The start of a new network
On a mild late summer day we find ourselves talking in 3 languages with 40 people. Some were already familiar, others were completely strangers until now. Over tasty vegetarian meals we chat, get to know each other, tell stories and exchange our ideas, dreams and experiences.
During the two days of the meeting there are presentations and workshops, and also exercises and games aimed at getting to know each other, identifying basic values, and defining objectives and activities for the network of eco-communities in Belgium. And in the evening we are gathered around the fire pit with a drink and a song, and good company.
A delegation of 3 people came from the Netherlands to share their experiences about building a GEN organization (Global Ecovillage Network).
The weekend of 11 and 12 September in ‘Het Abtshof’, eco-community in Borlo was organized by people from ‘Samenhuizen’, ‘Habitat et Participation’, an Ecolise activist and volunteers and members of start-up groups and eco-conscious communities.
This first physical meeting between BelgEco enthusiasts feels stimulating, and feels like a historic moment that we later might remember as “We were there”.
This event would not have been possible without the efforts of the volunteers to prepare the place, the cooking crew who provided five delicious meals, and the cleaners. Thanks for that, and also thanks to the people of ‘Het Abtshof’ for their hospitality and commitment.
We consider this late summer moment with participants from all over Belgium as the reinforcement and further development of the BelgEco Network. From here, plans are drawn up for recognition as a division of GEN Europe, and for promoting eco-communities in our country.
L.J.
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