The description of the international community of veg ecotowns, which is the main program of the Veg State Vegland.

Introduction

The project is based on methods, concepts and trends of alternative ways of development in human civilization: eco-settlements, permaculture, organic farming, alternative energy, non-money economy, healthy lifestyle, spiritual and physical development practices, futurology, social visionary, concepts of Jacques Fresco, Peter Joseph, Ken Wilber, Clare Graves and his followers, as well as positive and social psychology, sociology, etc.

Based on collected information and personal practical participation in various projects, a program for creating a global community of eco-cities has been developed.

Why towns, not eco-settlements?

Today, about 50% of the world’s population lives in cities, while the most prepared part of humanity for change is:

Countries in which a significant part of society has already transitioned to the upper levels of Maslow’s pyramid of needs: spiritual needs: cognition, self-actualization, self-expression, self-identification. These are countries of Western and parts of Eastern Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, N. Zealand, Japan, and South Korea. In these countries, charity and the struggle for the environment are highly developed. State structures are under the control of society and respond to current needs of society. These are countries with “urban” civilization. A significant part of the population is concentrated in cities, and urban culture and lifestyle determine the entire socio-economic structure of these countries.

Countries that are approaching this model of society or due to sociocultural traditions have the prerequisite for the implementation of the project on their territory (a tolerant social atmosphere), for example, some Eastern European countries, India, Brazil, where the urban lifestyle is also gradually becoming the dominant trend.

Accordingly, it is precisely the format of eco-cities that will be most in demand and accepted by potential project participants, as more familiar and not requiring a fundamental paradigm and lifestyle change associated with eco-settlements, with their rural way of life.

The goal of the project is to change existing realities, and not try to immediately radically confront them.

Differences between these 2 formats are described further in the comparison table

	Parameters	Eco town above 500	Eco settlement less than 100
1	Resources аспект: availability of a sufficient amount of resources of all kinds for the development of all aspects of society: people, finance, status of the project, external connection.	Sufficient	Non sufficient
2	Internal economics : an opportunity to earn for oneself and for all the infrastructure not only through agriculture and hand crafts inside of the community.	A lot of opportunities	Few opportunities
3	External economics: creation of infrastructure for economic exchange with the external world (import/export of goods and services)..	Lots of potential	Small potential
4	Socio-psychological : sufficient number of members in the community to create social connections (friendship, partnership, interest communications, etc.)	Sufficient	Non sufficient
5	Socialаспект:Opportunities to create a common social infrastructure (kindergarten, school, first-aid post, sports ground, shops, concert hall, park, beach, club, cafe, etc.)	Enough opportunities	Limited opportunities
6	Material and economic : Opportunities to create a common base of material and economic resources (roads, public buildings, land improvement, centralized water and energy supply, mobile connection, internet) and the resources for its replenishment (cooperative, working group, startup, and others).	Enough opportunities	Limited opportunities
7	Financial and economic : Opportunities to create a common financial and economic base (social assistance fund and medical insurance, project development fund, education funding, insurance funds, etc.).	Enough opportunities	Limited opportunities
8	Resistance to external unfavorable circumstances: Political, economic and climate changes, force majeure (natural disasters and so on).	High	Low
9	Resistance to internal unfavorable circumstances:internal social conflicts, the	High	Low

Definitions of terms

An eco town, in the generally accepted meaning of this term, is a city designed taking into account the impact on the environment, inhabited by people seeking:

– compliance with the principle of reasonable sufficiency in the consumption of energy, water and food,

– exclusion of excessive heat, pollution of air, soil and water.

In our project, the concept of ecology also includes the ecology of human relations and the rejection of any form of violence, including against animals.

An eco–town can meet the needs of residents with minimal dependence on external sources, at the expense of its resources, and receive energy through clean renewable sources.

History and practice.

For the first time, the concept of an eco-city was used by Richard Register in 1987 in the book “Ecocity Berkeley: Building Cities for a Healthy Future”.

