Ecovillages: Resilient Approach to Sustainable Rural Development In Indian Contex

Abstract

Nature was self-sustained by well balanced ecological cycle until human intervention disturbed the natural ecosystem resulting in environmental damage. Therefore, it is essential to develop a community living in a balanced harmony by resolving these issues at grass root level through adopting sustainable management practices. Keeping this as focal objective, this communication is intended to address the necessity and development of ecovillage to restore ecological sustainability, harmonious living and economic stability. The review holistically describes the principles, dimensions and components that can transform an existing village into an resilient ecovillage. Adopting these dimensions and components can explicit the connectedness of an individual to social and ecological structure. Each component of ecosystem has its own importance which is designed and integrated optimally linking economy, society and ecology that makes the system self-sufficient. The concept of ecovillage is self-reliant which aids to meet most of the self needs towards building a sustainable future encouraging ruralization.