If we are not part of the solution, we are part of the problem. The GEN-South Asia office is up and running in the Sarvodaya headquarters complex near Colombo, Sri Lanka. We have begun correspondence with various organizations and people throughout the South Asia region and are getting many responses from interested parties. We are currently building a Library Resource Centre on eco-villages and related subjects. The response was mostly enthusiastic, with at least 3 new youth environment societies being formed.
Land is available and people are eager to begin the work of eco-village development.
What seems most needed is simple, concrete how-to information on permaculture, better home gardening, alternative technologies, etc. With the huge wealth of knowledge in all the traditional villages of South Asia, along with the numerous organizations that are trying to uplift and awaken the people, we hope to document and disseminate basic information that can be of use throughout the region. Though neglected in recent years due to lack of funds, we are hoping to revamp this large site in the hope that it soon may be a Living and Learning Centre for eco-village development. O ne of the many projects Sarvodaya is involved with is the production of educational toys like this turtle made from recycled rubberwood. Sarvodaya has worked with villagers to come up with a number of designs and have provided initial advice, materials and a marketing service.