The word "ecovillage" is often written with a hyphen, however, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, the correct spelling is without one. The word can be broken down into two parts: "eco" and "village". "Eco" represents the word "ecology" which is pronounced /iːˈkɒlədʒi/ in IPA phonetic transcription. "Village" is pronounced /ˈvɪlɪdʒ/ in IPA. Therefore, "ecovillage" is pronounced /ˈiːkəʊvɪlɪdʒ/. An ecovillage is a community designed to have minimal impact on the environment while supporting a high quality of life.
An ecovillage is a well-defined community designed with the purpose of minimizing ecological impact and promoting sustainability. This type of settlement aims to create a harmonious and environmentally friendly way of living by incorporating various principles and practices.
Typically, an ecovillage is characterized by a shared sense of values and a commitment to ecological stewardship. It emphasizes the importance of preserving natural resources, promoting renewable energy sources, and reducing waste. Ecovillages often strive to achieve self-sufficiency by implementing systems such as organic farming, water conservation, and waste management.
Furthermore, an ecovillage fosters a sense of community and social cohesion among its members. Collaboration, cooperation, and shared decision-making are fundamental aspects of an ecovillage's governance structure. These communities may have common spaces such as community gardens, workshops, and meeting areas to encourage interaction and engagement.
Ecovillages vary in size and geographical location, but they all share a common goal of sustainable living. Whether rural or urban, an ecovillage aims to create a model of environmentally-friendly practices that can be adopted by surrounding communities and positively influence the broader society. By incorporating ecological, social, and economic principles, ecovillages strive to create a better future for both humans and the natural environment.
In summary, an ecovillage is a purposefully designed community that prioritizes sustainable living, ecological stewardship, social harmony, and self-sufficiency. It serves as a model for environmentally friendly practices and aims to inspire and influence the broader society towards a more sustainable future.
The word "ecovillage" is a combination of two terms: "eco" and "village".
1. "Eco" is short for "ecology", which refers to the study of the relationship between organisms and their environment. It comes from the Greek word "oikos", meaning "house" or "habitat".
2. "Village" originates from the Old French word "vill", meaning "farm" or "hamlet". It further traces back to the Latin word "villa", which referred to a country house or estate.
The term "ecovillage" emerged in the 1990s to describe intentional communities that prioritize sustainable living practices, social cohesion, and ecological principles. These communities aim to create human settlements that integrate harmoniously with nature, minimize their environmental impact, and promote a higher quality of life.