Greatly appreciate this. I just returned from Portugal, having decided NOT to immigrate or join an intentional community (there are many) largely for the reasons you describe. The privilege assumed by “expats” (as opposed to “other immigrants” 🙄) is embarrassing at best and contributing to rising anti immigration sentiments at worst. The Portuguese people are clearly struggling to keep up with escalating costs. One of the most extreme examples was a community that promised to protect members from the harms of a changing climate. Entry price $100,000.
This is an insightful look into a small version of colonialism attempted by the rich/upper-middle class in the hopes of building their dream homes in these poor or low income areas from their economically unstable countries.
As you can see, even in urban areas, wealthier people have more access to green areas and nature views. This is just a reflection that with heavy industrial development, pollution, etc. the price tag of pristine nature and unpolluted areas is going to rise. To be fair, it is usually not done with malicious intent, just unconsciousness.
I'm so glad you wrote this piece. This has been circling in my consciousness for a while and I hear too few people talking about this.
If we really want to make a lasting impact - integrating lessons from the past - we MUST be able to transform this issue in a locality-benefiting strategy and vision.
Bart, I'm glad your eyes are open to this. I want to go beyond naming the problem and start offering solutions. I'll continue to work on these kinds of gaps in hopes of empowering real community-led development initiatives.
I haven't been able to visit many EcoVillages myself, but have definitely suspected such things when looking at their online representation. Sad to hear I might have been right, but thankful that you're bringing it to light.
I will definitely be keeping this in mind when we get to our village building here in the Ozarks.
Absolutely needed article! Real gem! It calls for a systemic approach and radical honesty- something many initiatives lack today. The focus is on eco-villages and eco-gentrification, and yet, the same can be applied to many modern projects that sound nice but stink when we approach closer if we have the wisdom and courage to be honest.
I’m from O‘ahu originally but moved to Hawai‘i (island, “the big island”) a decade ago. The rampantness of what one Kumu Hula I know calls “Bliss Ninnies” and their exclusive, appropriative, and colonial “communities” is almost unbelievable. It is settler colonialism and anyone considering (or already) participating in it needs to reckon with that reality. I am grateful for this article and want to encourage deep compassion for *everyone* involved. Let’s love so much that we’re willing to tell (each other) the truth. And then, let’s act with integrity within that truth.
1. 'Neocolonialism & Gentrification' vs 'Growth orientation/mindset':
I realize this happens all too often, where people are like "ok just ignore the screaming child & turbo-blast them with higher consciousness, because of the "you can do it/overcome" observer effect, the problem will go away eventually & you/i can continue along our path(s)"
where is the line between that - & simply pandering to people with victim-mentality (like outsider crab vs or king crab vs crabs-in-a-bucket type of scenario) - & simply ignoring the fact that what we do actually causes suffering?
because i am personally/internally FRAUGHT with suffering & coping mechanisms - but there isn't a bone of 'outspoken/activist' within me X-D i prefer to 'just go away & find another solution with whatever energy/resources i have left'...
but this problem/occurrence is HUGE
which brings me to the next point
2. High performance ('not dimming one's light for others') engines & elitism & 'classiness':
Some people just have the good fortune, luxury & genetics to be like https://tampahhills.com/ - an exclusive 'dream/model society' that apparently is also an 'open gated community'. but to be able to afford to live there, one must have millions of dollars just to buy a plot of land & to build a 'dream house' X-D
the next tier is their 'sister company' of pre-made/pre-planned houses which are about Euro350K/each - still out of reach of most people
Needless to say, most of the 'community members' there are Europeans (i sometimes feel culturally oppressed or depressed look at how they do things with so much leverage - low parental pressure, lots of support & FREE EDUCATION - but has that got anything to do with THEM? i don't think so.)