Over the next 30 years, the trend of designing and transforming the urban environment to environmental parameters continued and developed, and today in the world there are more than 40 existing or initiated projects for the construction or transformation of entire cities or urban areas. Almost all of these projects are located in the countries listed in the introduction and are implemented at the initiative of city authorities or as part of government programs.

None of these projects sets goals other than creating a favourable living environment for residents. Which in itself is wonderful, but not enough in terms of influencing the situation in the world as a whole.

Apart from this list are: the towns of Auroville (India) and the conceptual-philosophical, techno-futurological project “Venus” by Jacques Fresco (international).

Auroville is interesting in that the project is based on spiritual principles, but there are a number of limiting factors that do not allow the project to be implemented on a larger scale: the project format does not correspond to the request of many potential participants (for example, the rejection of private property in favour of the project) and religious philosophical ideology, which is mandatory for residents of the city.

Project “Venus” has already achieved the solution of many theoretical, research and media information problems. The practical implementation of the concept today is the creation of a centre in Venus City (USA), where technologies and methods are being developed.

In general, we share the philosophy and concept of the Venus project by Jacques Fresco. At the same time, unlike this project, which is aimed at the future and aimed at a global change in civilization in a certain long-term perspective through primarily technological innovations and solutions, we set ourselves the goal of practical implementation of the concept of creating eco-cities as the immediate and main goal for which our the project has been created and intend to do this through practical actions based on existing resources and technologies, which, in our opinion, are enough to begin the process of practical changes in the present.

Basic goals and principles

The purpose of creating the project and all its activities is to change modern civilization for the benefit of all mankind through a practical example of creating a new socio-economic and technological development model in the format of eco-cities.

The goal of each project participant is, among other things, personal development and the effective achievement of a common goal.

No goals and objectives of the project can conflict with universal interests and values ​​in any part and under no circumstances.

Principles of participation in the project

Participation in the project is voluntary.

Participation in the project does not imply financial benefits in the amount greater than necessary for a reasonable and sufficient livelihood.

The purpose of participation may not be to obtain any personal material and financial benefits.

A permanent participant in the project, employed in it for at least 30 hours a week for 10 months a year, is guaranteed full life support, including for legally incapable members of his family who are in his care.

Obligations of the project to the participants regarding their life support are maintained for the entire time of participation in the project and continue for life if the participant was forced to terminate participation in the project due to a force majeure, such as illness, injury, accident, loss of legal capacity for other reasons.

Eco town construction parameters

Potential population from 500 people (from 300 households). To decide on the start of construction, at least 100 candidates are required who have confirmed their participation in the project and made a preliminary contribution to the creation of a common infrastructure.

Area from 200 ha

A complete set of title documents for land ownership and permits for construction and land management.

The choice of location and conditions for the construction of an eco-town

The place for construction is selected by the initiative group and approved by the international coordination centre.

Land for construction can be transferred to the project by the state or organization as part of the project support or acquired by the project from the general project development fund.

A place for construction is selected according to the following criteria:

– maximum distance from any sources of environmental pollution

– suitable climatic conditions

– the availability of sufficient supplies of clean fresh water in nearby bodies of water and / or underground tanks

– suitability for agricultural activities

– loyal attitude of the local population and authorities

– availability of local building materials resources

– the possibility to establish transport infrastructure

4. The construction budget is drawn up and the sources and schedule of financing are determined.

5. Stages of construction:

Stage 1: dormitory for first settlers, general infrastructure and roads

Stage 2: development of land by residents

Stage 3: public buildings

Stage 4: improvement of public territories

Stage 5: buildings and infrastructure for the provided activities

Local government and the rights of residents

All local government structures are formed through open and public elections from among candidates, who are residents of the town on their personal initiative or consent.

The election procedure is common to all ecotowns and cannot be changed for one of the towns.

