Global Ecovillage Network
In the early 1960s, Eileen Caddy received the guidance: You are part of a tremendous network and each member is closely linked. This is a network of light; therefore each should be linked with the others until not one is left on its own.

The pressure to preserve and create sustainable lifestyles is rising rapidly and self-empowered versions of community and village life, linked closely to nature, are one core way to go. GEN continues to spread – linking up centres of inspiration on all continents.

The Global Ecovillage Network’s history has been closely entwined with Findhorn since its outset. At the end of the 1980s, the Ecovillage Project at Findhorn began with a wind turbine and the first eco-friendly buildings.

In 1991, the report Ecovillages and Sustainable Communities was released, and a first meeting of representatives of eco-communities convened. In 1995, the Global Ecovillage Network was officially launched at Findhorn during the conference Ecovillages and Sustainable Communities Models for the 21st Century.

In 2005, the movement met in Findhorn again for the GEN+10 conference. And now, preparations are underway for the GEN+20 conference in Findhorn in 2015.

Ecovillages are typically communities with vibrant social structures, vastly diverse, yet united in common ecological, economic, social and spiritual values and goals. They spring from the people’s good intentions, creativity and willingness to make a difference. Today GEN contains an interesting and innovative alliance between intentional communities formed consciously around specific values, and traditional villages seeking to maintain what is precious to them through raising awareness and increasing collective creativity in their communities.

Kosha Joubert