But they clean the surrounding land + water, build free schools for the locals, etc. (lol idk if this falls under 'white savior neo-colonialism just following what the Indonesian law stipulates' so it's just eco-friendly colonialism all the way LOL, snorts) but it doesn't feel 'right' to me to be cynical about it... i think they're just meeting criteria & playing the game as best they can for self-fulfillment
Which is unlike A LOT of 'intentional/spiritual communities' that drain me energetically, don't appear to 'see me' properly, drag me & my energy/attention about within the frames of 'intimacy' & overall just leave a bad taste in my mouth & horrible feeling in my gut & pockets (no financial opportunities, backwards thinking, co-dependent or passive-aggressive tendencies, hypocrisy - sorry, Burning Man is so farcial now that if I go, I go straight to the 'rich people camps' or 'those that my good friends are at' - i just want to follow 'the magical vibe' for 'worthwhile connections' in the 'psychological romance of the open desert (OMG give me a luxe campervan with airconditioning hahahha)'.... The Burn itself is a dumpster...
So... as it turns out it's really all just 'personal spiritual practice' & some of us are just luckier with our dealt-cards than others, or play our cards better... the correct dispositions/orientations/opportunities for {whatever wants expression} in a more suitable environment... pfft zzz
Very thoughtful and well-written piece, Nicole. Yes, this is definitely the case, and we cannot expect to escape this consumption-driven lifestyle by relocating to another country. It is in all of our societies (and in our core, as we've been raised in that way) and we have to challenge it from the inside (societally and psychologically).
We might end up living in Portugal, Costa Rica or back in Spain, we don't know at this point, but wherever we end up, we want to become "indigenous" to those places, in the way we're all citizens of the world and care for the wellbeing of the environment, other species and our own species and culture. That would entail learning the local language and engaging with the locals in fair ways. This is a must. I wouldn't feel comfortable living a luxury life in a deprived environment because my euros are worth more there than in my country. I want to do something good and beautiful with them, if I can't do it where I come from because of regulations and high prices.
It's funny how the displacement works. In Valencia the cost of living and rents are becoming impossible for many people now as expats from other countries come to live there. It's quite similar to Lisbon actually. We have the enormous fortune of owning a flat that cost a fraction of what is now the current market prices, which allows us to rent it and be able to travel (being very mindful of our expenses though), and the girl that is staying at our flat is an American expat who makes five times more money than we do but who has left her hometown in the US because she couldn't afford rent there. It blows my mind how it's all cascading.
Hi Nicole, thanks a lot for your detailed thoughts on ecovillages. As we, my wife Juliane and me, are visiting San Mateo in two weeks, they will help a lot. But to be honest we as Germans are victims of urban gentrification also. We can´t afford buying land or renting houses anymore in Germany. W choose to give it a try in Mexico, two years ago, but only found real estate, luxury projects or simply and more often .... real fraud. So if San Mateo will not be our choice, we might visit you on the Wild Seeds ranch. But it would only be a visit again, as we as germans don´t have a green card for living in the US.
You've managed to articulate exactly what I've observed in my travels. I avoid these places and people like the plague, unable to articulate as well as you have here why they are doing more harm than good.
I’ve never been to an ecovillage for the reasons you state. Unless it’s designed by locals or is very integrated into local culture i’d rather just visit as a tourist and learn the culture to the extent that I can. The world and my world need less western supremacy
I've only read the introduction. And I think I have stuff to say, but right now there's this migraine and there's housework that refuses to be a single and wants at least to be an extended mix; maybe an album of extended mixes. Subscribed, though. That should mean that at least my imagination is through your door and there might be an offer of chai. And the photo of that tent! Can you be in love with a tent?
A great slap-in-the-face article. Thanks for your work Nicole and for the courage to tell it the way it is. My best, Vic D.
I hope it wasn't too scathing. I hope that criticism can be a constructive rather than destructive force
Forgot to say, I especially love your insights and advice on how to do it right! Would like to learn more about Indigenous lead initiatives…
Greatly appreciate this. I just returned from Portugal, having decided NOT to immigrate or join an intentional community (there are many) largely for the reasons you describe. The privilege assumed by “expats” (as opposed to “other immigrants” 🙄) is embarrassing at best and contributing to rising anti immigration sentiments at worst. The Portuguese people are clearly struggling to keep up with escalating costs. One of the most extreme examples was a community that promised to protect members from the harms of a changing climate. Entry price $100,000.