In the event of an absence of visible positive results for more than a month, the elected employee is replaced. The replacement procedure can be initiated by any resident of the town.

All residents of the town who have reached voting age, and who have the right to make decisions in accordance with the legislation of the country in which the city is located, may participate in the elections.

The term of authority of any elected post is 1 year. Further, the authority may be extended in the next election.

If the legislation of the country in which the city is located is in conflict with the rules of the project, the problem is solved on a case by case basis through negotiations with representatives of the state bodies and legal expertise.

In all other respects, the civil rights of residents are ensured in accordance with the laws of the country in which the city is located.

Property & Real Estate

The land which the city occupies and all surrounding territories is the property of the project (legal – international non-profit organization). This model allows for the protection the common interests of the population of the city and its individual residents from:

– attacks by any hostile persons or organizations

– Settling into the city by people who do not share the project values ​​and do not comply with the general rules of cohabitation in the town

– loss of property rights due to other circumstances

Principles and rules of property ownership

Land for the construction of the house is transferred to each resident of the town for free lifetime use in the amount necessary and sufficient for the construction of the house and the arrangement of the land in accordance with the number of family members in this household (from 1000 m2). The right to use agreement is written in accordance with the laws of the country in which the town is located.

All buildings built by residents on the territory provided to residents for the construction of houses are the property of their owners. If a resident decides to leave the town, the town or any of its residents has a priority right to buy out buildings at a price corresponding to the actual construction costs, taking into account depreciation during operation and the inflation rate of the currency in which the transaction will be settled.

Buildings can be inherited, sold or donated to any third party, provided that the new owner is ready to become a resident of the city under general conditions and to comply with all conditions for participation in the project. In this case, the lease of land on which the buildings are located is renegotiated to the new owner.

In the case of inheritance of buildings by a person who does not want to live in the town, the buildings are redeemed from him by the town or, if desired, by some of the residents or new members of the community at a price corresponding to the actual construction costs, taking into account depreciation during operation. If the heir does not agree to sell the building and live in the city according to the rules for residents, the land use right contract is terminated ahead of schedule and he will be required to dismantle and remove the building from the site.

Land for business purposes is allocated from the general fund of land for economic purposes of the town in adjacent or intracity territories on a rental basis.

The sizes of allocated plots are determined in each city based on the ratio of land area to town population.

At least 50% of the land at the beginning of the development of the town is reserved for population growth and can be transferred for temporary use or rent for household activities for residents of the town with the condition of return upon request of the town.

The remaining types of property are in the full possession of their owners and all property relations are regulated in accordance with the laws of the country in which the city is located.

Town structure and rules of life

The ecotown consists of houses and small-sized (up to 8 apartments) townhouses with plots. Apartment buildings in the city are not provided.

In the town center are public buildings.

Roads and life support structures will be laid according to the radial-ring scheme, as the most economical and convenient for use.

Only small pets are allowed at the sites, which do not cause disturbance to neighbors. Areas outside the town are reserved for dairy and service-decorative livestock and decorative poultry farming.

Residents are allowed to cultivate any crops and plants on sites other than those that may be potentially harmful to neighbors and the general ecosystem: difficultly eradicated weeds, plants with a strong unpleasant odor or that can trigger allergies in neighbors, etc.

All residents of the town endeavor to respect the general order within the ecocity and not disturb their neighbors with noise, loud music, lighting effects, strong smells, etc.

Plots in adjacent territories are intended for growing crops on a large scale.

For all uses of lands and territories, the norms and rules of ecology and permaculture are mandatory.

For all residents of the town, the norms and rules of household ecology are mandatory, as well as not using pollutants in the home.

Conditions for joining the ecotown project:

Compliance with the principles of ethical vegetarianism by all members of the family who will live in an ecotown or a resident if he is single.

Consent to abide by all the rules and regulations in the eco town for the entire period of residence in it.

