1. Collective Stewardship of Land

"If humans are going to solve the climate crisis, one of our beliefs that need questioning is our relationship to land"

Private ownership of land has been destructive, not least for first nations people. Private ownership of land often leads to environmental destruction and to social isolation (loneliness will be our next pandemic),

Housing should not be a commodity - it is a basic right. The gap between rich and poor has become increasingly unequal largely due to the commodification of housing for investment. Besides this injustice, the concept of land ownership is unthinkable for many indigenous cultures who recognise that we can no more own the land than it can own us. At most, humans can be stewards of the land, caring for it but never owning it.

So why would we prop up a system that is responsible for ecological and social harm?

Each community will be different, but we hold onto our land ownership model tightly. All buildings (except for those on wheels), and the land is owned by non-profit which is based on a Community Land Trust (CLT) model.

Philanthropists loan money to EVA, for the purchase of the land and any improvements and building. Income is then generated by rentals and/or community business and activities. This income covers operational costs and paying back loans.

This structure makes it impossible for individuals to benefit from the sale of land, which means that the land is essentially locked away in perpetuity for environmental care.

People cannot buy into an Eco Villages Australia community. Rather, we operate on a contribution model where all land is owned collectively through the non-profit.

The model is beneficial for a number of reasons:

• Long term conservation of land. Private owners who look after country do a great job; but that job usually ends with one of the 4 'D's. Death, Divorce, Developers or Decision. One of these things means that the land is sold to a developer or the cattle farmer next door, which destroys all the good ecological work done in the past.

• Prevents sale of lots. Selling lots within the property most often leads to breakdown in community over time as lots are sold or bequeathed to people who may have different values from the community as a whole.

• Allows the movement away from the concept of 'owning' land and towards an understanding of being stewards and caretakers of the land.

• Sharing keeps costs down.

• People who are wealthier do not have more say in the community.

• Money loaned comes back to the loaners, and so they are free to work on another project.

• If circumstances change it is easy for residents to leave.

• Rental income is spent to benefit the eco village residents and visitors rather than banks, shareholders or land owners.

• The model is financially sustainable and fair.

Collective ownership of the eco village is both philosophically and practically aligned with the Eco Villages Australia vision.

---

Article 1 of 6. Next article - 2. Collaborative Housing