This is an insightful look into a small version of colonialism attempted by the rich/upper-middle class in the hopes of building their dream homes in these poor or low income areas from their economically unstable countries.
As you can see, even in urban areas, wealthier people have more access to green areas and nature views. This is just a reflection that with heavy industrial development, pollution, etc. the price tag of pristine nature and unpolluted areas is going to rise. To be fair, it is usually not done with malicious intent, just unconsciousness.
Dear Nicole,
I'm so glad you wrote this piece. This has been circling in my consciousness for a while and I hear too few people talking about this.
If we really want to make a lasting impact - integrating lessons from the past - we MUST be able to transform this issue in a locality-benefiting strategy and vision.
I'm on your side finding ways to make this work.
Thank you for your work!
Love, Bart
Bart, I'm glad your eyes are open to this. I want to go beyond naming the problem and start offering solutions. I'll continue to work on these kinds of gaps in hopes of empowering real community-led development initiatives.
Beautiful. Let me know if you need a sparring partner ;).
Sparring collective, even ? -)
Its a secret
Top article, very informative & insightful! I love the paragraph with the title "Being Neocolonial", on point!
I think this is a brilliant, hilarious and courageous piece! 😂😂❤️ Well done, Nicole!
Thankful as ever for your insights!
I haven't been able to visit many EcoVillages myself, but have definitely suspected such things when looking at their online representation. Sad to hear I might have been right, but thankful that you're bringing it to light.
I will definitely be keeping this in mind when we get to our village building here in the Ozarks.
I think you switched around the C and G in your titled, so instead of Eco-Gentrification it could be Ego-Centrification
Absolutely needed article! Real gem! It calls for a systemic approach and radical honesty- something many initiatives lack today. The focus is on eco-villages and eco-gentrification, and yet, the same can be applied to many modern projects that sound nice but stink when we approach closer if we have the wisdom and courage to be honest.
I’m from O‘ahu originally but moved to Hawai‘i (island, “the big island”) a decade ago. The rampantness of what one Kumu Hula I know calls “Bliss Ninnies” and their exclusive, appropriative, and colonial “communities” is almost unbelievable. It is settler colonialism and anyone considering (or already) participating in it needs to reckon with that reality. I am grateful for this article and want to encourage deep compassion for *everyone* involved. Let’s love so much that we’re willing to tell (each other) the truth. And then, let’s act with integrity within that truth.
A couple of thoughts:
1. 'Neocolonialism & Gentrification' vs 'Growth orientation/mindset':
I realize this happens all too often, where people are like "ok just ignore the screaming child & turbo-blast them with higher consciousness, because of the "you can do it/overcome" observer effect, the problem will go away eventually & you/i can continue along our path(s)"
where is the line between that - & simply pandering to people with victim-mentality (like outsider crab vs or king crab vs crabs-in-a-bucket type of scenario) - & simply ignoring the fact that what we do actually causes suffering?
because i am personally/internally FRAUGHT with suffering & coping mechanisms - but there isn't a bone of 'outspoken/activist' within me X-D i prefer to 'just go away & find another solution with whatever energy/resources i have left'...
but this problem/occurrence is HUGE
which brings me to the next point
2. High performance ('not dimming one's light for others') engines & elitism & 'classiness':
Some people just have the good fortune, luxury & genetics to be like https://tampahhills.com/ - an exclusive 'dream/model society' that apparently is also an 'open gated community'. but to be able to afford to live there, one must have millions of dollars just to buy a plot of land & to build a 'dream house' X-D
the next tier is their 'sister company' of pre-made/pre-planned houses which are about Euro350K/each - still out of reach of most people
Needless to say, most of the 'community members' there are Europeans (i sometimes feel culturally oppressed or depressed look at how they do things with so much leverage - low parental pressure, lots of support & FREE EDUCATION - but has that got anything to do with THEM? i don't think so.)