Consent to make regular contributions to the common goals of maintaining and developing an ecotown.

Have sufficient funds or other capabilities to build at least the initial housing option for at least 3 years.

Have sources of independent income or pre-agree on the possibility of working in an ecotown.

Not use any substances toxic to consciousness: alcohol, tobacco, any types of narcotic and psychotropic drugs.

Consent to take part in joint work on landscaping and public buildings on equal terms with other residents within their physical capabilities.

Social protection

All residents of the town have the right to use the social security fund of the town budget in case of emergency (illness, natural disaster, accident, etc.)

The decision to allocate funds from the social protection fund is taken by the executive administrative body of the city government. If it is necessary to allocate a large amount, it is agreed in a town meeting.

All residents of the eco-city are also obliged to independently decide on their health and property insurance. The city budget social protection fund is an additional rather than the main source of assistance.

Technology and Life Support

1. Transport: on the territory of the city and adjacent lands belonging to the land use zone of the town and which are the property of the town, the use of any vehicles with internal combustion engines requiring gasoline, diesel fuel, etc. is prohibited, except hydrogen. Electric vehicles or bicycles are permitted.

The use of mounted or pack animals is permitted only on adjacent lands. Any large pets in the town cannot be kept and used as vehicles.

For trips outside the city, residents can use any transport, provided that it is stored outside the town and adjacent urban areas.

2. Energy: for all purposes of energy supply of the city and individual households, only renewable and non-waste sources are used: wind-hydro, etc. generators and solar panels.

Wind generators in the town can be installed in households only by agreement with the bodies of municipal government and with the consent of all the nearest neighbors.

Plants using biogas for heating purposes can be used only outside the residential town limits, not closer than 1 km from the nearest households only by agreement with municipal authorities.

3. Water use:

– water supply and drainage of public buildings is provided according to the situation, based on local conditions, centrally or autonomously

– water supply and drainage of personal households is provided at will and if available or centrally (in this case, residents using city water supply financially provide its construction and functioning) or autonomously

– with autonomous water supply and drainage, environmental standards and public interests must be observed in order to maintain a positive balance of water use.

4. Heat supply: issues of heat supply to all public and personal buildings of the town are solved by the installation of autonomous heating systems operating on electricity or solar energy. Heating systems operating by burning any type of fuel within the city cannot be used.

5. Communication:

– to provide communications to their households and organizations, local governments provide technical access to the Internet and mobile communications for their tasks

– to ensure communication for personal and professional purposes of residents, residents can either solve this issue independently or in a group to solve this problem in a cooperative manner, with the help of local government employees.

– technical communications should not explicitly interfere with the living conditions of those residents who do not feel the need for them

6. Disposal of municipal solid waste (MSW). In eco-cities, the use of any hardly decomposable substances, such as plastic, plastic, polystyrene as a material for disposable products, such as packaging products, etc. is prohibited. All other materials that constitute solid waste (metal, glass, paper, stone, earthenware) are collected separately and disposed of locally or by centralized disposal to the appropriate organizations.

7. Ecology. On the territory of the ecotown, the use of any substances harmful to the environment is prohibited, such as, for example:

– chemical, mineral fertilizers and agropesticides

– chemical agents for the control of rodents and insects

– synthetic detergents

– disposable batteries

– mercury-containing lamps

International Coordination Center

All activities of the international organization, which is the main legal and organizational structure of the project, are led by the International Coordination Center (MCC), which includes experts and representatives of major structures.

Members of the MCC are elected by open and public elections from among candidates, project participants, on their personal initiative or consent at the annual meeting of the fund, the delegates of which are representatives of ecotowns and major structures and units.

The term of office of any member of the MCC is 1 year. Further, the powers may be extended in the next election.

The operational management of the fund is carried out by project participants invited for this work by members of the MCC in the areas for which each of the members of the MCC is responsible.

