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An experience at GAIA: Discovering the Ecovillage in the Heart of Kosovo

In late August, I had the privilege of visiting the GAIA ecovillage, a fascinating self-building project in the mountainous heart of Kosovo. My visit, though brief, was a deep immersion into the world of bio-construction, self-building, and direct connection with nature. It was a journey that allowed me to reflect on the beauty of living simply, sustainably, and in harmony with our surroundings.

GAIA: A sustainable self-building project

Founded about ten years ago by Jelena and other creatives, GAIA is an ecovillage developed on the initiative of a group of people determined to create a self-sufficient community away from the consumerist logic of urban life. It was built using only local and sustainable materials in accordance with the principles of bioconstruction, a practice that favors ecological and low-impact solutions.

Located in a mountainous and isolated region of Kosovo, GAIA is surrounded by green hills and mountains, a landscape that gives the village an atmosphere of tranquility and distance from the noise of the modern world. The ecovillage is not only a home for its residents, but also a tangible example of how it is possible to build and live sustainably.

Living at a slower pace: “Live with less“

GAIA perfectly embodies the concept of “living with less,” a philosophy that calls for reducing material consumption to focus on the essentials. Every day, community members engage in a variety of activities, divided into groups that cook, clean, care for animals, maintain facilities, and, of course, provide for themselves. Self-reliance is a core value, and each community member actively contributes to the collective well-being.

In addition to the daily activities, I got to know some groups of young people hosted by GAIA as part of Erasmus+ projects. These young people, from different parts of Europe, participated in permaculture and bio-construction courses, learning practical and theoretical techniques that they can apply in their future life experiences. Sharing knowledge and returning to one’s roots is an integral part of the village’s philosophy, which aims to create not only a community, but also an education in sustainability.

Art in the ecovillage: An expression of sustainable living

Another aspect that struck me during my visit was the role that art plays within GAIA. Not only as an aesthetic expression, but also as a means to explore and communicate the connection with nature. Several works of art made from recycled or natural materials can be seen in the common areas of the village. Art in the ecovillage is therefore not just a decorative element, but a form of visual communication that embodies the principles of sustainability and respect for the environment.

A return to the roots: A Transformative Experience

What makes the experience at GAIA unique is the feeling of returning to the roots, a disconnect from the hectic, consumerist world that often weighs us down. Living in a place where everything is reduced to the essential, where nature is at the center, and where every daily gesture is done with awareness and respect, offers an incredible sense of freedom and serenity.

Personally, the experience was extremely enriching, both humanly and emotionally. The beauty of the landscape, the simplicity of the daily activities, and the closeness to nature allowed me to reflect on our impact on the environment and the need to return to a more authentic lifestyle, less conditioned by consumerism.

Concluding the journey…

In a world where environmental challenges seem insurmountable, GAIA offers a concrete testimony to how it is possible to live in harmony with nature, reduce our ecological impact, and build a robust and self-sufficient community. It is not just a physical place, but an idea that can inspire anyone looking for an alternative to modern life, an invitation to rediscover the value of the land, collective work and simplicity. My short stay in this ecovillage was a life lesson, an opportunity to pause, reflect and above all “live with less” in order to appreciate more what really matters.

First decade of existence of GAIA:

This year GAIA is also celebrating its first decade of existence, and to mark the occasion, a series of events and workshops will be organized between the end of April and the beginning of May this year. Some of the topics will include permaculture, biodiversity, gardening; but also dialogues and concerts on solidarity, volunteerism and related to climate change.

Find more on: https://www.gaiakosovo.org/