorientation of vision and strategy. Its purpose was to explore ways that GEN could build support for Regional autonomy and growth, exploring collaboration models with Gaia Education and consolidating our staff team. We expect this process to streamline our financial reporting to clearly align with our targets. At the date of printing this report, our Audited Financial Statements for the 2019 fiscal year end were not yet complete. They will be filed by the September 30th deadline with the Scottish Charity Regulator and available to the public at that point. The 2019 revenue stream continued its five year trend of growth and resiliency. Our three pillars of funding remain: 1. Funded Projects 2. Social Entrepreneurship Consultancy and Education Online summit Merchandise 3. Donations and grants Private Foundations Friends of GEN Donations 76.5% Earned revenue 1.4% Funded project revenue 22.1% 2015 Donations 47.8% Earned revenue 6.0% Funded project revenue 46.2% 2016 Donations 51.0% Earned revenue 3.9% Funded project revenue 45.1% 2017 Donations 40.2% Earned revenue 11.0% Funded project revenue 48.8% 2018 Donations 40.9% Earned revenue 9% Funded project revenue 50.1% 2019
Donations Friends of GEN, our monthly donors programme, started in 2017 and has grown 188% from 2017 to 2019. Friends of GEN energize us with enthusiasm and support and show us how many small gifts can make a huge difference. In 2019 we earned more than £6,900 thanks to the generous donations of our 88 Friends of GEN. We are looking to expand this programme in 2020 with a strong social media presence and donor relations. GEN continues to be enormously grateful for the support of Gaia Trust in Denmark. While the percentage of total funding from Gaia Trust decreased from 48% to 38% in 2019, they remain a critical part of GEN’s income streams and have allowed us to thrive in ways that we could not have done otherwise. 30% of this funding passes through GEN to support the work of GEN Regions and NextGEN. Funded Projects GEN has continued to generate increasing revenue in Funded Project since 2015. We are grateful to our donors’ support that allows us to amplify the impact of our work to fulfill our targets. Developing strong relationships with partners also encourages synergies and alignments that add weight to our collective vision of greater sustainability. We have had the privilege of working with the Scottish Government, the German Foreign Ministry, the British Council and the European Commission, amongst others. Funded Projects account for 50% of total revenue in 2019 in contrast to 22% in 2015. Social Entrepreneurship Results for first Online Summit exceeded expectations. It is clear that there is a strong market for it and GEN will continue to host an Online Summit on an annual basis. The Education & Consultancy focus area underwent a restructuring and re-orientation since 2018, GEN has now shifted our approach to maximize our impact, reduce our cost per participant and allow greater Regional collaboration. The result will be the unrolling of our Online Academy in 2020. Our Online Market inventory consists of material that GEN uses in our Education programmes. Its results are therefore linked to the Education & Consultancy revenue. Early 2020 results indicate the shift to online education will have a positive impact on this area. In total, Earned Revenue has increased from 1.41% of total revenue in 2015 to account for 9% of total revenue in 2019. INCOME
GEN’s spending is aligned with our Targets, and it is then allocated into working groups or Focus Areas. Advocacy and Networking Spending in this area remained consistent with prior years and ensures strong regional cooperation and synergies. In 2019, Advocacy and Networking mainly contributed to these strategic goals: (1) cultivate relationships of cooperation and mutual support throughout GEN, (2) showcase the impact of ecovillage projects worldwide, (5) speed up global regeneration through strategic alliances & advocacy, and (6) scale up ecovillage approaches to help achieve the SDGs and Paris Climate Agreement. Communications and Technology The slight increase in spending on Communications and Technology was due to the development of the online education platform for GEN as well as facilitating and increasing our outreach on social media, especially in support of the Online Summit. This focus area mostly supported the following strategic goals for 2019: (2) to showcase the impact of ecovillage projects worldwide, and (3) to inspire individual and community participation in ecovillage lifestyles. Education and Consultancy The spending increased significantly in 2019 due to the GEN’s investment in an online curriculum that will be rolled out in 2020. This shift will prove to be critical in the COVID-19 world. The work of Education and Consultancy focus area allowed GEN to achieve these strategic goals for 2019: (1) to cultivate relationships of cooperation and mutual support throughout GEN, (4) to provide consultancy and education for regeneration, (6) to scale up ecovillage approaches to help achieve the SDGs and Paris Climate Agreement. EXPENDITURE Fundraising As our funding plan focused on developing a strong presence with governmental donors, GEN’s fundraising model has been increasingly decentralized to the other Focus Areas to ensure funded projects are well aligned to our targets. In 2020, we expect to diversify our funding reach to include smaller, grassroots donors. This will require us to increase our fundraising efforts. All Focus Areas and Fundraising contributed to achieve our strategic goal for 2019 (7) to develop economic abundance for a thriving ecovillage network. Programme and Administration staff This focus area combines staff that work on both projects and general administration, serving as support of all activities of the organization. The details of this breakdown of is reported in our Trustee report filed with OSCR. Funded Project spending The significant decrease in 2019 spending was due to timing differences. Several projects were only funded at the end of 2019 and GEN delayed spending until 2020.
THE GEN TEAM GEN’s General Assembly and Board of Trustees are made up of representatives appointed by each of the 5 GEN Regions. Together, the GEN Board and GA oversee GEN’s strategic direction and finances - and their conversations, at the heart of the GEN network and organisation, are characterised by their global and intercultural nature. GEN’s dedicated Staff team works hand in hand with regional staff to implement GEN’s objectives and targets. The GEN Elders and GEN Advisory Board share their wisdom and advice at crucial points. GENOA Andrew Olivier Australia GENNA Keala Young US GENOA Hiroko Katayama Japan NextGEN Laura Kästele Germany GENNA Cynthia Tina GEN Vice President, US GEN Europe Camilla Nielsen Denmark GEN Europe Robert Hall Sweden CASA Latina Renata Freitas Brazil CASA Latina Marcela Lozano Colombia GEN Africa RachelChininga-Francis South Africa GEN Africa Niveen Adel Egypt GEN Jennifer Trujillo Obando President, Colombia. GEN Laurie Michaels U.K. Representative The Board is composed of 2 CharityTrustees representing each of the Regional Networks of GEN and NextGEN, plus a President and a representative from the UK. GEN BOARD
Representing the founders of the GEN movement Albert Bates, Declan Kennedy, Helena Norberg-Hodge, Joss Brooks, Linda Joseph, Lucilla Borio, Marian Zeitlin, Marti Mueller, Rob Wheeler, Robert Gilman, Daniel Greenberg, John Talbott, Liora Adler, John Croft, Alberto Coyote, Max Lindegger, Roger Doudna, Ousmane Aly Pame, Jane Rasbash, Alfonso Flaquer, Giovanni Ciarlo Council of Elders Ross Jackson, Sabine Lichtenfels, Visolela Namises, Macaco Tamerice, Robin Alfred Advisory Board Linda Joseph Nebesna Fortin David Casey Thumbs Cassidy Adam McKenty Brandy Gallagher Keala Young Cynthia Tina Acmed De Los Santos Alberto Ruz Beatriz Arjona Leticia Rigatti Margarita O. Zethelius Odin Ruz Pamela Martinez Jennifer Trujillo Obando Renata Freitas Marcela Lozano Mugove Walter Nyika Linda Kabaira Ousmane Aly Pame Sonita Mbah Paul Yeboah Aaron Ranayeke Samuel Kaboka Rachel Chininga-Francis Niveen Adel Udesh Fernando Thalea Tane Hai Chao Sharmila Seyyid Dhanushka Jayanetti Zareen Myles Seyoung Park Andrew Olivier Hiroko Katayama Alfonso Flaquer Macaco Tamerice Charlie Lenglez Brigitta Spalti Francesca Whitlock Camilla Nielsen Robert Hall Genny Garraro Sonita Mbah Seyoung Park Audree Morin Laura Kästele It’s time to realize that the environmental crisis and the inner crisis are two sides of the same coin. We, humanity, are a central cause of these disasters. In the same way, we could also be the source for their healing. -Sabine Lichtenfels General Assembly
