An exploration of four ecovillages through the ecoresilient lens of spirituality
Date
2020-10-14
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Abstract
Ecovillages worldwide continue to develop processes and solutions to face the known
and unknown, social and ecological, climate-related challenges confronting communities. After a
review of resilience concepts, the term ‘ecoresilience’ is defined. This research explores
ecovillages through the lens of ecoresilience, specifically, the under-studied aspect of spirituality.
Spirituality is framed as the simple conviction that there is more to life than we can materially
observe. The exploration of four ecovillages develops through mixed data collection methods of
site visits, interviews, guided tours, and a historical review. A case study approach comparatively
evaluates and analyzes the ecoresilience of the four ecovillages La Cité Écologique in Quebec,
Whole Village Ecovillage in Ontario, The Park at Findhorn in Scotland, and The Federation of
Damanhur in Italy.
A significant finding uncovered how spirituality positively impacts ecovillage
ecoresilience. Beginning with the purpose of an ecovillage, and continuing through individual
and collective activities, spirituality supports and builds spiritual capital in communities.
Spiritual capital creates a shock absorber to help community members manoeuvre through
adverse events. The case studies displayed many unique examples of building spiritual capital
through the three spiritual themes, including connection to the web of life, engaged spirituality
through social-ecological efforts, and the arts. Spirituality ensures a strong connection to the web
of life, builds community cohesion, and both are essential ingredients for future ecovillage
ecoresilience. Other mainstream lessons gleaned from this research are intergenerational
governance, cooperative living, low-impact lifestyles, nature-based education, the ability to adapt
to change, and the importance of individual and communal spiritual activities to ecoresilience.
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Keywords
Ecovillage, intentional community, resilience, community resilience, transformative resilience, ecoresilience, spiritual capital, engaged spirituality