But they clean the surrounding land + water, build free schools for the locals, etc. (lol idk if this falls under 'white savior neo-colonialism just following what the Indonesian law stipulates' so it's just eco-friendly colonialism all the way LOL, snorts) but it doesn't feel 'right' to me to be cynical about it... i think they're just meeting criteria & playing the game as best they can for self-fulfillment
Which is unlike A LOT of 'intentional/spiritual communities' that drain me energetically, don't appear to 'see me' properly, drag me & my energy/attention about within the frames of 'intimacy' & overall just leave a bad taste in my mouth & horrible feeling in my gut & pockets (no financial opportunities, backwards thinking, co-dependent or passive-aggressive tendencies, hypocrisy - sorry, Burning Man is so farcial now that if I go, I go straight to the 'rich people camps' or 'those that my good friends are at' - i just want to follow 'the magical vibe' for 'worthwhile connections' in the 'psychological romance of the open desert (OMG give me a luxe campervan with airconditioning hahahha)'.... The Burn itself is a dumpster...
So... as it turns out it's really all just 'personal spiritual practice' & some of us are just luckier with our dealt-cards than others, or play our cards better... the correct dispositions/orientations/opportunities for {whatever wants expression} in a more suitable environment... pfft zzz
Very thoughtful and well-written piece, Nicole. Yes, this is definitely the case, and we cannot expect to escape this consumption-driven lifestyle by relocating to another country. It is in all of our societies (and in our core, as we've been raised in that way) and we have to challenge it from the inside (societally and psychologically).
We might end up living in Portugal, Costa Rica or back in Spain, we don't know at this point, but wherever we end up, we want to become "indigenous" to those places, in the way we're all citizens of the world and care for the wellbeing of the environment, other species and our own species and culture. That would entail learning the local language and engaging with the locals in fair ways. This is a must. I wouldn't feel comfortable living a luxury life in a deprived environment because my euros are worth more there than in my country. I want to do something good and beautiful with them, if I can't do it where I come from because of regulations and high prices.
It's funny how the displacement works. In Valencia the cost of living and rents are becoming impossible for many people now as expats from other countries come to live there. It's quite similar to Lisbon actually. We have the enormous fortune of owning a flat that cost a fraction of what is now the current market prices, which allows us to rent it and be able to travel (being very mindful of our expenses though), and the girl that is staying at our flat is an American expat who makes five times more money than we do but who has left her hometown in the US because she couldn't afford rent there. It blows my mind how it's all cascading.
Hi Nicole, thanks a lot for your detailed thoughts on ecovillages. As we, my wife Juliane and me, are visiting San Mateo in two weeks, they will help a lot. But to be honest we as Germans are victims of urban gentrification also. We can´t afford buying land or renting houses anymore in Germany. W choose to give it a try in Mexico, two years ago, but only found real estate, luxury projects or simply and more often .... real fraud. So if San Mateo will not be our choice, we might visit you on the Wild Seeds ranch. But it would only be a visit again, as we as germans don´t have a green card for living in the US.
Thank you and all best
Heiko Hellwig and Juliane Spitta
This is exactally what we needed. Thank you. More please. Big Hugs from Pun Pun Ecovillage in Thailand...
You've managed to articulate exactly what I've observed in my travels. I avoid these places and people like the plague, unable to articulate as well as you have here why they are doing more harm than good.
I’ve never been to an ecovillage for the reasons you state. Unless it’s designed by locals or is very integrated into local culture i’d rather just visit as a tourist and learn the culture to the extent that I can. The world and my world need less western supremacy
I've only read the introduction. And I think I have stuff to say, but right now there's this migraine and there's housework that refuses to be a single and wants at least to be an extended mix; maybe an album of extended mixes. Subscribed, though. That should mean that at least my imagination is through your door and there might be an offer of chai. And the photo of that tent! Can you be in love with a tent?