CURRENT GEN TEAM Kosha Joubert Executive Director Kathleen O’Day Finance Director Anna Kovasna Education & Consultancy Director Trudy Juriansz Networking & Outreach Director Gabriel Siqueira Communications & IT Director Esther Hirsch Office Manager Benjamin Bernabela Executive Assistant Paulo Bessa Admin Manager Taisa Mattos Education & Consultancy Coordinator Tessa Brock Ambassador Coordinator & LEADER Project Coordinator Camila Olarte Design Coordinator Abbie Caldas Communications & Education Assistant Ania Konarska Fundraiser & LEADER Project Manager Charles Katere Projects Accountant Mark Anderson Senior Web Developer Caroline Armstrong Bookkeeper Jingwen Yao Web Designer Rodrigo Braga Web Developer Petre Dobrescu Web Developer Jake Jay-Lewin IT Support Kenza Isnasni Advocacy Coordinator Rob Wheeler UN Liaison Katrin Hasselwander, Carolin Waldmann, Lucia Roque European Solidarity Corps Interns Lee Bec and Bernardo Borges GEN Communications volunteers Previous GEN Team members Rarin Ole Sein - IT Director Carly Gayle - Consultancy & Creative Assistant Angelika Kobl, Tim Boneder, Gustavo Briz European Solidarity Corps Interns
Since its inception in 1995, GEN has grown from a network linking 9 ecovillages across the globe to a woven tapestry linking beyond 6000 communities on all continents. GEN has grown from a hidden phenomenon to a movement able to speak to the dreams and hopes of the next generation. It’s time to celebrate. In October 2020, GEN will commemorate its birthday through a series of online events and conferences, leading through all the Regions into highlights of Showcase Ecovillages and Ecovillage Solutions. We will be sharing the first results of GEN’s Ecovillage Impact Assessment of 100 ecovillages worldwide, proving their practical and local contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and Climate Agreement. Join us for GEN+25 - Ecovillages as Sanctuaries of Life and celebrate a future worth living. “Humanity is meant to join fully the tribe of all life on earth, offering our uniquely human gifts towards the wellbeing and development of the whole.” - Charles Eisenstein GLOBAL ECOVILLAGE NETWORK 25th Anniversary Celebration 2020 1995 2012 2016 2020 2005 2013 2019 GEN’s Inception GEN Europe, ENA and GENOA launched CASA launched GEN Africa launched GEN Education & Consultancy launched 25 years of GEN NextGEN created Gaia Education launched GEN registered as a Scottish charity 7 Agreements with governments signed G L O B A L E C O V I L L A G E N E T W O R K
GENREGIONSGENAFRICA GEN Africa prioritises organisational development and implementation of the Pan-African Ecovillage Development Programme (PAEDP) in all member countries. With over 23 member countries, our unique role is facilitating ecovillages as living models across the continent. We envision the re-emergence of a sustainable and abundant Africa growing out of an alliance of self- empowered and resilient communities. GEN AFRICA ECOVILLAGE.ORG/REGION/GEN-AFRICA Senegal, Ghana, Rwanda, DR Congo, South Africa Mauritania, NextGEN Africa, Sahel (REDES) Togo, Tanzania, Zambia NATIONAL NETWORKS EMERGING NETWORKS CONTACT INFO: info.genafrica@ecovillage.org Instagram: @genafrica Facebook: @genafricanetwork/ NextGEN Africa Photo credit to: Anantha Kanagalingam, Issa Diallo, G-BIACK, Permaculture Ghana, WSN,
As a solution based alliance, GEN Africa makes visible examples of best practices, empower existing ecovillages, support emergence of new ecovillages and develop educational tools to inspire societal transition to resilience. “Meeting you has given my visions a more concrete and realis- tic frame. It feels good to know that what we are doing makes sense in a bigger picture. I am confident to see GEN Africa grow, and the local initiatives that we are in touch with can grow through the multiplying force of the network.” - Martina De Rosi, attendee GEN Africa workshop in Italy. 2019 HIGHLIGHT EDUCATION AND CAPACITY-BUILDING Building Alliances - Twining with Schloss Glarisegg in Switzerland, where we built the capacity of African youths, exploring sustainable paths to healing and reconciliation. GEN and the ReScope Programme partnered on a Social Enterprise for Climate Resilient Communities project. A 4 days workshop in Zambia empowered local communities to attract economic growth and build rocket cooking stoves. In a webinar with 21 people from 3 continents, we further explored the connection between Ecovillages, Permaculture and Social Enterprises in Africa - learning about market prospects and amplifying trade across African ecovillages. PROJECTS Pan-African Ecovillage Development Programme. Launched Award for “Outstanding Ecovillage Projects” in the continent. The first 3 selected projects will be awarded a grant in May 2020, celebrating impact, sustainability and diversity in grassroots innovation across Africa. We represented GEN at COP25 and the UN climate conference. We sparked conversations with stakeholders from civil society and governments on community-led approaches in Africa and their link to policy-led adaptation. Six African governments signed MoUs and visits were made to The Gambia, Morocco and Sierra Leone. We hope to see such institutional partnerships become more prominent as governments acknowledge our workable innovations as a vital contribution in achieving the global climate agenda.
GENREGIONSCASALATINA CASA LATINA We are a multicultural and inclusive community, living in fullness, peace and harmony with Mother Earth and with all the beings that we inhabit in this common house. We promote the creation and articulation of initiatives, projects, networks and sustainable settlements to live and promote regenerative lifestyles and resilient societies Existing CASA national networks: CASA Latina implemented 30+ partnerships, including: Art of Hosting Network, Transition Network, Permaculture Latin Network, Gaia U Latina, Ecopoblaciones, Viracocha Foundation, OmniUnity Foundation, Aldea Domo Ecovillage and El Jardin Ecoschool. PARTNERSHIPS NETWORKS ECOVILLAGE.ORG REDCASALATINA.ORG Photo credit to: Huehuecoyotl, MariaLuiza, 3er Foro DMT, André Camilo Martinez, Daniela Herrera, Proyecto Gaia, Andrés Liévano
INTERNAL PROCESSESPROJECTS 2019 PURPOSES Our political position has been taking place through academic, cultural and political alliances for the incorporation of the Rights of Mother Earth, such as: the signing of the International Alliance by the DMT (Mexico); the III International Forum for the DMT (Colombia); the delivery of the Manifesto for the “Rights of Mother Earth” to the Senate and Congress (Chile); the declaration of the city of Cuenca as “Guardian of the Waters” (Ecuador); the recognition of the law “Rights of Nature”, in the city of Florianópolis (Brazil). At a global level, we are preparing a statement with GEN to recognize ecovillages as “Sanctuaries of Life and Peace with the Rights of Mother Earth. We support and develop inspiring initiatives, events and projects in the ecological, social, cultural and spiritual fields We provide information, tools and training to accelerate the transition to regenerative lifestyles. We facilitate and participate in cultural and social processes of political incidence and action to recognize and defend the Rights of Mother Earth. CASA Latina has managed to strengthen its processes, thanks to this circle that takes care of internal relationships, agreements and community work tools. The implementation of Sociocracy, Nonviolent Communication, spaces for celebration and recognition take place thanks to this circle. ECCO 2019 The third biannual meeting of the Latin American network was held at the Inti Kamary Yunguilla center, Azuay, Ecuador. We understood that the structure of CASA Latina 2017-2019 had already fulfilled its purpose, and that it was necessary to organize ourselves around the actions and projects that unify the doing of national CASAs. We responded to this need with the creation of “La Chakana”. GATHERINGS We maintain a strong relationship with Education as the integrating axis of our purpose, which is why we have designed online programs and webinars as part of internal training as well as for network participants and for the community in general.
