Lanjut EcoVillages * Malaysia

Lanjut EcoVillages ... Put very simply, the idea of an "EcoVillage“
is a Community whose Members try to provide a high quality lifestyle without taking more from the Earth than they give back!


Friday, April 27, 2012

What is an Ecovillage?

What is an Ecovillage?:

'via Blog this'



WHAT IS AN ECOVILLAGE?


EcoVillages are urban or rural communities of people, who strive to integrate a supportive social environment with a low-impact way of life. To achieve this, they integrate various aspects of ecological design, permaculture, ecological building, green production, alternative energy, community building practices, and much more.

Findhorn ScotlandHuehueCoyotl MexicoThlolego South Africa
Findhorn, ScotlandHuehueCoyotl, MexicoThlolego, South Africa

Background

The motivation for ecovillages is the choice and commitment to reverse the gradual disintegration of supportive social/cultural structures and the upsurge of destructive environmental practices on our planet.
For millenia, people have lived in communities close to nature, and with supportive social structures. Many of these communities, or "ecovillages", exist to this day and are struggling for survival.
Ecovillages are now being created intentionally, so people can once more live in communities that are connected to the Earth in a way that ensures the well-being of all life-forms into the indefinite future.
Ecovillages are one solution to the major problems of our time - the planet is experiencing the limits to growth, and our lives are often lacking meaningful content. According to increasing numbers of scientists, we have to learn to live sustainably if we are to survive as a species. The United nations launched its Global Environment Outlook 2000 report, based on reports from UN agencies, 850 individuals and over 30 environmental institutes, concluding that "the present course is unsustainable and postponing action is no longer an option."
Ecovillages, by endeavoring for lifestyles which are "successfully continuable into the indefinite future", are living models of sustainability, and examples of how action can be taken immediately. They represent an effective, accessible way to combat the degradation of our social, ecological and spiritual environments. They show us how we can move toward sustainability in the 21st century (Agenda 21).
In 1998, ecovillages were first officially named among the United Nations' top 100 listing of Best Practices, as excellent models of sustainable living.

*******************************************

Social/Community

The social dimension of an ecovillage

Ecovillages are communities in which people feel supported by and responsible to those around them. They provide a deep sense of belonging to a group. They are small enough that everyone feels safe, empowered, seen and heard. People are then able to participate in making decisions that effect their own lives and that of the community on a transparent basis.
Bolivia Community

Permaculture project at an ecovillage in Bolivia. In South America, the sense of community as seen in this picture is as an example to any intentional ecovillage in the world.
Community means:
  • Recognizing and relating to others
  • Sharing common resources and providing mutual aid
  • Emphasizing holistic and preventive health practices
  • Providing meaningful work and sustenance to all members
  • Integrating marginal groups
  • Promoting unending education
  • Encouraging unity through respect for differences
  • Fostering cultural expression

"Among intentional communities, the more socially motivated ones are reacting to the alienation of the individual due to institutionalization of traditional support functions, the breakdown of the family, and the marginalization of the weaker members of society. They tend to emphasize re-establishing "community" and are closely associated to the co-housing movement. The latter is closer to the mainstream and represents the easiest first step for many."
Ross Jackson


Ecological

The ecological dimension of an ecovillage

Ecovillages allow people to experience their personal connection to the living earth. People enjoy daily interaction with the soil, water, wind, plants and animals. They provide for their daily needs - food, clothing, shelter - while respecting the cycles of nature.
Ecology means:
  • Growing food as much as possible within the community bio-region
  • supporting organic food production there
  • Creating homes out of locally adapted materials
  • Using village-based integrated renewable energy systems
  • Protecting biodiversity
  • Fostering ecological business principles
  • Assessing the life cycle of all products used in the ecovillage from a social and spiritual as well as an ecological point of view
  • Preserving clean soil, water and air through proper energy and waste management
  • Protecting nature and safeguarding wilderness areas




