Refúgios ao fim?: ecovilas, solarpunk e ecofuturismo

Abstract

This dissertation addresses the phenomenon of ecovillages. Considering that we are living in a context of socio-environmental crisis in Brazil, I propose examining ecovillages as a way of life that is less harmful to nature. My starting point is fieldwork conducted primarily in two ecovillages, which I discuss in Chapters 3 and 4. In Chapter 2, an introductory section, I discuss ecovillages in general, presenting their main characteristics, values, and practices: permaculture, agroforestry, and natural building. In Chapter 3, I recount my stay at the Rumos Florestais ecovillage, where I was able to understand the concepts introduced in the initial chapter in practice, and I bring up some issues that are further developed in the following chapter. Chapter 4, "Néctar: the Birth of an Ecovillage," focuses on an ecovillage under construction. In this chapter, I explore the foundational themes of conflict and spiritual values (ayahuasca tea emerges as a central element), which had only been briefly mentioned before. Finally, in Chapter 5, I address the theme of solarpunk. This is an aesthetic, literary, artistic, and political movement that, I argue, is closely associated with the ecovillage phenomenon and speaks volumes about the narratives of our time through which we can envision possible futures. I conclude by raising questions about the general population’s access to ecovillages as a life alternative and reflecting on the potential of the practices developed in this field to shape paths that mitigate socio-environmental and climate crises.