GEN ISRAEL GENREGIONSGENEUROPE As the European ecovillage association, we promote social resilience, environmental protection, and restoration of nature through the concept of ecovillages as models for sustainable human settlements. We actively support the development of ecovillages and networks in Europe. GEN EUROPE Ran 1st youth Training of Trainers on “participatory & holistic learning” to develop facilitation skills for ecovillage education. ECOVILLAGE.ORG/REGION/GEN-EUROPE facebook.com/geneurope instagram.com/gen_europe twitter.com/geneurope Austria, Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Italy, Israel, Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom + Ireland Baltic Ecovillage Network, Iberian Peninsula, WISE NATIONAL NETWORKS NEW PARTNERSHIPS & NATIONAL NETWORKS REGIONAL NETWORKS Contact Info: www.gen-europe.org secretariat@gen-europe.org GEN WISE (Wales, Ireland, Scotland, England) joined us - a warm welcome to this dedicated group spreading the word about ecovillage in the region! Photo credit to: Francesca Whitlock, Amin Robinson Bustamante, Dancing Rabbit, Amin Robinson, Dancing Rabbit, Songaia, Güneşköy
We envision a conscious, resilient and sustainable Europe where ecovillage and community values and lifestyles are widely adopted. GATHERINGS CLIMATE ACTION ADVOCACY We celebrated the 24th European Ecovillage Gathering in the Comune di Bagnaia, Tuscany, welcoming over 600 participants from 44 countries - a new record! It was an exuberant and joyful showcase of ecovillage living, rich with Italian flair and hospitality. “[The GEN Europe gathering] was like a master-course of practical wisdom.” “Four outstanding days of learning and sharing.” - 2019 Participants To celebrate the European Day of Sustainable Communities, we hosted our first webinar on rural revitalisation with the ecovillage model - a great success that has inspired to create a new series in 2020. We continued to participate in a range of EU funded projects, including ESC, the BLOOM Bioeconomy project, EcoGAMER, and thanks to a NextGEN initiative, we were able to support Community Biogas Moldova, a Swedish-funded peer to peer energy project. EDEs were held across Europe, including the first in Ukraine thanks to support from the Danish network. The first ecovillage gathering in Ukraine was also held. The second round of the CLIPS ecovillage incubator project strengthened the role of national networks in Europe, supporting joint development and involvement in GEN Europe. GEN Europe in coordination with GEN and ECOLISE had a presence at COP 24 in Katowice and COP 25 in Madrid.
GENREGIONSGENNA(NORTHAMERICA) GENNA Alliance, a multi- organisation “collaborative platform,” focuses on advancing regenerative community within Turtle Island - synergizing beyond our existing organisations and networks to include the broader regenerative movement. We envision a world of interdependent, cooperative, resilient communities stewarding the conditions of regeneration, justice, peace, and abundance, to actualize the flourishing of all life and generations to come. GENNA NORTH AMERICA ECOVILLAGE.ORG/REGION/GENNA CONTACT INFO: genna@ecovillage.org NEW PARTNERSHIPS & NATIONAL NETWORKS ECOVILLAGES CANADA Completed review and updating of GENNA Alliance structure, Agreements and associated documents for implementation, including - Member Steps, a handbook and Levels of Participation for onboarding activities in 2020. Developed the Onboarding process utilizing these and other related materials, to be implemented and refined in 2020. Ecovillages Canada network reorganisation and educational offerings development. Photo credit to: LaCite, Jamaica-Stevens, Arco, Our Ecovillage, Keala Young, Yarrow Ecovillage
2019 HIGHLIGHTS PROJECTS GENNA Spring CoLab - a gathering for current alliance members with virtual attendees; and collaborative side events; Ecovillages Canada core group convening for national network development. Planning underway for 2020 NA Leadership collaborative event with partner - Permaculture Institute of North America (PINA). In North America, there are thousands of community projects, numerous organizations, and dozens of regional networks all focused on creating a more regenerative future. GENNA is bringing them together in a “Participatory Commons” Alliance within the larger regenerative communities movement. Successful launch of the first annual Day of Sustainable Communities event in North America. Activated networking with the existing Showcase Ecovillages in North America, and those with potential to join in. Social justice-oriented activities in the offering of an Anti- Oppression Training webinar, and support for the Community Land Trust initiative, seeking to make community creation possible by and for those of lesser means. “I see GENNA as pioneering the future of North America, and acting as a cohesive web in which a multitude of projects and endeavors can grow together, forming resilient networks and hubs of information and accessibility to the world of sustainable living and the regenerative culture at large.” - Hudson Benson, 2018 intern GENNA Alliance Online Learning Series webinars. 1st North American Day of Sustainable Communities. Data Sharing research and development - designing and implementing a shared data source for community networks and communication platforms. Outreach to existing GEN Showcase EV’s in North America (9), and to others identified in our Region who meet the eligibility criteria to potentially become new Showcase EV’s (14) Anti-Oppression training offered as a Regenerative Communities Alliance webinar. Community Land Trust for Collective Liberation project. Reorganization and education projects of the Ecovillages Canada network. GATHERINGS
GENREGIONSGENOA(OCEANIAANDASIA) GENOA, the Global Ecovillage Network of Oceania & Asia, is a network of people, ecovillages, organisations, networks, and local government bodies in Oceania and Asia. GENOA promotes ecovillage lifestyles and spaces where people live and work together in a sustainable way, with dignity and integrity, in harmony with each other and with nature. GENOA OCEANIA AND ASIA ECOVILLAGE.ORG/REGION/GENOA GENOA CONTACT INFO: Email: genoa@ecovillage.org Facebook: @GENOA1 Initiation of the Aotearoa/New Zealand Ecovillage Network Fiji Ecovillage Network with local partnerships and pilot communities identified. Local partnerships in Sri Lanka for Women Ecovillage Transition Project designed for implementation in 2020. EcovillageTransitionStrategiesthroughGENOA EmerGENcies EMERGING NETWORKS Australia, Japan, NextGEN Korea REGISTERED NETWORKS NEW PARTNERSHIPS & NATIONAL NETWORKS Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Aotearoa/New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Vanuatu Photo credit to: Oriana Bonilla, Sebastian Pibi, Charles Katere, Selase, Cisca van Stuijvenberg, Clara Ruiz, Cynthia Tina,
EDUCATION 2019 HIGHLIGHTS GENOA with GEN Australia, designed and is implementing the Fiji Ecovillage Transition Project through networking, workshops and transition strategies. Members of the GENOA Council initiated networks in Aotearoa/ New Zealand and Sri Lanka; and continued working on building the ecovillage networks in Australia, China and Japan. GENOA’s core team focused on creating protocols to guide the organisation and network; and designed the GENOAStrategy sessions for early 2020, to guide the organisation for the next 5 years. “One of the most useful training I have ever attended. Coming from an island state such as Fiji, I feel the ecovillage framework is a very useful concept to implement in the communities.” -Participant from Fiji workshop Gaia Calling, a NextGENOA gathering at Gaia Ashram, Thailand, 18- 22 March 2019 NextGEN Korea Gathering 21 August to 11 September GEN Australia Emergence Convergence, 28 November to 1 December 2019 GENOA aims to co-create a region of regenerative and restorative culture through connecting, sharing, and supporting existing and aspiring ecovillage communities and projects; and the organizations, networks and local government bodies that support them. Equity Scholarships were given to support GENOA representatives to attend: the Awakening Leadership Training (ALT), Thailand; GEN Training of Trainers (ToT), Narara Ecovillage, Australia; UN Pacific Urban Forum in Fiji; and GEN Europe conference, Italy. 6 Newsletters, GENOA Annual Report & Network Stories published GENOA Ecovillage Mapping Project GENOA webinar, in partnership with GEN, on Adapting & Responding to Climate Change: Perspectives from Asian and Oceanic Traditional and Indigenous Communities. PROJECTS
