Ecovillages
The ValdiChy Project was born to attract creative people to settle in the Valchiusella. People with open minds; positive thinkers with a pioneering spirit; practical dreamers with the desire to experiment with a new way of living; enthusiastic individuals or groups willing to contribute their talents and ideas to create a new and positive example.
An ideal valley where ecology, health and harmony of the mind, body and spirit, blossom in every form of art and craft. A place where solidarity, innovative and ecological technology, sustainability, collaboration and respect between institutions and citizens, are not just a hope for the future but are, as in Damanhur, a daily and concrete reality.
Thanks to the Federation of Damanhur, the Valchiusella is fast becoming a reference point for a New Renaissance of human, social and spiritual values. Every year more and more people, families and groups are deciding to come and live in the Valchiusella attracted by the possibility of realizing their ideals. The Valchiusella is where, those who dream of a healthy future for our planet, are actively making it a reality.
Once known as "Val di Chy", the lower Valchiusella has a particular geological and energetic configuration with interesting natural and historical characteristics. It is easy to imagine it as a new legendary and mythical valley, where humans live as gods, in perfect harmony and communion with the spiritual Forces of Nature and the Cosmos.
With these ideals in mind, the volunteer staff of the ValdiChy Project are working to help people who decide to come and settle in this beautiful valley. They are available to help non-Italians overcome initial difficulties, to help them find suitable housing solutions, adapt to the cultural and economic panorama of valley life and, where possible, to set up businesses in cooperation. The Val di Chy and the Synchronic Lines
A collaboration of permaculture teachers has resulted in the offering of a Permaculture Design Certificate at Marda Permaculture Center in Palestine. Teachers and dryland experts from Australia joined with Marda founder Murad Alkhuffash, bringing together Arab and Australian students. Murad’s farm combines traditional Middle Eastern agricultural techniques with modern permaculture concepts. His goal is to empower Palestinians to produce healthy food for themselves without using any environmentally damaging fertilisers or pesticides. The site produces organic fruit and vegetables and incorporates rainwater harvesting, a covered nursery and compost production.
Abant Izzet Baysal University Architecture Department in Bolu, Turkey, hosted the third Gaia Education International Workshop on Sustainable Living. 
The response to this workshop from both the students and the organisers was remarkable. Specially the social dimension of sustainability attracted the attention of the participants as being a new concept for Turkey. The written evaluations from the workshop participants - the barometer of success- were extremely positive. Geographically, the workshop drew participants from around the nation. The participants profile included a cross-section of students, architects, urban planners, engineers, educators and social change activists.
