One of the ways in which permaculture seeks to create a co-operative paradigm and upholds permaculture ethics is through creating communities. When like-minded people congregate geographically, they are better able to meet their own basic needs in ways which are consistent with a permaculture way of life, and benefit from collaboration and the pooling of ideas, skills and resources.
Families, individuals or small groups of friends can come together in wider groups in order to effectively manage land and become more resilient, self-reliant and sustainable.
Unlike a commune, a village allows for personal space and property, while allowing co-operation and sharing between the different units of the group. Village life is well-suited to human psychology and basic needs, and communities of this sort are well placed to protect and enhance the local natural environment while meeting their own needs.
The sole factor for selection of the units of the group will be a group ethic that is acceptable to all those who come there. That ethical framework can and should be used to dictate all elements of a village’s development, structure and ongoing management. Permaculture provides a framework of ideas upon which sustainable villages can be based.
There are a number of different types of site that can be used for village development. A village might be created:
- In a city block or suburb.
- Adjoining an existing village.
- Within a part-vacant village.
- Isolated from any existing integrated settlement.
- On a previous village now vacant or destroyed.
- As a new suburban development.
- In specialised settlements on coasts or near wilderness areas.
Those who are feeling alone in their efforts to embody permaculture ethics and live in a truly sustainable way might consider how they could form a community with like minded people where they live.
If you would like advice in creating your village community, please get in touch to discuss how I can help.
EWSP Consultancy 