There
is a very high potential for institutional synergy
between ecovillage-based ‘living and learning
centres’ and universities aiming to create
up-to-date, participatory and engaging programmes
in sustainable development.
Dr.
Daniel Wahl, supported by Highlands and
Islands Enterprise (HIE) Moray, has recently engaged
in academic outreach and programme development work
for the Findhorn Foundation College. The aim of
an initial six month pilot study was to explore
new partnerships with Scottish universities and
UK academic institutions in order to create novel
Masters programmes in sustainable development and
sustainable community design which would include
residential intensives at the Findhorn Foundation
ecovillage.
The pilot has been extraordinarily successful,
since every institution that was approached has
expressed a keen interest in taking the proposed
collaboration further. While this is no more than
a preliminary report and no legally binding agreements
have been signed at this point, the Findhorn
Foundation College (FFC) in partnership
with the Findhorn Foundation and Gaia Education
are currently in the early stages of negotiations
with a whole range of new academic partner institutions.
The Findhorn Foundation ecovillage is an ideal sustainability
field study site for a number of reasons, among
them: its community owned wind park; community currency
and community businesses, extensive eco-housing
stock; community supported agriculture, sustainable
transport scheme, diverse renewable energy use;
ecological sewage treatment facility, experience
in group dynamics and conflict facilitation; community
lifestyles and proven reduced ecological footprint;
and its long experience in providing transformative
education.
The ecovillage is an ideal partner in the creation
of practical academic courses taking a truly holistic
approach to sustainable development.
There is a very high potential for institutional
synergy between ecovillage-based ‘living and
learning centres’ and universities aiming
to create up-to-date, participatory and engaging
programmes in sustainable development.
