How does ecovillage economics work? 

The first key point to be aware of is that the ecovillage economics approach is a people centered methodology.  Rather than using the traditional economic planning methodology which is based more on statistics and demographic information etc, ecovillage economics is all about people.

For an ecovillage to succeed clearly there needs to be people. In essence the success of any ecovillage economics model is the people that are behind it.  So part of the ecovillage economics process outlines how we go about engaging people to a higher level so that they can become a key driver behind the ecovillage economics model for a project.

Another aspect of the ecovillage economics model is that we do not make any assumptions.  It is a fairly complex endeavour to look at developing any economic and enterprise model.  So the first step is to assume that we know nothing and to learn from the residents and/or the potential residents for what is needed for an economics model to succeed.  This would be the starting point of any collaborative endeavour whether it be in an existing or an aspiring ecovillage.

So once an ecovillage is on the way to becoming a reality the next phase is to look at establishing a process for developing a vibrant economic and enterprise base within the ecovillage.  Clearly every project will have different needs and this will be dependent on a complete range of issues which include location, size, the needs of the residents, and in fact what the overall purpose of ecovillage is.

If we are to create a truly sustainable development then simply by definition it is imperative that we have in place a viable and sustainable enterprise component to any ecovillage project.

The evolution of the ecovillage economics is very much tied  to the social aspect of the project.  There is very clear links between how the community and ecovillage functions from a community and social aspect and what it's economic and prosperity levels are. Research shows that there are numerous projects which have in fact evolved what is known as a "poverty consciousness". This simply provides a situation where it is not possible for the project to move into a sustainable economic position. 

It is important, as with all things, that there is an understanding of what is in place before it is possible to change and evolve to another level.

One of the key foundations of any ecovillage economics model is to develop a collaborative strategy as to how an ecovillage can develop a solid and sustainable enterprise base.  This model must be able to support not only enterprises owned by individuals but also community based/owned enterprises.  

This is what is necessary if an economic component of an ecovillage is to contribute to the overall sustainability.