GENREGIONSNEXTGENYOUTHNETWORK NextGEN is the youth branch of the Global Ecovillage Network, connection young people through ecovillages, regenerative education, events, eco-projects, and nature-based living. We are united by our youthful spirits, love for the earth, passion for community, and understanding that we need viable, holistic solutions like ecovillages to respond to the current global crisis. We empower, educate, connect, and inspire young adults to take action, foster community, join ecovillages and build a regenerative world. We focus our work on the strategic areas of inspiration, learning, action, connection, and empowerment. NEXTGEN ECOVILLAGE YOUTH NETWORK ECOVILLAGE.ORG/OUR-WORK/NEXTGEN/ nextgen_contact@ecovillage.org Photo credit to: André Camilo Martinez, Daniela Herrera, Jese Quintero, Leah Vaillant, NextGENNA, CASA Jovenes, NextGENOA, NextGENNA, NextGEN Europe, Mónica Jinete Organized the gathering “Gaia Calling” with 40 earth warriors participating at Gaia Ashram ecovillage in Thailand to share practices for taking care of Mother Earth; followed by the NextGENOA Conference with 15 members making plans, collaborating and strengthening the network. Core NextGENOA members joined the European Ecovillage Conference, GENOA Regional Gathering, and Awakening Leadership Training. Multiple regenerative youth events like Deep Ecology and Ecovillage Introduction workshops in China, Ecovillage Design Education course in Myanmar, and NextGEN gatherings in South Korea. NextGENOA
HIGHLIGHTS FROM NEXTGEN IN 2019 Hosted a youth strand at the GEN Europe Conference with 6 workshops and networking events. Provided facilitation and ecovillage education training to 50 participants in two Bridgedale courses. Yes to Sustainability project ran 6 youth exchange programs in ecovillages (150 participants) and 5 trainings on creating youth exchanges (120 participants). Implemented a project on Biogas production technology in Moldova with a ToT for rural community leaders, 4 trainings, a communication campaign in 3 languages and a National Conference in Chisinau. NVC trainings, healing in community webinars, and ecovillage presentations to over 285 people. Strengthened NextGENNAwith a transformational whole team retreat. BuiltteamcapacitybyparticipatinginNVCandracismawarenesstrainings. Recruited 3 interns and 3 potential new members to strengthen the team and help youth plug in the ecovillage movement. Created 5 videos, 75 Facebook posts, and 4 newsletters to inspire and grow our network. Updatedwebsitewithnewestprojects,teammembersandpartnerships. Next GEN Europe NextGENNA Two Avatar Camps in Proyecto Gaia ecovillage in Santa Sofía, Colombia with 50+ young people in total helping them with tools and knowledge for being and co-creating a new earth. Strengthened alliances with Buena Semilla Permacultural and Rights of Mother Earth. Two ESPEJO youth gatherings as experiential learning spaces for (social) permaculture, bioconstruction, community, culture and visioning in Colombia. Strong presence at the ECCO 2019 in Ecuador to bring the youth voice to this gathering for sustainable communities and Buen Vivir. CASA Jóvenes Constitutedanexecutivecouncilwith6youthmembersfrom5African countriesworkinginorganisationswithanecovillageset-up. Supported 2 members to participate in an Ecovillage Design Education course hosted by Sandele foundation in Gambia. Developed first newsletter and set up platforms to engage members through a NextGEN Africa WhatsApp group and Facebook page. Set up a NextGENAfrica awards scheme to financially support member projects on the ground, which will start running in 2020. NextGEN Africa
GENPROGRAMMESECOVILLAGEIMPACT ecovillage.org/resources/impact-assessment education@ecovillage.org Ecovillages provide numerous and diverse intangible benefits, such as building social capital, providing a sense of purpose and belonging, improving well-being, and empowerment. These benefits are less easy to record and measure, but are often identified by ecovillage residents themselves as the most important. Learning from the positive impact ecovillages have, GEN is committed to catalysing the power of communities for regenerative future. GEN celebrates existing ecovillages as demonstrations sites of replicable and transferable social innovations. GEN also helps to spread community- led approaches through our ecovillage programmes, which create wealth and employment opportunities, halt and reverse environmental degradation, sequester carbon and provide communities with the knowledge, skills and tools to guarantee a healthy future. Learn more: BEYOND THE SDGS WORK WITH US Photo credit to: Dancing Rabbit, MariaLuiza, Gaia Ashram Ecovillages pioneer innovative solutions that enable communities, regions and states to achieve their UN Sustainable Development Goals and Climate Agreements. Research on ecovillage impact agrees.TheTESS research project concluded that if only five percent of the EU were to engage in effective community-led climate change adaptation initiatives, carbon savings would be sufficient for 85% of its countries to achieve their 2020 emission reduction targets. TESS also showed that 63% of the surveyed community-based initiatives have been replicated elsewhere. The potential to scale community-led regeneration is high! ECOVILLAGE IMPACT
In 2017, GEN investigated the impact of 30 diverse ecovillages. In 2020 we will examine 100 more - to find out how ecovillages are contributing to reaching the SDGs and Paris Climate Agreements. Some of the findings from 2017: MEASURING THE IMPACT OF ECOVILLAGES GOAL 11: SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES 100% actively safeguard regenerative cultural traditions using local sustainable ways of building, farming and preparing food. GOAL 12: RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION 90% recycle, reuse and repair more than 50% of consumer goods. 85% compost all their food waste. GOAL 4 : QUALITY EDUCATION 100% provide education and lifelong learning opportunities in the fields of sustainable development,regenerativelifestyles andclimatechangeadaptation. GOAL 5 : GENDER EQUALITY 90% have more than 40% women in decision-making bodies. GOAL 6: CLEAN WATER AND SANITATION 97% actively work to restore or replenish water sources and cycles. GOAL 13: CLIMATE ACTION 90% work actively to sequester carbon in soil and biomass GOAL 15: LIFE ON LAND 97% of showcase ecovillages work actively to restore damaged or degraded ecosystems. GOAL 16: PEACE, JUSTICE AND STRONG INSTITUTIONS 100% provide education in decision-making and mutual empowerment skills; 96% provide training in nonviolent conflict resolution, and 80% have an agreed-upon method for resolving conflicts. GOAL 17: PARTNERSHIPS FOR THE GOALS 95% regularly engage in campaigns to protect human rights, the rights of communities and the rights of nature. In their efforts to restore ecosystems, water cycles and the atmosphere, ecovillages use and often teach many of the top 100 carbon drawdown solutions, as identified by Project Drawdown in ‘the most comprehensive plan ever proposed to reverse global warming’.
