The Global Ecovillage Network (GEN) is coming of age: 18 years ago, in 1995, GEN was founded through the concerted efforts of a group of visionaries at a conference in Findhorn, then already a well-known centre for sustainable living in Northern Scotland. GEN was created in order to make visible efforts happening simultaneously and unknowingly in parallel all over the world: people taking the future of their communities, villages and neighbourhoods into their own hands. People initiating, reknitting and strengthening their communities in such a way that they may fulfil their potential of becoming caretakers of the ecosystems of which they are a part and guardians of the other species with which they coexist. In times of
climate change and a global protest movement against social injustice, the ecovillage movement is gaining momentum, providing a viable alternative to existing globalized inhumane structures, exploring decentralized solutions at a community level, and connecting traditional and contemporary knowledge for a peaceful and sustainable future. GEN has become an organization capable of linking grass-roots projects with social movements, other global actors, and governments. With the support and assistance of GEN, the ecovillages of the world have developed from being a network to a movement that generates hope on a global level.
Zentrum der Einheit, Schweibenalp, Switzerland