E C O T O P I A

Sheshory 15/08 - 04/09.2003

In Summer 2003 Ecotopia, for the first time in its history, came to a former Soviet Union country. A biggest international camp in Europe on ecological and social issues, Ecotopia has been traveling from country to country for 13 years already.

It is not only a camp, but a summer university, created by joint efforts of 300-2000 activists from all over Europe, and world. It provides space to exchange experience, distribute information, discuss and do some practical work. Ecotopians try to create a sustainable community - in decision-making, ecological living, vegan and vegetarian food and support of local population and empowering local groups.

Ecotopia has its own economic system called "Ecorates". "Ecorates" is an alternative economic system based on living standards and income of people involved in the network rather than financial markets, which means that you pay for e.g. food at Ecotopia the same amount as you would pay for it in your own country.

In Summer 2003, SVIT went West - it was our first project outside our traditional geography. Together with Green Dossier and EYFA we were involved in preparation and organization of Ecotopia.