GENPROGRAMMESECOVILLAGEINCUBATION Starting an ecovillage and learning to live and work in community is an adventure - a mix of discovery, challenge, exhilaration, and immense rewards. It takes grit, love and determination to make it. It also takes skills and support - offered through the Ecovillage Incubation Programme in all GEN Regions, adapted to the needs and situation of each initiative. This solution-oriented programme offered by GEN and several Regional and National GEN Networks is based on learnings, tools and insights from established ecovillages, distilled into resources, models and methodologies useful for any group that recognises the value of community. ECOVILLAGE INCUBATION ECOVILLAGE.ORG/consultancy/ EUROPE The Community Learning Incubator Project for Sustainability (CLIPS), led by GEN and GEN Europe over two years, developed a series of methodologies and tools for residential communities and other sustainable cooperative initiatives. The CLIPS package includes dozens of structures and exercises spanning individual growth, community building, shared intention, and cooperation structures. During its development, it was tested and evaluated by communities in nine European countries. GEN’s Ecovillage Incubation programme builds on this strong foundation and the wisdom of communities throughout our global network. Are you thinking about starting a new ecovillage project? In the process of creating a community and need guidance? Need to revitalise a stalled project? Contact us to learn more about opportunities for collaboration. INCUBATION IN ACTION: WORK WITH US Photo credit to: Marcel Carneiro, Twin Oaks, Proyecto Gaia, Permaculture Ghana, Dancing Rabbit, Madagascar Ecovillage
THE PROCESS To guide new ecovillage initiatives, to revitalise stalled ones, and to bring the wisdom of conscious communities to the world in new ways, this programme offers: • Expert support for new community groups clarify and align with their vision, deepen collaboration, and set in place legal and financial structures to help them achieve their aims • A mentorship programme pairing new initiatives with experienced ecovillage facilitators • Education in ecovillage solutions and participatory design for social, cultural, ecological, and economic regeneration • Support in creating clear ecovillage implementation plans, with step by step actions anchored in collective process • Help with conflict resolution and using group tension to bring a project forward • Webinars and online discussion groups • An open welcome into a supportive network of like-minded communities around the world GEN and the GEN Regions offer books, articles, manuals, workshops, online courses and personalised consultancy services, all of which will guide you through navigating these essential steps: Study!Visit communities, learn from the successes and failures of projects all over the world, become familiar with time-tested ecovillage frameworks Understand what it takes to persevere in building a new culture Form a core group of members Knowwhat you want and define keycharacteristics ofyour community Get in place a clear membership process Agree on governance and decision-making structures Learn to communicate really well Learn to handle and resolve conflict Find land or property and understand the legalities of building Build alliances with neighbors, local government, and like-minded organizations Develop a plan to finance your ecovillage Work out ownership structures and legal forms Evaluate and celebrate! Learn to analyse, design and approach ecovillage development through a holistic framework of principles and solutions for social, cultural, ecological and economic regeneration. Apply tools and methodologies for living and working in community used in existing ecovillages, and learn about the five areas of attention and development vital to the well-being of any community initiative and its members. ADDRESSING THE NEED FOR: SUPPORT IN CREATING NEW COMMUNITIES
Catalysing community-led change Eradicating poverty Restoring natural environments Achieving climate resilience Implementing the UN Sustainable Development Goals The EDPworks with governments to transform traditional villages into regenerative resilient communities.The process guides communities to identify opportunities for positive change in their social, cultural, ecological, and economic practices, and to develop a custom palette of solutions, drawing from GEN’s worldwide network and from local and regional experts. GEN and its local partners then facilitate a process to manifest the demand-driven changes. ECOVILLAGE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME GENPROGRAMMESECOVILLAGEDEVELOPMENT ECOVILLAGE.ORG/our-work/ ecovillage-development/ consultancy@ecovillage.org TANZANIA From 2011 to 2014, Chololo, a village of 5,500 people in the semi-arid drylands of central Tanzania, created a system for testing best practices for climate adaptation and food security. With guidance from Tanzania’s Institute of Rural Development Planning, farmers organized into groups to pilot more than 20 ecological methods in agriculture, forestry, livestock management, and water conservation, and share successful strategies with other groups. The village saw significant improvements in crop yields, nutrition, and food security after just two years, and the programme expanded to three more villages in 2015. Do you work for a national or regional government? Or an NGO with connections at the national government level who would be interested in partnering with GEN to bring whole-systems development strategies to communities in your country? Contact us to learn more about opportunities for collaboration. THE EDP IN ACTION: WORK WITH US Photo credit to: MariaLuiza, G-BIACK, Twin Oaks, Dancing Rabbit, Permaculture Ghana, Fernando Garcia Vicario, Marcel Carneiro
THE PROCESS STEP 1: INVITING AND PARTICIPATING Baseline study determining national programme feasibility EDP Introduction for onboarding government officials EDP Training for empowering community leaders STEP 2: PLANNING AND INTEGRATING Through regenerative design trainings, each village develops a custom solution palette reflecting integral design STEP 3: TRAINING AND IMPLEMENTING In demand-driven trainings, experts empower people to implement solutions STEP 4: EVALUATING AND CELEBRATING An ecovillage open day or conference celebrates wins and inspires the next round of communities STEP 5: REFINING AND SCALING Communities expand their ecovillage development plans Process starts again with a new round of communities ADDRESSING THE NEED FOR: INTEGRATED HOLISTIC COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT The Ecovillage Development/Transition Programme, refined over the past 20 years by GEN and its regional affiliate GEN Africa, is designed to radically reform current development practices, putting communities, sustainability, and wealth creation at the heart of the development process. Solutions such as biogas, water catchment and storage, permaculture, earthquake-resilient housing, sustainable livelihood opportunities, and place-based education are implemented in a consciously-designed, integrated, community-led approach, with awareness of the positive synergistic effects of these elements. The result is not only more resilient and sustainable communities, but also active progress toward reaching the SDGs and Paris Climate Agreement goals. 97% of showcase ecovillages work actively to restore damaged or degraded ecosystems; 90% work actively to sequester carbon in soil or biomass; 97% restore or replenish water in their ecosystems; and 85% compost all their food waste. MAKING THE CONNECTION National government representatives from 22 countries have expressed strong interest in implementing the programme, and the process has begun in Senegal, Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso, The Gambia and Zimbabwe. GEN connects with representatives of national governments, chiefly at the UN Conference of the Parties (COP), to socialize the concept of ecovillages and the EDP as a strategy for climate change adaptation and mitigation. From there, GEN works with in-country partners to facilitate and organize the transformation process.
Improving nutrition and food security Promoting regenerative agriculture Restoring natural environments Fostering environmental stewardship Transformingcommunitiesthroughschools The Greening Schools for Sustainable Communities Programme establishes green schools as hubs of agricultural resilience, abundance and inspiration for whole community transformation. Schools - home to the next generation of leaders - become demonstration sites for climate change adaptation and implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, starting with nutrition and food security. GREENING SCHOOLS ECOVILLAGE.ORG/projects/ecovillage- programmes/greening-schools/ education@ecovillage.org ZAMBIA Since 2015, four schools in Zambia have engaged with the programme, planting hundreds of fruit trees and transforming their grounds into a living laboratory for foundational life and agricultural skills as well as creative teaching of standard school subjects. Inspired by the project, the community decided to focus on improving seed security and crop diversification as a way of increasing resilience in the face of climate change, hunger, malnutrition and poverty.They brought back lost traditional crops and adopted intercropping and other agroecological practices.The crops have performedverywell in the face of the long dry spells in recent years, and the programme has been applauded bythe MinistryofEducation. Do you work for a government education agency? Or an NGO in the education and/or agricultural sector who would be interested in partnering with GEN to bring the Greening Schools Programme to the communities you work with? Contact us to learn more about opportunities for collaboration. GREENING SCHOOLS IN ACTION: WORK WITH US Photo credit to: Issa Diallo, Amin Robinson, Huehuecoyotl, Narara Aus, Twin Oaks, Permaculture Ghana, Kibutz Lotan, Jamaica Stevens GENPROGRAMMESGREENINGSCHOOLS
THE PROCESS Integrated Land Use Design (ILUD) is a participatory design process in which children, community members and teachers work together to redesign their land for environmental regeneration and increased health and well-being of all. STEP 1: GROUNDING ConnectIng with nature, culture, and indigenous knowledge STEP 2: SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS Identifying locally available resources STEP 3: VISIONING Developing shared long-term goals STEP 4: INTEGRAL DESIGN Using regenerative design principles to design a multi-functional landscape that meets their needs STEP 5: IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING Working together to manifest the design and track progress ADDRESSING THE NEED FOR: HEALTHY, VIBRANT SCHOOLS AND FOOD SYSTEMS Many students lack access to healthy food, which in turn affects their learning in school. The Greening Schools approach starts with addressing the most urgent needs of nutrition and food security, by turning school lands into green edible landscapes - a source of food and well-being for students, teachers and parents. Green Schools show the power of addressing environmental degradation and malnutrition together. Schools then go on to adopt green technologies for renewable energy solutions, rainwater harvesting, waste reduction, and more, expanding into the social, cultural and economic aspects of ecovillage development. Schools become hubs of inspiration, spreading environmental stewardship and innovative ideas into the broader community. The Greening Schools Programme teaches life skills for ecological stability, social equity, cultural heritage preservation and economic viability, thus leading youth to become more prepared to respond to risks and uncertainties in a changing climate. Our long-term aim is to have such innovative, participatory approaches included in national school curricula. ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP The Greening Schools approach connects children and youth to the natural world through learner-led inquiry, hands-on active exploration and fun in a safe environment. Engaging with the earth, the source of their food, and understanding the flows of air, water and energy, allows each child to become a sustainable resource manager - and to become a real agent of change and transformation.
