The Ecovillage Talk Series, hosted by Gaia Ashram and the Global Ecovillage Network Oceania & Asia (GENOA), is a collection of insightful discussions aimed at exploring various facets of ecovillage living and sustainable community development. These talks feature experiences and reflections from practitioners across Asia & Oceania, offering valuable perspectives on building regenerative and resilient communities.
Through these dialogues, the Ecovillage Talk Series provides a platform for sharing knowledge, challenges, and successes, fostering a deeper understanding of sustainable living practices and community resilience. You can watch all the previous talks here.
Previous topics and talks
Ecovillages & Neighbourliness: This talk features Robin Allison, founder of Earthsong Eco-Neighbourhood in Auckland, sharing insights from her community’s 24-year journey of balancing internal cooperation with outward engagement in a mainstream township. The session explores how a mature cohousing project is evolving its practice of “neighbourliness” to build resilience beyond its own boundaries, drawing on lessons from the global GEN Ecovillage Resilience Project. (Read the article about it here)
Women as Wisdom Keepers: In this episode of Ecovillage Talks, we journey into Lantan Village’s inspiring transformation through women-led, community-rooted ecotourism. The conversation highlights how women, as wisdom keepers, are redefining sustainable development—grounding it in local knowledge, resilience, and the courage to shape change from within. (read full article)
The Wisdom of Listening: Join Kavitha Urvasie Selvaraj from Alaya Ecolodge, Bali, and Om Sunisa from Gaia Ashram, Thailand, as they explore how deep listening nurtures understanding, collaboration, and transformation in community life. This talk invites us to slow down, listen with presence, and rediscover connection as the foundation of regeneration. (read full article)
Intergenerational Community: Discover how three generations at Narara Ecovillage in Australia live, learn, and lead together. This conversation explores the wisdom shared across ages—how elders, adults, and youth co-create community life through relational learning, inclusive decision-making, and everyday acts of care. It highlights how governance, education, and connection weave a living fabric of belonging across generations. (read full article)
Building Community: Learn the development of Reed Blossom Eco Community in Nam Chung, Hong Kong, by a group transitioning from city life to rural, land-based living. The talk covers their use of natural building techniques, such as constructing a communal kitchen with clay, straw, and reed, involving over 100 volunteers. It also details the community’s practices in collective communication and organization. (Read full article here)
Inner Regeneration: Emphasizing the importance of personal well-being and inner work as foundational to cultivating truly regenerative communities. For instance, a discussion with Amena Anantishi Bal, from the TI Ecovillage, India and part of the Trustee Board of the Global Ecovillage Network, highlighted how inner clarity and balance are essential for sustainable community building. (article – recordings)
Community Revitalization: Showcasing efforts to rejuvenate traditional communities through ecovillage design principles. An example includes the work of Boniface Gomes and the Bangladesh Association for Sustainable Development (BASD), integrating sustainable practices to transform local communities and inspire broader regional change. (article – recordings)
Collective Leadership: Exploring the transition from individual leadership to shared governance within ecovillages. Insights from the Pun Pun Community in Thailand illustrate how embracing collective power contributes to the sustainability of community life. (article – recordings)
Realizing Ecovillage Dreams: Discussing the journey of turning ecovillage aspirations into reality, with reflections on starting small, listening to inner callings, and bridging vision with action. The experiences of Project Awe in Northern Vietnam serve as a testament to this process. (article – recordings)
Mindful Living in Harmony with Nature: Peace and Permaculture Dojo in Isumi, Japan, founded by Kai Sawyer, offers a space for reconnecting with nature and living simply. Daily tasks like chopping wood and fetching water foster mindfulness and deep engagement with the environment. The community encourages slowing down, reflecting on purpose, and embracing a harmonious way of life. (article – recordings)
