Our Story

The Global Ecovillage Network of Ukraine (GEN Ukraine) is a national organization founded in 2018 that unites approximately 60 ecovillages across the country. Our mission is to create resilient and self-sufficient communities that live in harmony with nature, using regenerative practices to ensure sustainable living.

Our Principles

• Permaculture: We employ permaculture methods to create sustainable agricultural systems that minimize environmental impact.
• Regenerative Agriculture: We restore natural ecosystems through regenerative farming and agroforestry.
• Social Responsibility: We build communities based on sociocracy and non-violent communication principles.

Climate Impact

1. Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions

   • Renewable Energy: We use solar, wind, and bioenergy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
   • Energy Efficiency: We implement energy-efficient technologies in construction and resource management.

2. Biodiversity Conservation

   • Regenerative Farming: We enhance soil fertility and biodiversity by integrating forest systems into agroecosystems.
   • Protecting Natural Landscapes: We safeguard natural landscapes from degradation and development.

3. Land Use Changes

   • Reducing Deforestation: We support reforestation programs and reduce deforestation.
   • Sustainable Land Management: We adopt sustainable land management practices that preserve soil and water resources.

4. Education and Awareness

   • Training Programs: We organize training programs for local communities and youth on sustainable development and climate protection.
   • Environmental Education: We conduct environmental education for children and adults, fostering ecological awareness.

Our Climate Impact Metrics Report in Github

Our Achievements

• Community Spaces: We develop shared spaces for regenerative practices and learning, such as the Om Center in Tepla Gora, Soul Space in Busha, and children's spaces in Svyachene and Vasylivka. Youth volunteer camps such as the Circle of Forest and craft workshops such as Kazkove, Byshkin, Velyka Rodyna, and Kupelia. We are supporting and developing 20 more common spaces.

We have installed or are in the process of installing in the last 12 months:

• 10 solar stations in the villages (Charivne, Omelyanivka, Zeleni Kruchi, Prostir Lyubov, Vasylivka, Tepla Hora, Ladoslavne, Zhyvy Dom, Zhyva Hata)

• 6 power stations Bluetti 600 Whatt, used as an alternative to diesel generators in blackout conditions

• Multifunctional batteries and power banks for routers, developed based on bike workshops

• Innovative Technologies: We implement water collection and recycling systems like VodaLab, providing clean water for communities.

Allocation of Funds for Gitcoin Grants Round #GG21: Climate Solutions

We plan to allocate the raised funds to the following initiatives:

1. Climate Solutions Conference: At the end of September, we will hold a conference at the Hlyboki Balyky eco-station titled "Ukrainian Eco Makers Camp: Making Things Work During the War." (Coordinator Bogdan Popov) The conference will cover topics such as energy, water, food, community, and biodiversity.

Create and publish a catalogue of climate solutions in our communities in the context of war. (Coordinator Maksym Zalevskyi)

2. Installation of Rainwater Harvesting Systems: We plan to install rainwater harvesting systems in six common spaces:

   • Omelianivka (Coordinator: Oleksander Stepanov)
   • Vasylivka (Coordinator: Andriy Koyda)
   • Velyka Rodyna (Coordinator: Olga Sklez)
   • Byshkyn (Coordinator: Borys Shestopalov)
   • Kazkove (Coordinator: Ivan Reshta)
   • Charyvne (Coordinator: Olga Redko)

3. Solar Stations in Frontline Areas: Solar stations will be installed in three spaces facing significant electricity problems:

   • Vasylivka (Coordinator: Andriy Koyda)
   • Svitankove (Coordinator: Vyacheslav Bohdanov)
   • Byshkyn (Coordinator: Borys Shestopalov)

4. Windmill in Ladoslavne: A windmill will be installed in the Ladoslavne settlement, which has been affected by bombing, to provide an alternative energy source. (Coordinator: Anatoliy)

Challenges and Prospects

We face numerous challenges, particularly the need for scientific research to validate our practices. However, with the support of international funds and crypto grants, we can continue to develop our ecovillages and expand our impact.

List of Our Mistakes in Implementing the First Round of Gitcoin Grant here

Operating Under Difficult Conditions

Since our founding, we have been operating under extremely challenging conditions, including war, migration, blackouts, and severe economic and energy crises. In these circumstances, our decentralized network has become a vital source of resilience and survival amidst societal collapse.

Conclusion

GEN Ukraine strives to be a leader in sustainable development and climate protection. Our communities exemplify how to live in harmony with nature, reducing negative environmental impacts and creating a sustainable future for generations to come.