Sustainable Ecoville Management: definition and governance
administration, sustainability, ecovillages
This study seeks to understand the contemporary ecovillage phenomenon from a practical-theoretical perspective by crossing information between the survey of the last decade's bibliographic production on the subject and the case study of an ecovillage. By examining the texts on ecovillages and the practices of a group of individuals and their components, it is possible to verify the projection and definition of ecovill as a contemporary phenomenon and to identify the main problems related to the sustainable management of an ecovill. This research contributes to the triangulation of ecovillages and sustainable management at the theoretical and practical levels and provides an updated definition of ecovillages. The main problems are raised and the importance of conflicts and the comprehension of practical sustainability for the governance of an ecovillage and its consequences in the conviviality agreements through qualitative research are discussed. As a result, it is clear that ecovillage governance decisions, because of their perennial commitment to sustainability, are complex and must appreciate not only the economic and social dimensions but also the ecological, cultural, organizational and worldview dimensions of its members.