The BIGGEST INTENTIONAL COMMUNITIES in the World | ECO VILLAGES that you will want to Visit

Summary

This video explores some of the largest and most renowned intentional communities around the world, highlighting their unique values and ways to visit. From the historic Finhorn in Scotland, focused on sustainability, to the peace-driven Tamera in Portugal and the global, inclusive Auroville in India, the video showcases diverse eco-villages. Other communities like Secam in Egypt, the Ithaca eco-village in New York, and the artistic Domina in Italy are also featured, each with its own vision of sustainable living, community building, and social progress. The video encourages viewers to explore these eco-villages and offers resources for further engagement.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video focuses on exploring the world's biggest intentional communities and eco-villages.
• 😀 The Global Eco-Village Network (GEN) defines eco-villages as communities that integrate ecological, economic, social, and cultural sustainability.
• 😀 Finthorn, located in Scotland, is one of the oldest intentional communities and is recognized as the 'mother of all communities.' It serves as a model for others and offers educational retreats.
• 😀 Tamera, in Portugal, is a peace research village focused on creating a new planetary culture with a strong ethical foundation, and it reopens to visitors in March each year.
• 😀 Auroville, in India, aims to embody human unity and sustainable living, with over 2,000 residents from 43 different countries, and it's known for increasing biodiversity.
• 😀 Secam, an eco-village in Egypt, focuses on sustainable agriculture and was awarded the Right Livelihood Award in 2003. It offers monthly farm tours in multiple languages.
• 😀 Ithaca, a co-housing community in New York, promotes experimental learning and sustainability. It hosts 160 residents and offers programs for joining the community.
• 😀 Siba Linden in Germany is a cooperative community focused on sustainable living and holistic lifestyles. It offers volunteer opportunities and eco-tours.
• 😀 Damanhur, in Italy, is known for its artistic focus and the Temples of Humankind, an underground structure carved into the mountain. The community emphasizes diversity and creativity.
• 😀 Many of the featured communities offer opportunities for visitors to volunteer, attend workshops, or even apply for citizenship to live in these intentional communities.
• 😀 GEN's website provides a comprehensive list of eco-villages worldwide, helping people find sustainable communities to visit or join.

Q & A

What is an eco-village, according to the Global Eco-Village Network (GEN)?

An eco-village is an intentional or traditional community that uses local participatory processes to integrate ecological, economic, social, and cultural dimensions of sustainability to regenerate both social and natural environments.

Why is Findhorn referred to as 'the mother of all communities'?

Findhorn is one of the oldest intentional communities in the world, founded in 1962. It is recognized for its significant contributions to sustainability and holistic living, and its members serve as consultants for the United Nations and multinational corporations.

What is Tamera's primary mission?

Tamera's primary mission is to work towards a future without war, based on love without fear. The community focuses on creating a new planetary culture by establishing peace research villages that model sustainable living.

How can visitors experience life at Tamera?

Visitors can engage with Tamera through various programs, retreats, schools, and guest visits. The community's guest season runs from March to mid-November, and visitors can learn about their peace research and sustainable practices.

What makes Auroville unique among eco-villages?

Auroville is unique because it is the largest existing eco-city attempt in the world, where people from all countries live in peace and harmony, transcending all creeds, politics, and nationalities. It aims to embody human unity and is a place where biodiversity is increasing.

How can someone become a citizen of Auroville?

To become a citizen of Auroville, one can apply through the community's official channels. They also offer volunteering opportunities, schools, and programs where visitors can learn more about the community before applying for citizenship.

What is Sekem's contribution to sustainable development?

Sekem is an agricultural and social settlement founded in 1977 in Egypt. It focuses on sustainable development and has successfully integrated eco-friendly practices into agriculture, creating businesses in textile, natural medicines, and herbal teas, while also employing thousands of people.

What types of tours does Sekem offer for visitors?

Sekem organizes monthly tours of their farms in German, English, and Arabic, allowing visitors to explore their agricultural practices and sustainable business models.

What is the main focus of Ithaca EcoVillage in New York?

The Ithaca EcoVillage focuses on creating experimental solutions to social, environmental, and economic crises by promoting sustainable living. The community provides a setting for a healthy, socially rich lifestyle that minimizes ecological impact.

What opportunities exist for visitors to experience Ithaca EcoVillage?

Visitors can join community programs, attend educational courses, and even buy property in the Ithaca EcoVillage. The community offers opportunities to learn about sustainable living and engage with its 160 residents.

What is the significance of Damanhur's Temples of Humankind?

Damanhur is known for its Temples of Humankind, an underground temple carved by hand into a mountain. It represents the awakening of humanity and is open to visitors who can explore its artistic and spiritual significance. It is a place that embraces diversity and celebrates human creativity.

How can someone visit Damanhur or join its community?

Visitors can tour the Temples of Humankind, participate in community programs, and learn about the artistic expressions central to Damanhur's philosophy. There are also opportunities to join the community through educational courses and workshops.

What are the common themes across all the intentional communities mentioned in the video?

The common themes across these intentional communities include sustainability, holistic living, cultural diversity, peace, and the integration of ecological, economic, social, and spiritual aspects of life. These communities offer visitors opportunities to engage in learning, workshops, and in some cases, to apply for citizenship or long-term involvement.