NBS short description
Pioneer case of a self-sufficient and eco-community: a 1 french assessment case: The “Oasis de la Maison autonome, Eco-hameau du Ruisseau, Association Heol”: an experimental laboratory of citizens alternatives ecosystem solutions since 1976. Belongs to the various national networks on citizens’ transition – “Collectif pour une transition citoyenne”, “Oasis en tous lieux”, “Colibris, faire sa part”, “Acteur du réseau Oasis”.
› storm water: alternative ecosystems approach of the water management
› micro-climate: creation of micro-climates favorables of the alternative agriculture approach
› alternative agriculture approach: environmental-friendly agriculture, food autonomy, permaculture (The Mandala Garden)
› ecosystems soil regeneration approach: related to the management of domestic waste, soil water purification (pedo-puration)
› plant ecosystem services: phyto-depuration, etc.
› new social governance approach› ecosystem services,
› self-sufficient and low-tech energy self-production (solar and wind technics)
Governance of the case
Type of actors who participate in the governance in the case: the couple and its family, the other families living in the eco-community, inspiring actors, the actors of their networks, their followers (coming to their training), public authorities. Modus operandi: systemic approach, self-sufficient approach, permacultural design, non violent communication.
Challenges raised during the preparatory meetings
› Complex & ambivalent relationships pioneers / political authorities (municipality, legislative context, etc.) and neighbours
› Social diversity and inequalities issues: the question of vulnerable groups
› New models of governance : non violent communication, etc.
› Social and interindividual conflicts in eco-communities: conflict prevention and management issues
› The potential and limits of the dissemination to others communities
Who owns the land?
The Moisdon La Rivière Autonomous House site is a place of private housing.
The couple Patrick and Brigitte Baronnet are the owners.
Geographic area
Moisdon-la-Rivière is a municipality in western France, Loire-Atlantique, Pays de la Loire region. Located 56 km far from Nantes, the rural municipality is often considered in the third Nantes crown in terms of commuting. The commun is sparsely populated from a demographic point of view.
Related projects with synergies
Belongs to various national citizens’ transition networks: (such as)
› “Collectif pour une transition citoyenne”
› “Oasis en tous lieux”
› “Colibris, faire sa part”
› “Acteur du réseau Oasis"
Relevance for the lighthouse
1. This case is a model of solutions based on ecosystemic approach that emanates from citizens’ initiative with a long time-scale good to evaluate the social and ecological impacts.
2. It’s well known but not studied.
3. Solutions that cross reference various issues of environmental quality, wealth, social and ecological issues.
4. The potential of dissemination and adaptation of the solutions.
Local partners, associations, initiatives and champions engaged
Local citizens’ associations informal networks of citizens.