Culture/Spirituality

The Cultural/Spiritual dimension of an ecovillage

Most ecovillages do not place an emphasis on particular spiritual practices as such, but in their own ways ecovillages respect and support - the Earth and all living beings on it; cultural and artistic enrichment and expression; and spiritual diversity.
Cultural and spiritual vitality means:
  • Shared creativity, artistic expression, cultural activities, rituals and celebrations
  • Sense of community unityand mutual support
  • Respect and support for spirituality manifesting in many ways
  • Shared vision and agreements that express commitments, cultural heritage and the uniqueness of each community
  • Flexibility and successful responsiveness to difficulties that arise
  • Understanding of the interconnectedness and interdependence of all the elements of life on Earth and the community's place in and relation to the whole
  • Creation of a peaceful, loving, sustainable world




Economic

The Economic Dimension

As local groups and communities create their own local scrip currencies and exchange systems, they learn about economist’s deepest secret: money and information are equivalent --- and neither is scarce!
--- Hazel Henderson

The Ecovillage economy is quite robust and full of vitality compared to other local economies.
Economic Vitality means:
  • Keeping the money in the community,
  • Circulating it through as many hands as possible,
  • Earning it, spending it, and investing it in member-owned retail and service businesses,
  • Saving it in home-grown financial institutions.


Video of Land and development around Lanjut EcoVillages Sites

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Google+ Page of Lanjut EcoVillages * Malaysia




Google+ Page of Lanjut EcoVillages * Malaysia





Go to:

to check out

more Photos + Videos of the Project Site at Lanjut, Kuala Rompin!





Lanjut Beach EcoVillage * Final Proposal







Final Layout Plan of Beach EcoVillage





Beach Chalets

Pond Chalets








Original Layout Plan








Lanjut Riverside EcoVillage * Final Proposal







Final Layout Plan of Riverside EcoVillage







Original Layout Plan


PROPOSAL for LANJUT EcoVillages



PROPOSAL for LANJUT EcoVillages


**********************************************



LANJUT LAND

Plot A                        8.836 ac Beach Land
Plot B                        3.213 ac Beach Land
Plot C                        4.648 ac Riverside Land (+ 4.0 ac TOL Land)



**********************************************



LANJUT BEACH EcoVillage 
at PLOT A (8.836 ac)


          * Beach Resort *
             
             Reception / Office 
             Coffee House/Restaurant c/w Kitchen
             Pub / Disco 
             Business Center
             Conference / Meeting Rooms              
             Games Room
             Service Shop
             Sport / Fishing / Dive Shop
            
             Guard House 
             Maintenance/Staff Quarters

             Facilities:

             Swimming Pool
             Spa Center / Gym
             Conferences / Meetings
             Birthday + Wedding Functions / Celebrations
             
           * Beach Villas *

                5 Nos. Premium 2-Bedrooms S-D Beach Villas …… 10 Bedrooms
                            c/w View to the Sea!
                4 Nos. Premium 2-Bedrooms S-D Pond Villas ……..   8 Bedrooms
              17 Nos. Standard 2-Bedrooms S-D Villas …………… 34 Bedrooms
              14 Nos. 4-Bedrooms 2-Storey S-D Villas ………...….. 56 Bedrooms
                                                                                         
                                                                                         Total:  108 Bedrooms                                        

               Landscaped Central Garden 
               c/w Large Scenic Fish Ponds, Wakafs, Children Playgrounds &     
               Jogging Tracks

           *  Lim Family Beach Villa *

               1 No. 3-Bedrooms Beach Villa               


**********************************************



LANJUT EcoVillage Project 
at PLOT B (3.213 ac)


               Staff Quarters  *  Male / Female Dorms
               
               Eco Farming   Agro Farming / Fruit + Organic Farming
                                           Animal / Poultry Farming
                                        
               Horse/Pony Stables  *  3-6 Stalls


**********************************************



LANJUT RIVERSIDE EcoVillage 
at PLOT C (4.648 ac + 4.0 ac TOL Land) 

             * Riverside Resort *              

                Reception / Office
                Seafood Restaurant/Cafe c/w Kitchen
                Boat Stores / Parking (for Large + Small Boats) 
                Fishing / Diving Center

