ECOVILLAGES AND SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT

The project, through the analysis and study of best practices and the exchange of ideas and experiences, lays the foundations for the creation and development of ecovillages and sustainable communities. Ecovillages are communities based on the principle of sustainability and social, economic and ecological responsibility, where new methods of cultivation (ex: synergistic agriculture and permaculture) methods for saving energy, elements of bio-architecture (use of straw and sheep's wool in the construction of homes), methods of alternative mobility (bike-sharing), methods aimed at social development (division of roles ..).are studied and tested. Sustainable communities are characterized by economic efficiency, social equity, environmental protection, long-term vision and governance.

The area includes 25 municipalities located in the south central part of the province of Nuoro (Sardinia, Italy), having total size of 1’476,85 square kilometers and a resident population of about 45’892 inhabitants. The territory corresponds to the historical regions of Barbagia, Mandrolisai, Gennargentu and Supramonte. The land is constituted for 99% of fields and forest. Barbagia Mandrolisai, Gennargentu Supramonte are not only a virgin and unspoiled natural region but even a deposit of traditions that once upon a time characterized the area as unique in the whole island. The accommodation system is strongly based on small hotels, Bed & Breakfasts and farm holidays. Only 9 of the 25 municipalities joined the Covenant of Mayors and only 3 of them submitted their SEAP to the EC.

OVERALL OBJECTIVES -Improve the quality of life in rural areas; -diversification of the rural economy; -repopulate rural areas SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES -encourage the creation and dissemination of ecovillages and sustainable communities in the involved areas

European LAGs

Hungary, Italy, Slovenia, United Kingdom, Greece, Ireland, Sweden, Czech Republic, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Malta, Poland, Austria, Bulgaria, Estonia, Spain, Slovakia, Belgium, Germany, Finland, Romania, Cyprus, Denmark, France, Lithuania, Latvia

Italian, English, French

Agriculture, Community development, Nature/environment/land management, Demography, social issues

30/05/2013