The thesis presents contributios to the research of ecovillages that have always overcome research.
In theory, I present what ecovillages are, how they differ, how they are linked to the Global
Ecovillage Network. I also present the design of community in three selected ecovillages, namely
Schweibenalp (Switzerland), Svanholm (Denmark), Sieben Linden (Germany), as it is one of the
basic themes in ecovillages. Another basic feature is sustainability, on which the performance of
ecovillages is based on. Ecovillages are very diverse from one another and in my thesis, I mainly
write about volunteering, as it is essential for ecovillages to work. So, I discussed the theme of
volunteering on its own and researched general information about this social act and affiliated it
with ecovillages, taking an interest in the experience of volunteers who worked in different
ecovillages. The main findings of the thesis are that volunteering in ecovillages is not traditional,
as the volunteer receives something in return for its work, which is usually in the form of providing
stay or food or it is covered by alternative European funding. I am also figuring out, that with
volunteering the main goal is not only for acquiring more work experience, nor seeking
volunteering tourism, the main motivation of volunteers is to seek an opportunity to try out
everyday life in ecological and sustainable community. Volunteering in ecovillages alone makes
sense, as it solves the problem of doing the work that the villagers don’t have time for. With
volunteer work outside visitors gain new knowhow about how an alternative community that has
it basis on the principles of sustainable living, works. Even though the outsiders see ecovillages
mostly idealized, their testimonies and experiences with life in ecovillages show us more realistic
views on their work. Mostly we can see issues with building the right communication between the
villagers and volunteers. For an in-depth identification of everyday issues in eco-communities we
would need to spend a longer amount of time there and also start researching this way of life, as
today it is gaining on popularity.
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