This project supports the development of an environmental training center in an emerging Eco-village in Moldova. The center already serves as a regional hub for practical education in the fields of organic agriculture, energy efficiency, eco-construction and community development. It includes a kitchen/dining area and meeting space to accommodate up to 60 individuals at a time. Thousands of people visit our training centre during the year and most of the times it is absolutely for free.
Lack of knowledge and industrial agriculture have degraded Moldova's previously fertile black soils. Inefficiently built houses make it extremely hard for people to pay ever-rising energy bills. Trust and social cohesion in communities is crumpling and youth see no opportunities. This leaves people hopeless and drives migration, especially from rural areas. In 20 years about a quarter of population moved abroad. Very few positive examples of building vibrant resilient communities are visible.
The Environmental Training Center serves as a demonstration and resource platform for sustainable development. Change-makers from Moldova and abroad will exchange innovative ideas and learn about permaculture, natural building, water management, climate change, social entrepreneurship and more. Over the past year our small trainings sparked up initiatives throughout Moldova, like urban gardens, eco-houses and youth-driven community projects. The Center will expand our capacity & impact.
This project will support the local community through job creation and educational opportunities. Engaging local women in construction and hosting visitors will allow them to earn an income near their families, not abroad. The Center will gradually become self-sustaining and will enable creation of further social entrepreneurship and green business initiatives. This project will give more people hope to stay in Moldova and develop their home country together with a supportive community.