Transforming refugee camps into ecovillages Rebuilding sustainable communities after disaster Bringing regenerative solutions to moments of crisis and suffering The EmerGENcies Programme brings solutions to communities who are recovering from disaster, displacement, and migration. GEN uses an integrated, community-led approach to transition communities to resilience and restore their environments, through the phases of relief, rehabilitation, and regenerative development. EMERGENCIES PROGRAMME GENPROGRAMMESEMERGENCIESPROGRAMME ECOVILLAGE.ORG/our-work/emergencies/ consultancy@ecovillage.org COLOMBIA - PREVENTION The Program Alliance of Sustainable Settlements for Peace (ALAS para la Paz) is building peace in indigenous, traditional and peasant communities through conflict transformation. PHILIPPINES - RELIEFAND RECOVERY Green Releaf sets up community gardens to address food security, waste management, livelihood and emotional recovery for survivors of typhoons and conflict. IRAQ - REHABILITATION, DEVELOPMENT In Kurdistan, GEN is partnering with World Vision and Permaculture4Refugees to transform refugee camps into ecovillages. Do you work for a national or regional government, or NGO, working in crisis response and recovery? Are you interested in using a holistic regenerative approach and creating lasting societal transformation through your work? Contact us to learn more about opportunities for collaboration. EMERGENCIES IN ACTION: WORK WITH US
A GLOBAL TOOLBOX OF SOLUTIONS GEN is developing a manual and database of case studies to guide communities in post-crisis transformation. As learnings are harvested and shared from each EmerGENcies intervention, our global toolbox of solutions and team of consultants continues to expand. The resulting learning platform contributes to the innovation of humanitarian solutions for crisis situations. ADDRESSING THE NEED FOR: DISASTER RELIEF, RECOVERY AND REGENERATION In a crisis, priority needs include food security; water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH); psycho-social support; energy access; natural building; and regenerative livelihoods. Ecovillages have developed an array of solutions in each of these areas, weaving them into a cohesive integral design that is highly applicable for increasing community resilience before, during, and after natural disasters, conflict, or displacement. THE PROCESS 1. IMMEDIATE RESPONSE SYSTEM Each of the GEN regions has an EmerGENcies coordinator that coordinates support and organises appropriate connections in a time of crisis, providing for basic needs such as food security, water, sanitation, shelter, and health using regenerative solutions. 2. RESILIENCE AND CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT EmerGENCies supports communities in developing their capacities through Ecovillage Development processes. 3. RECOVERYAND REHABILITATION Communities can choose to follow zero carbon approaches and regenerative frameworks that transcend old models of development. STEP 1: INVITING AND PARTICIPATING Assembling a team of GEN consultants and community members STEP 2: PLANNING AND INTEGRATING Supporting community leaders in identifying assets, needs and leverage points for transformation STEP 3: TRAINING AND IMPLEMENTING Rebuilding the community through capacity-building trainings in regenerative solutions for infrastructure, meeting basic needs, and economic opportunities STEP 4: EVALUATING AND CELEBRATING Tracking outcomes and accomplishments STEP 5: REFINING AND SCALING Contributing to the global learning platform
With an increasing majority of the world’s population living in cities, GEN is building on the expertise of existing urban ecovillages, exploring how to apply the principles and solutions of regenerative living to transform urban life Faced with the divere challenges that rapid urbanisation presents, regenerative urban communities seek to increase resilience, justice and wellbeing through community- led solutions. Ecovillages, co- housing communities, transition neighbourhoods, and other community- led initiatives all embrace the “spirit of community” with trust, collaborative relationships, and interdependence. REGENERATIVE URBAN COMMUNITIES Community-led Resilience in the City GENPROGRAMMESREGENERATIVEURBANCOMMUNITIES TYPES OF REGENERATIVE URBAN COMMUNITIES ECOVILLAGE.ORG/ info@ecovillage.org CASE STUDIES Photo credit to: Earthsong, L.A. ecovillage, As One, Terra, AsOneNetworkisaninnovativeurbannetworkeco- communityandasocialexperimentthatstartedinthe centerofSuzukaCity,Japanin2001.Theirmainvision istomanifest‘theworldasone’-inwhichthereareno conflictsandnooneisleftbehind. http://as-one.main.jp/suzuka/English The Los Angeles Eco-Village has ~35 core members who have moved to the neighbourhood to intentionally live more ecologically and more cooperatively with the aim to raise their quality of life while lowering their environmental impact. http://laecovillage.org
THE PROCESS When we talk about creating community in urban areas, we are not referring specifically to residential communities, but to creating ‘the spirit of community, a community field of trust and mutual support, collaborative and meaningful relationships in neighbourhoods, community houses, projects, and organisations. First of all, be clear about your dream / purpose. Secondly, start mapping needs and resources. Brainstorm with the community: who are we? How can we live or work together? How can we regenerate our neighbourhood, project, or organisation? How to create community depends on what you want to create! ADDRESSING THE NEED FOR: REGENERATIVE COMMUNITY PRINCIPLES AND TOOLS IN AN URBAN SETTING Throughout the world, there is a growing recognition of the power of community to bring about better conditions for both people and planet. Ecovillages show that it is possible to create connected, resilient and meaningful lives together - providing tried and tested maps for community-led responses to both social and ecological crises. Adaptable and diverse, ecovillages apply core practices shared by all: • Being rooted in local participatory processes; • Integrating social, cultural, economic, and ecological solutions in a whole systems approach to regeneration; • Actively restoring and regenerating social and natural environments. To support emerging or established urban ecovillages, transition neighbourhoods, and groups or individuals wishing to bring ecovillage principles into their urban community-led initiatives, GEN offers: • An in-depth Regenerative Urban Communities Manual • Expert support…. through consultancy • Mentoring through our “twinning” programme, by pairing new initiatives with experienced facilitators • Education through workshops…. • Access to our supportive network of like-minded communities around the world.
