Author: Ripess Europe
Welcome Back!
As the summer days end and we step into the vibrant colors of fall, we’re excited to reconnect with you! We hope you had a season filled with relaxation, adventure, and plenty of sunshine. The same time though we are aware that it was a very difficult summer since wars are going on in neighboring countries, and the extremely high temperatures negatively impacted most European countries, the agricultural sector and the population. In this edition, we’re bringing you the latest updates, and projects Ripess Europe is engaged in, mostly related to the climate crisis and the end of the ruling development paradigm as we know it. The emerging need and power of “care” towards environment, humanity and the next generations will be our main focus.
Let’s dive in and make the most of this new chapter!
We share with you an experiential report from Ripess members who participated in the Global Ecovillage Network European Gathering, held in Ångsbacka, Sweden. The event focused on fostering Social Solidarity Economy values within the ecovillage movement, with a central theme of “embracing the radical act of slowing down”. Participants aimed to shift away from the fast-paced demands of capitalism and consumerism, and instead, explore sustainable living and resilience.
Workshops covered diverse topics, from food communities to social permaculture and appropriate technologies. emphasized the importance of resilience in the face of modern crises, offering hope through connection and alternative ways of living.
In continuation and relevant to natural disasters, where many countries suffered due to permanent droughts, we present the project “Dialogue and Action Against Wildfires”, implemented in Greece in four villages in Messinia prefecture of Peloponnese, which demonstrates the positive impact of community-based approaches. The project incorporates local knowledge and participatory planning to enhance resilience, develop disaster scenarios, and create inclusive responses that involve all social groups, including vulnerable populations. By fostering community collaboration and strengthening social cohesion, the project aims to improve disaster preparedness and response.
Looking ahead, the article advocates for supporting community-based initiatives, promoting inclusive policies, continuous collaboration between communities and authorities, and investing in capacity-building resources. Empowering local communities with tools and training will lead to stronger disaster resilience and protection for people and the environment.
Moreover, the YOU(th) CARE for Change project is presented, its main aim is to empower young people as active global citizens and “caretakers” of the future. It supports youth-led initiatives in multiple countries, recognizing young people as essential agents of change in addressing today’s complex global challenges, including economic, social, environmental, and cultural crises and finally we present the Looking up project that focuses on SSE’s presence in both rural and urban areas, promotes active citizen participation and demonstrates the transformative impact on communities, fostering both social and economic benefits.
