The ecovillage will encompass 30-50 hectares and provide living space for 150–300 people. This large size requires precise long-term planning. The times given (see chart) are approximated using the experiences of other ecovillages and are meant as reference points. Our project aims to achieve the maximum of transparency and acceptance. Therefore it is so important to make clear and emphasize the benefits the ecovillage brings to the region and its people.
The core team (4 to 12 dedicated persons) is formed, founds a society and goes public. The core team chooses an appropriate site for the project center and moves in. The project center makes it possible to begin putting down roots in the chosen region and to search for an appropriate piece of land for the ecovillage. It enables the expansion of an economic basis as well as networking and public relations in the region. It houses events, meetings and serves as a communications center.
Now the project presents itself to the ‘greater’ public and intensifies contact with the local officials. In addition, the project will be supported by various collaborators (i.e. community support groups), a scientific panel, and a guarantor. Now, the core team will start the search for the final ecovillage site.
This
phase begins with the transfer to the new ecovillage grounds and
culling for inhabitants. At this time, the permacultural design
of the grounds will begin. During the first steps of the work
temporary living quarters will be built for the inhabitants.
After about a year the permacultural grounds plan will be finished for the time being, and the construction of the community center can begin.
Now the Welcome Center and the first communities can be built. As soon as the first settlers are integrated into the ecovillage the core team will dissolve and integrate into the new structure. Shortly thereafter, the ecovillage should be fully settled. Lastly, a public center will be constructed as a place of contact with the ecovillage surroundings. Now the ecovillage project can continue supporting other ecovillage activists with its knowledge and experience.
Due to
its climate and socio-geographical location, we have chosen southern
Burgenland/southeast Styria as the ideal location for the
ecovillage. Our preferred regions are: Guessing,
Jennersdorf, Fuerstenfeld, and Feldbach. The reasons for this decision
are as follows:
1. The weak structure of these regions allows us to be an important
impulse in the region. Due to the economic and many other
benefits of the ecovillage, our plans will be supported by decision
makers, business people, and opinion leaders.
2. The high concentration of alternative-thinking people in these
regions enables us to link into existing networks and also to create
new ones (barter exchanges, organic marketing coops, alternative
educational facilities, etc.).
3. The warm climate ensures the harvest of a great variety of useful plants. This is the basis for a high level of local and self-sufficiency.
Of utmost importance for such a large, and for Austria so unique,
project is symbiosis on all levels. During the entire process
everybody affected will be invited to work with us, in order to achieve
the highest possible level of transparency and acceptance. The
realization of this project will bring a great many benefits to the
region.