                Eco Farming   Aqua Farms / Fish Ponds 
                CareTaker Unit

             * Riverside Villas *

                  5 Nos. Twin 2-Bedrooms Villas ……………………. 10 Bedrooms
                20 Nos. 1-Bedrooms Villas …………………………..  20 Bedrooms
                                                                                         
                                                                                         Total:     30 Bedrooms                                        
                Landscaped Central Garden 
                c/w Large Scenic Fish Ponds, Wakaf & Children Playground

                 Facilities:
                 Boat Rental for Fishing + Scuba Diving Trips
                 Boat Launching
                 Boat Storage 


**********************************************



PROPOSED ACTIVITIES for EcoVillages

Sea / River :   Boating 
                        Fishing
                        Scuba Diving
                        Snorkeling
                        Canoe / Kayaks
                        Jet-Ski
                        Wind Surfing
Land:             Volleyball (Beach)
                        Beach Jogging / Trail Walking
                        Jungle Tracking to Forest Reserves 
                        Horseback Riding
                        Biking (2/3 Wheelers)
                        Bicycling Trips
 
Others:           Golfing at Adjacent Lanjut Golf Resort
                        Environmental / Educational / Adventure Tours
                        Night Star Gazing
                        Rejunavating Spa!
                        ‘Birds’ Watching!

Special Activities Arranged for Packages:

                        Corporate Package
                        Family Package
                        Birthday Package
                        Wedding Package
                        Holidays Package


                                 ***


FOOD * WINE * WOMAN * SONGS !!!

                           Be Happy !


**********************************************



MANAGEMENT / MAINTENANCE For EcoVillages




Proposal for Management / Maintenance of Properties / Grounds

Management
Management Staff
Service Staff
Security Guards
Cleaners / Rubbish Disposal
Gardeners / Landscape
Utilities Payments (Water / Electricity)

Maintenance
Cleaning of Rooms + Properties 
Maintenance of Grounds / Gardens / Landscaping etc.
Maintenance of  Equipments, Services eg. Water / Electricity / Sewer etc.

Allowance for Sinking Fund (Replacement)
Property + Furnishings Replacement
Equipments / Services Repairs
Re-painting of Properties

Special Conditions / House Rules
Usage of Common Facilities 
Damages to Properties
Nuisance to Others eg. Noise


**********************************************



ECO / ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURES

*           Recycling
             -    Rain Water
             -    Timber / Trees
             -    Compost

*           Energy Conservation
             -    Solar Heating
             -    Ceiling Fans

*           Natural Materials
              -    Timber / Log Construction
              -    Attap Roof Cover / Asbestos Free Cover
              -    Straw Mat Ceiling

*           Furnishings / Finishes
              -    Timber
              -    Rattan
              -    Terracotta Tiles / Pots
              -    Finishing Nets, etc

*            Landscape (Soft & Hard)
               -    Coconut Trees (Existing)
               -    Palms / Ferns
               -    Beach Plants (Collect from Beach)
               -    Drift Wood / Rocks
               -    Water Feature / Fish Ponds
               -    Timber / Log Scape & Furniture
               -    Play Structures


TIMBER USAGE / FEATURES

 Construction
-     Tanalised Timber
-     Termite Treatment
-     Rounded Edges
-     Use of Natural Logs for Huts, Fencing, Walls etc.




DEVELOPMENT THEME * EcoVillages


DEVELOPMENT THEME


ECOVILLAGES 


In order to fully understand the complexities inherent in this Development Theme it is necessary to examine its, two main aspects independently. Firstly we shall examine the idea of creating and marketing Villages and then we shall examine the idea of giving the development a marketing edge by making it ecologically friendly.


Villages 

The word Village automatically conjures up a variety of attractive images.  
In recent years the trend in Residential Developments within Malaysia, and particularly the new townships of Putrajaya and Cyberjaya, has been towards the creation of garden cities with attractive landscaping sophisticated infrastructure and generous open space provisions. It is now a necessity from a marketing viewpoint to create Residential Developments that place an emphasis on landscaping and open spaces. Yet it cannot always be possible for independent developers to make generous gestures towards open space provision without jeopardizing the commercial viability of their projects. 