GENEDUCATION Ecovillages have spent decades researching collaborative and linterlinked ways of social, ecological, cultural and economic regeneration. GEN Education turns that research into online and face-to-face trainings for individuals, organisations and communities - through core GEN Trainings and custom-made workshops across the world. “At a time when we urgently and globally need new role-models for a radically different way to live, I can’t think of any more timely approach than the ‘living labs’ ecovillages actually are. GEN and it’s educations seems to capture this better than any other initiative I today know about.” - Participant. Ecovillage Design Introduction GEN EDUCATION G L O B A L E C O V I L L A G E N E T W O R K ECOVILLAGE.ORG/education education@ecovillage.org On-demand training tailor-made for your organisation, group or community, in collaboration between GEN Education and Consultancy. We work with you to map and understand your interests and situation, and draw on our international group of educators and facilitators to put together a training designed just for you. “I have found so much of what I and our community group need right now! I can’t thank you enough for the sense of caring and love and beautiful facilitation in teaching us all the amazingness from GEN” - Rachel, participant, Regenerative Community Design online Whether you are a learner looking for new skills and inspiration, an organisation in search of new approaches, or an ecovillage or educator interested in running GEN trainings, do not hesitate to get in touch! CUSTOM-MADE GEN TRAININGS Contextualising Ecovillage Education To Your Needs Photo credits: Taisa Mattos, Dancing Rabbit, Huehuecoyotl, MariaLuiza, Amin Robinson, Twin Oaks, ENGAGEWITHGEN
Core GEN Trainings Building Capacity For A Regenerative Future GEN Training of Trainers Launched in 2018, The GEN ToT offers skills in participatory facilitation, transformative education and using the GEN Map of Regeneration to inspire and empower community-led action and individual lifestyle changes. Ecovillage Training or Introduction A short or week-long training in ecovillage design and solutions, exploring and applying ecovillage principles in your own life, organisation or community. GEN’s Ecovillage Programmes GEN Education is working to provide materials and online as well as offline trainings for the programmes, five strategic areas for applying ecovillage approaches in local and global transformation. Ecovillage Incubation - creating new ecovillages Ecovillage Transition - transforming existing communities Urban Eco-Neighbourhoods - ecovillaging the city Greening Schools - catalyzing community change through schools EmerGENcies - applying ecovillage lessons in humanitarian relief “The GEN ToT is an absolutely formidable tool of change and empowerment.” - Omar Hajji, Morocco “[The ToT was] a delightful, powerful, immersive experience that pushed us to build our capacity to build community. I left eager to get home and stepup to a whole new level of engagement.” - Raines Cohen, USA The Global Ecovillage Learning Journey 98% of showcase ecovillages provide education for regenerative living and development. From compassionate communication and self-governance to natural building, social entrepreneurship, traditional crafts and participatory design - ecovillages are full of teachers and facilitators with skills deeply needed in the world today. Certified Trainings in Ecovillages Around the World The Global Ecovillage Learning Journey provides a shared platform and access point to the skills, wisdom and knowledge of ecovillages. Through a new online platform and GEN certification system, it links and promotes trainings in ecovillages around the world - and provides pathways of learning and capacity building for those interested in transformative ecovillage-based education.
GENCONSULTANCY GEN Consultancy shares some of the world’s best practices in the field of community regeneration and resilience through a highly skilled and diverse group of experts. We draw on our global network of experienced consultants who have been involved in a variety of climates and contexts to bring proven solutions to community development projects. GEN provides individually-tailored consultation services and action plans for social, ecological, economic, and cultural regeneration, to complement and expand on the material in our courses and online resources. GEN CONSULTANCY G L O B A L E C O V I L L A G E N E T W O R K ECOVILLAGE.ORG/consultancy consultancy@ecovillage.org GEN is a registered charity in Scotland that connects thousands of communities in five global regions. Consultants are available from all around the world, and are experienced in applying and adapting solutions to your climate, context and circumstances. GEN provides solutions to contribute towards local implementation of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Climate Agreements. GEN has UN Consultative status and works at the UN to advocate for ecovillages and the contribution they make to development and the future of the planet. GEN Consultancy and Education work hand in hand to provide a range of innovative courses and resources to support individuals, communities and governments. Network of Specialists Sustainable Development Goals Education & Resources Photo credits: G-BIACK, Mark Naveh, Andrés Liévano, MariaLuiza, ENGAGEWITHGEN
Ecovillage Incubation For individuals or groups looking to start new ecovillages, GEN can provide the framework to get started, and guidance for every step of the way. Ecovillage Development/Transition GEN provides support for existing communities looking to transition to regenerative ecovillages through conscious integral design. GEN also works with governments at the national level to create ecovillage development policy and implementation plans for sustainable development. Greening Schools Through this programme, schools can become green schools and hubs of inspiration for transforming the whole community. EmerGENcies Organisations and communities working to rebuild sustainable communities after disasters or with refugees can gain GEN’s expertise in integrating the four areas of regeneration. Urban Ecovillages GEN can work with urban communities to establish a neighborhood ecovillage, creating inspiration for surrounding communities. Social Resiliency - Cooperation is a powerful positive force. We can assist with governance models, community building, conflict resolution, and navigating group dynamics. Ecological Restoration - We can advise on plans for clean energy, sustainable agriculture, water management, and natural building. Economic Sustainability - Using the creativity and ingenuity of your community, we can develop economic systems and business models based on collaboration and sustainability. Cultural Regeneration - We can help to recognise, honour or evolve cultural practices that protect communities and promote diversity through art, connection and meaning. Integral Design - Navigating a complex and interconnected world requires a holistic approach to action. We can guide you through a process of participatory design, identifying and developing solutions that create benefits for the whole community. SUPPORTING YOUR PATHWAY TO REGENERATION RESILIENCY AND REGENERATION FROM EVERY PERSPECTIVE GEN Consultancy provides solutions tailored to our five ecovillage Programmes, supporting you wherever you are to take your next steps: GEN Consultancy supports you to take a holistic and participatory approach to developing your community, building a stronger future: We can work together virtually and/or organise a visit to your country.
GENAMBASSADORS GEN Ambassadors help spread the hope, inspiration and concrete solutions developed in ecovillages around the world, and invite others to become involved in the Global Ecovillage Network. As Ambassadors communicate GEN’s work in local languages and connect it with diverse cultural contexts and grassroots movements, they are are an integral part of connecting GEN with the ecovillage movement and network all over the world. GEN AMBASSADORS G L O B A L E C O V I L L A G E N E T W O R K ECOVILLAGE.ORG/ambassadors Applicants typically join the programme because they hear about the great work that GEN and the GEN regions are doing around the world, and want to be a part of the positive movement for societal transformation that GEN embodies. GEN also reaches out to potential Ambassadors through our numerous events worldwide, most notably the annual regional conferences. If you are passionate about spreading ecovillage solutions and excited about the work that GEN does to promote and connect ecovillages around the world, we welcome you apply to join us! If you aren’t yet familiar with GEN’s work, you can get started by: attending a GEN event, such as an annual conference; participating in an educational program, such as an Ecovillage Design Education (EDE) course; spending time learning from current GEN representatives; volunteering in one of our offices; or visiting and engaging with communities connected to the network. Learn more: Become an Ambassador Photo credits: Permaculture Ghana, Twin Oaks, Garcia Vicario, Mike Kaplin, Eugenie Dumont, Huehuecoyotl, Andrés Liévano, Taisa Mattos ENGAGEWITHGEN
GEN Ambassadors A Worldwide Network of Changemakers The GEN Ambassadors programme was set up in 2013, with only 55 GEN Ambassadors officially signed up by the end of 2016. By the end of 2019, 222 GEN Ambassadors were active in 53 countries worldwide! GEN Ambassadors and the GEN Regions Since 2018, there has been a renewed effort by the GEN Ambassador Coordinator to strengthen communication between Ambassadors and the GEN Regions, to better support networks at the country and regional levels, and will continue to do so in the years to come. GEN has one liaison in each of the regions who helps to coordinate GEN Ambassador Programme tasks between GEN, the regional offices and the GEN Ambassadors themselves. At the European Ecovillages Conference 2018, in Estonia, GEN Ambassadors held an official meet-up for the first time. Ambassadors were able to meet each other, network, find out what’s new in GEN and suggest ways to empower the programme further. This happened once again at the conference in Italy in 2019, with a great turnout! We hope to hold them regularly at future conferences. Stories from Ambassadors in the Field Saad Dagher, is from East Bani Zeid/Ramallah in Palestine. He is an agronomist and agro-ecological farmer and specialist in the field of nature restoration and water retention landscapes. He introduced agro- ecology into Palestine and established the first eco-farm in 2002, the Humanistic Farm, and is the initiator and cofounder of ‘The Palestinian Agro-ecological Forum’ (PAF) and the “Palestine Center of Agro- ecology”-PaCA. He uses farming as a tool to promote the ecovillage concept throughout Palestine and the region. RitaTrombin is from Italy but is currently taking part in the Energy, Environment and Social Change Programme at the International Summer School at the University of Oslo. She attended this year’s European Ecovillages Conference in Italy and recently presented GEN to her fellow students, made of 20 professionals from all continents and very interdisciplinary backgrounds in order to share the ecovillage message. AGENAmbassadorknows the Global Ecovillage Networkwell and represents GEN locally, nationallyand/orinternationally, regardless of whetherornot theylive in an ecovillage.Theykeep themselves informed through GEN’s communication channels and build relationshipswithin and beyond the network. GENAmbassadors participate in events, conferences, and trainings and mayalso progress to become a GENTrainer.
