At a time when organisations and individuals are vying for global dominance and the centralisation of a One World Government, it’s understandable that people would want to look at alternatives, and in particular decentralised alternatives. Let’s look at this idea of decentralisation.
Decentralization refers to the distribution of power, authority, and decision-making away from a central authority or governing body. It is a process of redistributing power and control to a larger number of people, organizations, or entities, rather than being concentrated in the hands of a few individuals or a single centralized entity.
In a decentralized system, decision-making authority is distributed across multiple entities or nodes, and each node has some level of autonomy and decision-making power. This allows for greater flexibility, transparency, and accountability, as well as improved resilience and security against single points of failure or corruption.
Decentralisation can take many forms, including political, economic, and technological. Examples include decentralized governance models, such as democracy and federalism, decentralized financial systems like blockchain and cryptocurrencies, and decentralized information networks such as the internet.
Back to villages
The planning of small communities or villages is often referred to as “rural planning” or “village planning”. It involves designing and organizing the physical and social aspects of a small community or village to ensure that it meets the needs of its residents and promotes a sustainable and healthy living environment.
Rural planning typically takes into consideration factors such as land use, transportation, housing, public spaces, community facilities, and natural resources. It also involves community engagement and participation, as well as the integration of local culture and traditions into the planning process. The goal of rural planning is to create thriving and sustainable communities that can support the needs of their residents and contribute to the overall development of the region.
Village planning can be a feasible way for societies to exist, particularly in rural areas where small communities or villages are the predominant settlement pattern. Village planning can help ensure that these communities are organized and designed in a way that meets the needs of their residents, promotes sustainability and resilience, and preserves local culture and traditions.
Eco villages?
One model of modern village life that is already being explored around the planet is that of the ecovillage..
Ecovillages are intentional communities that strive to create a sustainable and regenerative way of life. They are communities of people who come together with the goal of living in harmony with nature, reducing their ecological footprint, and promoting social and economic sustainability. Some of the key features of ecovillages include:
- Sustainability:
Ecovillages prioritize environmental sustainability by using renewable energy sources, practising organic farming, and reducing waste and pollution. - Community:
Ecovillages emphasize community-building and collaboration, with shared decision-making and a focus on mutual support and care. - Social justice: Ecovillages often prioritize social justice and equality, striving to create inclusive and diverse communities that are accessible to people of all backgrounds and abilities.
- Education:
Many ecovillages prioritize education and learning, providing opportunities for members to develop new skills and knowledge related to sustainability, permaculture, and other relevant topics. - Regenerative culture:
Ecovillages strive to create a culture of regeneration and resilience, focusing on holistic approaches to health and well-being that consider the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of human life.
Overall, ecovillages are communities that aim to create a more sustainable and equitable way of life, based on principles of environmental stewardship, social justice, and community building.
Do Ecovillages work?
Ecovillages can be effective in promoting sustainable living and community building, but their success depends on a variety of factors, including the goals and values of the community, the resources and support available to them, and the broader social and political context in which they operate. Some of the factors that can contribute to the success of ecovillages include:
- Clear vision and goals:
Ecovillages that have a clear vision and shared goals are more likely to be successful in achieving their objectives. This includes developing a shared understanding of what sustainability means to the community and how it can be achieved through shared practices and values. - Strong leadership and governance:
Ecovillages require effective leadership and governance structures to ensure that decisions are made democratically and transparently. This can include regular meetings, committees, and other mechanisms for decision-making and communication. - Access to resources:
Ecovillages need access to resources such as land, food, water, and energy to be sustainable. This can involve practices such as permaculture, renewable energy, and water conservation, as well as building relationships with local communities and organizations to access resources and support. - Collaboration and cooperation:
Ecovillages require collaboration and cooperation among members to be successful. This includes sharing resources, knowledge, and skills, as well as building strong relationships based on trust and mutual support. - Adapting to changing circumstances:
Ecovillages must be able to adapt to changing circumstances and challenges, such as climate change, economic uncertainty, and social and political instability. This requires flexibility, creativity, and resilience.
Overall, while there is no guarantee of success for any particular ecovillage, those that prioritize clear vision and goals, strong leadership and governance, access to resources, collaboration and cooperation, and adaptability are more likely to be effective in promoting sustainable living and community building.
Ownership of land?
Whether or not people in ecovillages can own their own piece of land depends on the specific rules and practices of the community. Some ecovillages are structured as collective communities, where land and resources are owned and managed collectively by the community as a whole. In such communities, individual ownership of land or property may not be permitted or may be subject to certain restrictions.
Other ecovillages may allow for individual ownership of land or property, but within the context of shared ownership and decision-making. For example, members may own their own homes or buildings, but the land on which they are situated may be owned collectively by the community.
In some cases, ecovillages may also have agreements with neighboring communities or organizations that allow for individual ownership of land or property outside of the ecovillage itself.
Overall, the specific rules and practices of ecovillages can vary widely depending on the goals and values of the community. Some ecovillages prioritise collective ownership and decision-making as a means of promoting sustainability and community building, while others may allow for individual ownership within the context of shared ownership and decision-making.
Overall, when changes to the structure of society arrive, a time will appear when creating a new system will be necessary, now is the time to be looking at alternatives to an autocratic, centralised One World Government.