The head of the MCC is the head of an international organization. The head of the MCC is also elected by open and public elections from among candidates, project participants, on their personal initiative or consent.

The organization’s activities are based on international law and in accordance with the laws of the country in which the organization is registered.

All the rules and principles of the project and the organization are governed by the charter of the organization and can be changed in accordance with the situation at the initiative of project participants.

Frequently asked questions and answers

Why is this project called “SURYAVILLE”?

         In Sanskrit “Surya” means “sun”, or “God of sun in the Vedic mythology”, in French “ville” means “town”. The sun is a source of life, energy and light. A town is the basis for the lifestyle for the majority of the population of the modern world.

         Moreover, this name demonstrates combination of the east and the west both in language and in culture: Sanskrit as an ancient language of spiritual texts and French as a language of international diplomacy.

Is it necessary to be an ethical vegetarian to participate in the project?

         Yes, it’s necessary, because the basis of project concept is the principle of non-violence towards all living creatures.

         So, only an ethical vegetarian can participate in our project. However, anybody who is not an ethical vegetarian yet but nevertheless thinks that the concept and goals of the project are right may be a volunteer.

What’s the difference between a participant of the project and a volunteer?

         A participant of the project is:

• a person who has decided to become a resident of an eco-town or to join the initiative group which creates an eco-town;
• an employee of a department or a focal point who is constantly, fully or partially, engaged in the project;
• an employee of a department or a focal point who is briefly engaged in the project but has a specific list of tasks and responsibilities.

A volunteer is any person who assists the project or participates in its work without taking any long-term obligations and areas of responsibility.

         It’s also important to note that participants of the project can work gratis.

The land is rented to residents of an eco-town for life with the right of inheritance. Why can’t it become their property?

         The point of the project is a certain lifestyle, and we have certain rules for living together in an eco-town. Land ownership is the only one opportunity for the project to control the composition of the residents.

         If the land becomes property of some individuals, there will be no mechanisms for preventing situations when people who don’t follow the lifestyle and rules of cohabitation can appear in an eco-town.

         Then, the land can be inherited by or sold to a person who doesn’t share the goals and tasks of other community members.

         We live in a community, and we don’t have legal rights and methods to affect other community members. However, we can put a key aspect of influence –land ownership – under the control of the whole community. In such a way we address all the residents’ interests.

How is the protection of land ownership for the project as a whole guaranteed?

         Legally, all the land plots where eco-towns will be built will belong to the international non-profit organization whose members are all participants of the project. Registered as international, this organization will be in the jurisdiction of the country where:

• the rights of the organization and all its members are legally reserved;
• the local laws promote activity of non-profit organizations;

         Also, due to the international status of that country and its real influence, the organization will be protected in other countries as well.

         According to the charter of the organization, no physical assets on the balance sheet of the organization, including land plots, may be sold.

         We also hope that some lands will be donated to the organization from sponsors or state institutions. In this case, the land may not become individual property.

Who will make the main decisions in the organization’s activities?

         All the employees in management positions will be elected to their positions for one year by the council of the organization which consists of representatives of eco-towns and their departments. They in turn will be elected by residents of eco-towns and employees of departments.

         Any participant or volunteer of our project can initiate discussion of any issue, including the authority and competence of any employee of the organization.

May residents of eco-towns keep and breed pets, birds and fish, including flesh-eating ones?

         Within a town, residents may keep small pets and birds, as it’s accepted in other towns, or breed ornamental fish in water bodies on the lands if their amount and special characteristics (like noise or smell) don’t interfere with other community members.

         Service or decorative breeding or keeping pets, birds and fish as economic activity (hatcheries, animal shelters and so on) may be organized at a reasonable distance from the town and if community members don’t mind.

         You may keep and breed flesh-eating pets only if its feeding is vegetarian. Many vegetarians keep flesh-eating pets, e.g. dogs and cats, and feed them vegetarian food: porridges, dairy products and so on.

