Description of organisation

GEN-Europe is the European branch of the Global Ecovillage Network, established in 1995 to support community projects promoting environmental protection and natural resource conservation through sustainable living. GEN-Europe is a non-profit organization that serves ecovillages and ecovillage networks across Europe and its neighbors. Its daily operations are managed by a Secretariat staff, overseen by a Council elected every two years. The General Assembly, made up of member ecovillages, sets the organization's strategic direction.
Ecovillages are intentional or traditional communities designed through local participatory processes to regenerate social and natural environments. They integrate the four dimensions of sustainability: ecology, economy, social, and cultural, serving as dynamic living and learning centers. GEN-Europe's vision is a sustainable, resilient Europe where ecovillage values are widely embraced.
GEN-Europe connects ecovillages to share knowledge, foster innovation, and build networks. Its activities include growing membership, providing legal and administrative support, and organizing events like the European Ecovillage Gathering, which unites experts, members, and the public. It also builds capacity by promoting education for sustainability through seminars, training, and projects. GEN-Europe further promotes ecovillage lifestyles via publications, events, and social media, sharing success stories and best practices to inspire broader societal change.