Conference Proceedings Chapter Seven - Settlements Stream
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The Farm

Albert Bates (USA)

The holistic goal of this project was to create a secure settlement in which succeeding generations can relate to out natural environment in a sustainable and productive way serving as a base to draw upon the collective strength of the community to contribute to the positive transformation of the world.

There are four aspects of the Global Eco-village Network, called Earth, Air, Fire and Air.

Earth

This is the physical environment which should be created to encourage the diversity and interactions between and within both the natural environment and the people involved.

Water

Water is worked into the physical environment using the key lines of the property.

Fire

Fire in this context is taken to mean the social and economic networks within the community. Within these communities are so called FROG groups, Future Residents Organising Groups, which meet regularly throughout the entire process of establishing such a project. The essence of a community is a commitment to sharing and realising personal boundaries so that the community itself can then share with the world.

Air

This encompasses the spiritual and community feeling of the group. This is fostered and encouraged through many group sessions. There are recognised types within a community who have different roles to play and skills to offer. These are continually evolving and developing as people evolve and develop through the stages of life and experience.

Flexibility is recognised as the most important point to be made within this context. This is achieved by recognising the evolution and phases of a project, and developing the ability to avoid dogmas and a dogmatic attitude to the continually evolving processes of life.