Eco Villages Australia aims to demonstrate a new way of organising our society that is more compassionate to ourselves, others, the environment and animals.
Reconstruct the concepts of wealth, work and progress
Eco Villages Australia can achieve change that goes beyond the residents of the eco village. Provoking new ways of thinking is a key reason for the eco village to exist. When people can see what is possible, it's a lot easier to get the sort of cultural shifts and public policy shifts our society sorely needs.
The impact of the eco village has the potential to ripple out through society. That's why tours and education is an important part of the vision. Ultimately we hope that people are inspired to make changes in their own lives and start to organise their own communities to walk lightly on the earth and transition to a low-carbon economy.
Identify the appropriate scale for efficient solutions
The challenges facing us all, in an uncertain future, are not to be underestimated. Governments have certain responsibilities (like providing assisted housing) that go beyond what we can achieve with small, distributed eco villages. While Eco Villages Australia can't solve every problem, we can provide solutions in many areas and demonstrate examples of social, economic, ecological and cultural regeneration on a small scale. This is an empowering strategy for social change.
Build networks and alliances for mutual support across all divides
Outreach and education is a big part of Eco Villages Australia. We can learn a lot from nature, existing eco villages, experts and the traditional wisdom of first nations people.
Eco Villages Australia aims to:
provide regular open days/tours/workshops, etc. for people who want to learn and contribute in a meaningful way.
support initiatives of the Global Ecovillage Network in Australia and the broader region (GENOA covers Oceania and Asia).
have a good relationship with local government.
engage with bushcare groups, community groups, local schools, etc.
honour the traditional wisdom of first nations people and build relationships with local traditional owner groups where possible.
engage actively to protect communities and nature (climate action, conservation, etc).
Together we can achieve things that, alone, we can only dream of.
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