Environment
Fracking – extraction of gas using ‘unconventional’ drilling methods. Now widespread in the United States and Canada and spreading around the world, as new energy sources are sought by governments. Has lead to widespread protests and opposition around the world.
Links to:
Global Frackdown – international action group. And…
Frack-Off: Extreme Energy Action Network. UK-based group opposed to fracking.
Russian arts community. They describe it as:
“ ‘Guslitsa’ – creative community of a new type, which brings together representatives of creative professions – architects, musicians, artists, curators, directors, actors, producers, journalists and others.
As a project, ‘Guslitsa’ – a community, art institutions and cultural and educational tourist center. The goal – to create an environment of communication for the revival of culture of the region by involving local people in cultural international processes. Creative Estate ‘Guslitsa’ is also the seat of the International Art and implementing a number of programs in the field of art. The estate is situated in a picturesque location surrounded by pine forests, rivers and lakes. On the territory of the estate Creative practiced conventional international laws of ecology.”
Links to their main website, which offers lots of info about their community and guest opportunities.
Artecolonia. A Bulgarian project suggesting a ‘middle way’ between art and nature as a sustainable way of life. It is an initiative is open to people who are aware of their place in the environment in which they live, which ask questions and seek answers.
This is a very grandly conceived utopian city that is being gradually developed in Southern India.
It was founded in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa (known as “The Mother”) and designed by architect Roger Anger. However, it is not without its problems.
Their aim is: “Auroville wants to be a universal town where men and women of all countries are able to live in peace and progressive harmony above all creeds, all politics and all nationalities.
The purpose of Auroville is to realise human unity.”
Links to the official site and a commentary on the problems faced in Auroville.
Orgiva in Spain has long been a destination for new Travellers and hippies. Badulina is one community there, started by a Dutch guy, Melchior Hof.
Links to their Facebook page and a video. There are more about Orgiva, especially on Vimeo.
Baeredygtig Udvikling: bu.dk is a comprehensive Danish portal that focuses on the environmental, economic, social and political developments in Denmark and Globally. Lots of information that can be translated into English.
There’s now a book, ‘An Adventure Shared’, published by Diggers and Dreamers about the life, struggles, highs and lows of this community (1985-2010 compiled by Rachel Rowlands). Bamford Community is based in the Derbyshire Dales in England.
A link to the book and to their website which includes a short video with nice pics and stirring music!
Australian performer/artist/eco-activist. On the frontline of artistic eco-protest since the late 1960s. Founded the Nimbin Aquarius Foundation linking the Rainbow Region of Australia with Woodstock in the USA.
Links to his own website and a great video of him talking about his art – and masks from the ‘Dark Side’.
Interesting article about Bhutan’s agricultural goal: “In 2011, the tiny mountain nation of Bhutan announced a lofty goal: make the country’s agricultural system 100 percent organic by the year 2020. If it succeeded, it would be the first country in the world to achieve the feat.”
Here’s a link to a Reuter’s article and to a video.
Boom Festival in Portugal takes place every two years at present. An important site for permaculture, EDM and new kinds of environmental/global thoughts!