In addition to their ability to conjuring up attractive images, Villages also have other attractive qualities. They are practical. They are of an human scale that gives them great appeal. They have sensible provisions with regard to open spaces and community facilities and their survival as traditional forms of settlement is testimony to their commercial viability.
Village life was never the exclusive reserve of the wealthy or well connected. On the contrary, most village housing was built to serve the working communities. It was for agricultural laborers, railway workers, plantation workers and estate workers. The houses were basic, amenities were scarce and yet the communities were united and strong, and the quality of life is still the subject of envy to this day. 

We would all like to propose a return to a bygone era of low density housing and wide open spaces filled with an abundance of mature trees and fragrant flowers. And yet there is a hard commercial reality from which we cannot escape.  

In recognizing that commercial reality, we believe that it need not be necessary to compromise our ideals or to create yet another bland and characterless development of which there are already so many unmemorable examples.

And so the theme of creating a series of Villages is born. Villages that can serve all communities, rich and poor alike. Villages that are of a human scale. Villages, the residents of which, feel that they are part of a community and not merely a statistic in yet another mass housing development.

  
EcoVillages

Having established the idea of breaking down what is in reality a massive dense Residential Development into a series of smaller Villages, each with the potential to develop its’ own unique character, we look towards the Eco part of our theme.

Put very simply the idea of an EcoVillage “is a community whose members try to provide a high quality lifestyle without taking more from the Earth than they give back”.

Ecologically sensitive developments are rapidly gaining popularity in Developed Countries, in particular in the United States and in Europe. They are often associated with alternative lifestyles and as such are not always regarded as having relevance to mainstream property developments. And yet they are now beginning to have genuine mass appeal. It is becoming fashionable to be concerned about global issues of sustainable development and many of the eco ideas and ideals are gaining mainstream acceptance.
Unlike the traditional supporters of Ecologically sensitive developments this new wave are not society dropouts living a reclusive lifestyle in harmony with nature but are often highly educated professionals holding well paid jobs who have come to see the wisdom of applying some restraint to their lifestyles. They are not interested in trading in the conveniences of their modern lifestyles to save the planet. Rather they see ecological issues as relevant and important and are willing to participate, and be seen to participate, within certain pre-determined limits.

Eco lifestyles may not appear relevant in our Malaysian Context and yet there are some aspects that are worth considering. It is possible to see from the above model of new converts to eco-issues how ecologically sensitive developments could become trendy, even in Malaysia. Malaysia lags far behind with regard having a groundswell of Western style pioneers of alternative lifestyles. Yet if we skip that entire generation it is entirely possible to imagine Malaysians joining the eco-bandwagon in the form of highly educated professionals holding well paid jobs who have come to see the wisdom of applying some restraint to their lifestyles.

Even with the optimistic view expressed above, we must be realistic in admitting that there is a period of education and acceptance to be endured before Ecological issues can become marketable in Malaysia.

It is this role as educator which we believe could give this development its’ marketing edge. The show village gives us an ideal opportunity to showcase some of the ideas contained in Ecologically sensitive developments as optional extras for future developments. Many ideas may be unpalatable to the local market, but there will almost certainly be a few which are attractive and which become widely adopted. From humble beginnings, and despite lukewarm public response, it is possible that the one or two ideas that are adopted will make the developments genuine EcoVillages. The ideas could make this development of  residential units the only example of an ecologically friendly development in the Malaysia. 


GRA Architects Sdn Bhd

  

LANJUT EcoVillages * MISSION + VISION




LANJUT EcoVillages - MISSION



Uniting communities, conservation and sustainable travel, Lanjut EcoVillages aim to promote responsible travel.

Our Mission:

Lanjut EcoVillages promote responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improve the well-being of local people by:
  • creating a network of individuals, institutions and the tourism industry;
  • educating tourists and tourism professionals; and 
  • influencing the tourism industry, public institutions and the general public to integrate the 
  • principles of ecotourism into their operations and policies.
  • promoting responsible travel and ecotourism, supporting sustainable development,
    and helping travelers and travel providers protect the cultures and environments they visit.
As Malaysia's first EcoVillage, Lanjut EcoVillages seek to be the main source of knowledge and advocacy uniting communities, conservation, and sustainable travel.
Ecotourism Definition and Principles:
Ecotourism defined as "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people."
This means that those who implement and participate in ecotourism activities should follow the following principles:
  • Minimize impact.
  • Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect.
  • Provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts.
  • Provide direct financial benefits for conservation.
  • Provide financial benefits and empowerment for local people.
  • Raise sensitivity to Malaysia's political, environmental, and social climate. 