ECOVILLAGE.ORG/river-of-life river-of-life@ecovillage.org The Global Ecovillage Network is a registered charity in the UK: SCO43796 A biologist specializing in conservation and development from Colombia, Margarita works with several communities, notably in the Colombian Caribbean, who have been severely affected by displacement, loss of cultural legacies and ancestral knowledge, and ineffective economic models. River of Life funds are supporting her, and several other women, as she develops a community-based training center for peace building and conservation there. As a facilitator at Better World Cameroon, Sonita organises workshops, trainings and summer camps to teach social entrepreneurship and agroecological design to youth. Over the past two years, through a civil war, internally displaced, with no internet, she has continued to work tirelessly to support ecovillage development in Cameroon - made possible with River of Life support from Shelley Oliver, who has become a dear friend. Contact us and we will take the time to find the right match and level of support for you. Margarita’s story Sonita’s story Who will you support this year? ENGAGEWITHGENRIVEROFLIFE River of Life is a project, by women for women, around the world, to express their solidarity with each other. The programme matches women in the global South with women in the global North, providing steady financial support for exceptional women leaders in Africa, Asia, and South America to transform their communities. Freed from worrying about covering their families’ basic expenses, these women follow their passion, intuition and talents to create school gardens, respond to crises, transition their communities to greater resilience, and more. RIVER OF LIFE G L O B A L E C O V I L L A G E N E T W O R K
More than 1.700 people directly impacted, through 41 community events, trainings and workshops facilitated, 12 social enterprises initiated and developed, and 42 gardens and farms created and supported, with solutions and hope brought to 62 villages and communities, including school gardens and sustainability programs in 114 schools. That’s what just six women have done in two years with support from River of Life. Giving the freedom to follow her passion Women recipients use the funds as a form of livelihood for their community work, ranging from setting up community garden projects to developing ecovillage transition programs, to greening schools and starting community-based peacebuilding and conservation initiatives. They have not only worked at their local community level, but also at the national and regional levels, weaving their networks and bridging communities, projects and solutions. The funds have supported the women personally, as well as supporting others in the form of financial assistance or response to community emergencies, creating a ripple effect throughout their networks. “I am grateful for the support received, it helped quite a lot in supporting me, as I would sometimes go for months without a income. “ - Linda, Zimbabwe The women supported between 2017 to 2019 Connecting to a global community of women You are invited to join this movement and build a long term meaningful relationship that might change your life.You can remain anonymous, or build a closer relationship with the woman you support.You can communicate regularly, send gifts and even visit her in person, bridging cultures and creating a lasting friendship across the world. You will experience the deep joy and satisfaction that it brings to support a woman who is doing holistic community work and watching her grow with the help of your contribution. With your consistent support, you will enable one woman to do what she loves to do, for the healing of women and communities in her country. Sarah Philippines Margarita Colombia Linda Zimbabwe Trudy Sri Lanka Sonita Cameroon Visolela Namibia Nirbhaya Sri Lanka
Nowmore than ever,we need to connect as a communityand stand in solidarityto create the beautiful, interconnectedworld we allwant to live in. With a small monthly donation, Friends of GEN support GEN’s work at the forefront of a paradigm shift towards a regenerative world - and in the process become more closely involved with communities locally and globally who are building alternatives now. By becoming a Friend of GEN you will receive exclusive benefits to bring you closer to GEN’s work on the ground and connect with communities worldwide. FRIENDS OF GEN G L O B A L E C O V I L L A G E N E T W O R K FRIENDSOFGENENGAGEWITHGEN ECOVILLAGE.ORG/get-involved/friends-of-gen/ The Global Ecovillage Network is a registered charity in Scotland: SC043796 Ready to make a difference? Join us today! In addition to supporting GEN’s international office, Friends of GEN designate a third of their contribution to a specific Region. Your support helps the Regions manifest projects such as: Social entrepreneurship programs for youth in Nigeria to achieve economic self- sufficiency through culinary mushroom production, supported by GEN Africa. Community-based training centers for peace and conservation to rebuild Colombian communities affected by displacement and violence, supported by CASA Latina. A collaborative community mapping project to connect people with intentional communities in the US and Canada, supported by GENNA. Scholarships foryouth to attend transfor- mational ecovillage education experiences throughout Asia, supported by GENOA. A pilot project reinvigorating depopulated rural communities with ecovillage principles in Spain and Portugal,supported byGENEurope. SUPPORTING GRASSROOTS WORK WORLDWIDE Photo credits: G-BIACK, Twin Oaks, Dancing Rabbit, Aldeafeliz Ecovillage, Huehuecoyotl, Andrés Liévano, Ido Zevulun
COMMUNITY • CONNECTION • RECIPROCITY All Friends of GEN (5 $/€/£ per month) Friends of GEN receive a digital copy of our book Ecovillage: 1001 Ways to Heal the Planet. This 200+ page full color book explores ecovillage projects all over the world and includes interviews with founders and long-standing members, personal stories, thoughts, experiences, adventures, failures, learnings, and successes from the growing ecovillage movement. In addition, all Friends receive: • 10% off everything in our Market • Priority notice on and discounts for upcoming GEN trainings, summits and webinars Sustaining Friends of GEN (10 $/€/£ per month) Sustaining Friends of GEN receive a complete Power of Community Online Summit 2019 package. This summit has inspired more than 10.000 people to bring the spirit of ecovillage into their lives regardless of whether or not they live in an intentional community. A 78 € value plus more than a dozen bonus gifts, the package will bring you closer with the world’s leading ecovillage changemakers and GEN’s worldwide community. In addition to access to the Summit and all of the benefits for All Friends of GEN, Sustaining Friends also receive 20% off GEN’s educational courses. Regenerative Friends of GEN (20 $/€/£ per month) The Global Ecovillage Network offers our Regenerative Friend of GEN donors a 20% discount on one-on-one coaching sessions with members of our consultancy team. You’ll also receive all of the benefits above - including the complete 2019 Online Summit package and bonuses, our book Ecovillage: 1001 Ways to Heal the Planet, and discounts on courses and merchandise.