2. Definition Small communities of people who share common spiritual, economic and ecological values. these are not neighborhoods, but communities that encompass about 50-150 people.

3. Which are the goals ? Support the development of ecovillages around the world. Advocate for sustainable communities in public forums. Build strong international, national and regional networks of ecovillages. Develop Living and Learning Centers worldwide, to promote hands-on participatory education in sustainable living.

4. How it appeared An ecovillage appeared when a group of friends who shared the same vision of a positive alternative for residential development. The mission of ecovillage is creating a sustainable future. Robert C. Gilman is a thinker on sustainability. The Global Ecovillage Network is a global association of people and communities dedicated to living in harmony with the environment. Their aim is to support and encourage the evolution of sustainable settlements.

5. How it works An ecovillage usually relies on: "Green" infrastructural capital; Autonomous building or clustered housing, to minimize ecological footprint; Renewable energy; Permaculture.

6. Ecovillages in Portugal To promote the development of sustainable human communities in Portugal. Facilitate the exchange of information and collaboration among all members, Portuguese and belonging to the worldwide network. Disseminate the concept of the ecovillage, practices, and demonstration centers; Encourage systems that integrate ecology, education, mechanisms for participation in decisions, spirituality, and environmental technologies and businesses.

7. Ecovillages in the world Germany Scotland Canada U.S.A. Australia Senegal (Dakar) United Kingdom Sweden

8. Conclusion Local purchasing so as to support the local economy; Local food production and distribution; Moral purchasing to avoid objectionable consumption; Consensus descision-making for governance; A choice to respect diversity.

9. Green City Is a citydesignedwithconsiderationofenvironmentalimpact. Inhabitedbypeoplededicated to minimizatingrequired inputs ofenergy, water, food, airpollutionandwaste.