What is an Eco Community?

An eco community is a residential community designed with ecological principles at its core. Unlike conventional developments, eco communities prioritize environmental sustainability, sustainable living, renewable energy, and collective decision-making to create spaces that benefit both residents and the environment.

Eco communities can range from small intentional communities to larger developments, but all share a commitment to minimizing ecological impact while maximizing quality of life and social connection. At OASA, we build eco communities that go beyond sustainability to actively regenerate ecosystems through regenerative principles.

Key Features of Eco Communities

Ecological Design

Eco communities use regenerative design principles to create systems that actively restore ecosystems. This includes water retention landscapes, agroforestry, renewable energy systems, and rewilding practices.

Renewable Energy

Eco communities typically generate their own renewable energy through solar, wind, or other sustainable sources, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and creating more resilient energy systems.

Community Governance

Eco communities practice collective decision-making, often through DAO governance or consensus processes. Members participate in shaping the community's direction and practices.

Sustainable Food Systems

Many eco communities produce their own food through regenerative agriculture, agroforestry, and permaculture, creating food security while restoring soil health.

Eco Community Portugal: OASA's Approach

OASA is building eco communities in Portugal that demonstrate regenerative commons economics in practice. Our eco communities feature:

• Land in Perpetual Trust: Held in perpetual commons through perpetual land trust structures
• Tokenized Access Rights: Tokenized access rights enable financing while maintaining commons structure
• Regenerative Practices: Following regenerative principles that actively heal ecosystems
• Community Values: Built around shared values of stewardship and regeneration

Eco Communities Near Me

OASA's eco communities are located in Portugal, with projects in Alentejo (Traditional Dream Factory) and plans for expansion. These communities welcome members from around the world who share values of ecological restoration and sustainable living.

Our eco communities integrate coliving and remote work infrastructure, making them ideal for digital nomads, expats, and anyone seeking a more sustainable lifestyle.

Benefits of Eco Communities

• Lower Ecological Footprint: Shared resources and sustainable practices reduce individual impact
• Stronger Social Bonds: Community living creates deeper connections and mutual support
• Resilience: Self-sufficient systems make communities more resilient to external shocks
• Quality of Life: Connection to nature, meaningful work, and healthy living
• Ecological Restoration: Communities actively heal and restore ecosystems

Eco Community vs. Traditional Development

Traditional developments prioritize profit and convenience, often at the expense of ecological health. Eco communities prioritize:

• Ecological restoration over extraction
• Community well-being over individual profit
• Long-term sustainability over short-term gains
• Regenerative practices over maintenance

Related Terms

• Ecovillage - Intentional sustainable communities
• Sustainable Community - Communities designed for sustainability
• Sustainable Living - Sustainable lifestyle practices
• Regenerative Commons Economics - Economic model for eco communities
• Community Values - Shared values in communities
• Coliving Portugal - Community living in Portugal