What are principles of the establishment of the composition of the participants?

         They are the same principles for the project as a whole:

• Altruism;
• Non-violence;
• Service to the community;
• Healthy lifestyle;
• Сollaboration.

         Who may not live in our eco-towns:

• people who have mercenary purposes;
• people who represent the interests of any ethnic, political, religious or other group of people as priority of their participation in the project;
• people whose behavior causes conflicts;
• people who are unable to cooperate with other members of the project and not ready to work for the development of consolidated solutions;
• representatives of any groups and social communities which are not approved by the majority of the participants;
• people who try to create their own pressure groups and take personal leadership;
• people who promote any religious or political doctrine.

How will residents of an eco-town who are not citizens of the country in which the project takes place reside in the country where their eco-town is situated?

         All residents of our eco-towns will get visa support through work visa registration as an employee of non-profit organization or other legal resident who is registered in the country where the project takes place.

Will there be some temples, churches and so on for followers of different denominations in eco-towns?

         Our project is non-denominational. There may not be any priorities on any ground, including denomination. That’s why land plots won’t be allocated for the construction of worshipping places. Followers of any denominations may gather in their homes for conducting their faith-based rites and so on.

Who makes decision whether a candidate may become a resident of an eco-town?

         In the first phase, each candidate will be approved by participants of an initiative group on the creation of an eco-town. As the number of participants increases, each eco-town will elect its local government, and then new candidates will be approved this way.

How will residents of an eco-town work and support both themselves and their families?

         There are the following options:

• Remote work. Our team of experts can teach anybody different variants of remote work like:

         – online-teaching and consultations,

         – programming,

         – internet-marketing,

         – online commerce

         – remote work as a technical specialist.

• Remote work in an office of some company
• Work in the project VEGLAND.
• Work in life support services in the eco-town.
• Service sector for the residents of the eco-town.
• Cultivation of agricultural products for the needs of the residents and for sale.
• Local manufacturing jobs: wood processing, pottery, eco-production and so on.

Who will build houses and public buildings, forge all the service lines and so on? How can a resident of an eco-town build his or her own house without necessary skills?

         We have already formed a team of builder-vegetarians that will be tasked with the construction of the main buildings.

         If it’s necessary, local building organizations with all required licenses will be hired too.

         Residents can hire any contractors to build their own houses or they can do it independently.

         The organizers of the project will provide all necessary assistance to hire contractors, suppliers of building materials and so on.

How will be start-up financial resource of the project provided?

         The main sources are:

• donations of eco-activists who understand the benefit of the project for humanity
• grants from international charity organizations;
• membership contributions for creation of total infrastructure.

How will the life support of the town, including heating, water and energy supply, sewerage, solid waste disposal be organized?

         The issue of life support in public buildings and elements of urban infrastructure will be solved organizationally at the expense of the town budget.

         Residents of an eco-town will be provided with sewerage and solid waste disposal under conditions of payment for these services depending upon extent of provided services, like in other populated centres.

         There are two variants for heating, water and energy supply:

1. Residents can use stand-alone devices observing the conditions of environmental use of resources.

2. Residents can submit an application to local government. In this case, a centralized life support program for each type of life support will be developed and implemented on the principles of self-sufficiency and through additional financing from residents who decid to take part in this program. Before this, the number of willing people and technical capability of infrastructure should be taken into account.

Where will the participants of the project live before they build their own houses?

         The eco-town project includes blocks of two-storey townhouses with one or two room apartments which will be the property of the town.

         The first residents of the eco-town will live in these houses before they can build their own houses (no more than three years).

         Rentals for the first six months will be provided free of charge (except for fees for life support and upkeep of the territory).

         Then residents will pay rent at the rates determined by the local government.

         Thereafter, these houses will be rented to new participants and young families and also used as accommodation for our guests.

         Here you can see the architectural design of townhouse https://suryaville.net/en/our-townhouse/