In August 2024, I had the great privilege and deep pleasure of attending the European Ecovillage Gathering, which took place from August 20 to 25 in the vibrant and picturesque ecovillage of Ängsbacka, Sweden. Ängsbacka is one of the most inspiring ecovillage projects, with a history spanning over 20 years. It has become well known not only for its thriving community but also for hosting the world’s largest Tantra Festival, bringing together thousands of people each year in a spirit of openness and transformation.
This remarkable gathering was organized by GEN Europe, the European Ecovillage Network, and welcomed over 800 participants from more than 40 countries and six continents. Being among such a diverse group of individuals, each dedicated to co-creating a more regenerative and harmonious world, was both humbling and profoundly inspiring.
Throughout the week, I had the honor of engaging in deep conversations, learning from others, and expanding my understanding of how we can collectively shape a more sustainable future. Among the many insightful talks, one that particularly stood out to me was about the World Cleanup Day initiative. As the world’s largest bottom-up movement, it has mobilized over 20 million people across 191 countries, all working together to combat environmental pollution—an extraordinary testament to the power of collective action.
The gathering also offered invaluable discussions on topics such as the governance of ecovillages, frameworks for self-organization, the challenges of creating alternative banking systems, the integration of new technologies, legal structures for intentional communities, and the development of volunteer and residency programs. It was humbling to witness both the unique challenges faced by different ecovillages and the deep commonalities that unite them across cultures and continents.
Particularly inspiring was the workshop held in collaboration with UNESCO and Gaia Education, which introduced part of the Ecovillage Design Course—a truly eye-opening experience for me. Gaia Education.
Another impressive framework was presented during the Masterclass by Les Pas-Sages, a France-based organization supporting ecovillages and participatory housing projects. As a member of GEN, they provide legal, financial, and governance guidance to help communities create sustainable, cooperative living models.
Notably, they developed an alternative financing model, enabling citizen-backed cooperative ownership. They also host weekly online gatherings, offering insights and support for community projects.
Learn more at les-pas-sages.org.
UNESCO and Gaia Education
One of the most meaningful aspects of this experience was attending the gathering together with my dear brother and friend, Austin, from El Valle, Dominican Republic. It was an honor to invite him into this space, and together we had the opportunity to connect with networks across Latin America and North America, including the International Community Organization (IC.org).
Me and Austin on the GEN ´24 in Ängsbacka
Another deeply enriching experience was reconnecting with friends from Tamera, Portugal, who contributed invaluable wisdom to the gathering’s workshops. One particularly moving session explored aging and dying within ecovillages—a topic approached with great care, respect, and sensitivity. The evenings were filled with profoundly beautiful moments—from Ecstatic Dances and sacred cacao ceremonies to the deeply heartfelt sharings of participants from Palestine and Israel, who spoke about the realities of peace work. Their words carried a painful yet necessary truth: that to create peace, we must learn to hold and transform our deepest wounds.
Representatives from Findhorn, Tamera, and Damanhur coming together to share their experiences, wisdom, and visions for the future of ecovillages and regenerative communities.
As I reflect on this gathering, I feel deep gratitude for the wisdom shared, the friendships deepened, and the collective commitment to co-creating a more just and regenerative world. The European Ecovillage Gathering 2024 at Ängsbacka was a truly humbling and transformative experience, reminding me once again of the incredible strength of community and the power of shared vision.
With a heart full of appreciation, I carry these experiences forward, hoping to contribute in my own small way to the beautiful, unfolding story of a more connected and compassionate world.