The Global Ecovillage Network is a global grassroots network of more than 400 local ecovillages worldwide grown out of the eco-movement as well as traditional villages. It facilitates the exchange of experiences as well as running external courses also for politicians in how to develop ecovillages and learning from their sustainability experiences.
The Ecovillage Tamera in Southern Portugal was founded in 1978 by members of the established ecovillage ZEGG near Berlin, Germany and moved in 1995 to Tamera, Portugal. The intention was to found a non-violent life model by seeking more holistic ways of social relations and partnership. Today their approaches spread out to a global peace work as well as to local ecological work including the experimentation with permaculture. They run a global campus for peace work, an internet school (TERRA NOVA) and a vibrant seminar center. It is interesting to examine as a model for social innovation because of their globally and regionally transfer of knowledge.
Relevance for TRANSIT
Ecovillages and the Global Ecovillage Network (GEN) are examples of social innovations because they experiment with regenerative structures and practices, while spreading their experiences in on-site education centers to often international visitors.
Avelino, F. (2015) Transformative social innovation narrative of Tamera Ecovillage : a summary. TRANSIT: EU SHH.2013.3.2-1 Grant agreement no: 613169
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