LANJUT EcoVillages - VISION

The Vision:

The EcoVillages at Lanjut aim to create a community that will have as its core - Living Sustainably - in harmony with nature in a meaningful community. Lanjut EcoVillage's vision is to “inspire sustainable living and development practice awareness” by creating a world-class ecologically sustainable village.

Lanjut EcoVillage's goal is to preserve and enhance the current exquisite beauty of the site, improve its biodiversity, and nurture the regeneration of the land into a leading example of sustainable community living.

Master Plans:

To achieve the project’s environmental objectives, it has been important to challenge conventional thinking by employing practices, processes, systems and designs that embody innovation and excellence.

One example is the planning of our Resort Villas, common facilities and road system. Refer to the Layout Plans which set out to create "EcoHamlets".

A comprehensive list of the projects core principles and its “Desired Environmental Outcomes” are perusable in the Project Criteria below.


GENERAL CRITERIA – PROJECT STATEMENT & OBJECTIVES

Project Statement:

Lanjut EcoVillages Sdn Bhd intends to practically and successfully develop the subject lands and achieve a Vision of inspiring sustainable living / development practice and awareness by creating a Beach EcoVillage and a Riverside EcoVillage that exemplify World’s Best Practice in its design, construction and accompanying processes. The projects are intended as inspirational models to the development industry and the broader community.

All activities included in undertaking the development must recognise the following factors:
(a) Environmental Sustainability / Ecology
(b) Social Sustainability / Ecology
(c) Economic Sustainability / Ecology
with each being given equal consideration, without marginalisation of any one factor in decision making processes.

Project Objectives:

To achieve the development’s objectives, it will be important to challenge conventional industry thinking by employing practices, processes, systems & designs that embody innovation & excellence in keeping with the project goal. All relevant authorities will be asked to participate in this approach.

To achieve the project goal, each of the following principles will require consideration - again without individual marginalisation of any other of the principles. The principles should be utilised to achieve a desired project outcome that:

(a) Is sustainable over time
(b) Relates to the local and global environments
(c) Provides & allows for future beneficial change to occur in design, infrastructure & regulatory mechanisms.

(i) Environmental Principles

Env.1 Restore, maintain & enhance biodiversity acknowledging the intrinsic right to life of all species
Env.2 Strictly minimise impact & change to air, soil & water in any way to ensure equity for all elements of the
natural environment whether living or inanimate
Env.3 Strictly minimise consumption of resources & energy both now & in the future
Env.4 Minimise impact on the local and global environments optimising local ecological food & material production
opportunities
Env.5 Foster a deep sense of human connection to & interdependence with the land, flora & fauna

(ii) Social Principles

Soc.1 Respect & honour cultural, historical & spiritual values
Soc.2 Enable sustainable community by designing for social equity, diversity & interdependence, honouring
differences & catering for the needs of individuals through the different stages of life
Soc.3 Maximise health, safety & comfort of the built environment to provide enduring quality of life
Soc.4 Promote awareness & education of ecological issues including sustainability
Soc.5 Utilise aesthetic sensitivity to create a continuing sense of place and beauty that inspires, affirms & ennobles
Soc.6 Ensure regulatory mechanisms that ensure social equity over time
Soc.7 Promote social connectedness, empathy, ownership & attachment to place & community.

(iii) Economic Principles

Econ.1 Promote EcoVillage economic viability through excellence of design
Econ.2 Ensure enduring property value growth
Econ.3 Ensure minimising of maintenance & operational costs
Econ.4 Minimise obsolescence through design of enduring component life cycle;
Econ.5 Provide for change & re-use at minimal cost / loss
Econ.6 Enable economic productivity & contribution to local & world systems & economies.

These are the specific goals of the development that should guide project management, project consultants & approving authorities in the intrinsic decision making processes. The above principles are interpreted to achieve Ecologically Sustainable Development outcomes, which are detailed in the above Environmental, Social & Economic Criteria specification.