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Dear Friends of Sustainability:

On Sept. 20-25, 2004 the Global Ecovillage Network 
http://gen.ecovillage.org will host what is likely to be a watershed 
event at Hollyhock, Cortes Island, B.C., Canada 
http://www.hollyhock.ca.

The theme of the Conference, Ecovillage: Translation to the 
Mainstream, is expected to attract a cross-section of green builders, 
planners, and architects, intentional community activists, co-housing 
enthusiasts, alternative energy OEM manufacturers, gov't agencies, 
financial institutions, foundations, NGOS, academics and 
philanthropists committed to social change.

The Conference itself will provide an intimate environment to network 
and interact with experts in the exciting emerging field of 
sustainable development known as "Ecovillages". Max Lindegger recent 
recipient of Australia's prestigious Centenary Medal for Sustainable 
Community Development and co-developer/designer of the UN Habitat 
award winning Ecovillage "Crystal Waters" will be among the notable 
presenters.

The Global Ecovillage Network's (GEN) mission statement reveals the 
essence of Ecovillages:

"We are creating a sustainable future by identifying, assisting, and 
coordinating the efforts of communities to acquire: social, 
spiritual, economic and ecological harmony. We encourage a culture of 
mutual acceptance and respect, solidarity and love, open 
communication, cross-cultural outreach, and education by example. We 
serve as a catalyst to bring the highest aspirations of humanity into 
a practical reality."

GEN has over 15,000 Ecovillages which are members of its network and 
a wide range of affiliations, including Findhorn. In 1998 Ecovillages 
were first officially named among the United Nations' top 100 listing 
of Best Practices, as excellent models of sustainable living.

I encourage you to visit 
http://www.ecovillage.org/conference/index.htm and register today!

Best wishes,

Russ Purvis
GEN N. American Conference
Facilitator