Present story of Sunseed

PRESENT STORY OF SUNSEED

January-March 2023

In January-March 2023, I completed a two-month internship in the Sunseed Desert Technology project. During my time there, I conducted interviews with residents of Los Molinos and current members of the community, which led to the creation of a small-scale zine. This zine aims to provide a glimpse into the present story of Sunseed.

“I had been searching for different communities and ecovillages to learn about their models of self-organization in order to create one in Georgia. Existing communities offer valuable insights into power dynamics, co-living systems, cultural tolerance, and holistic care for both individuals and nature.

The purpose of this zine is not to criticize, endorse, or impose specific ideas about Sunseed or communities in general. Instead, it aims to share personal reflections and the current story of Sunseed. Often, we romanticize nature and have lofty expectations of communities and ecovillages, so it is important to reflect on the challenges and real work involved behind the theories and imaginations.”

“The reflections presented in this zine are personal and derived from the conducted interviews. Projects like Sunseed are in a constant state of transformation, making it challenging to define or provide definitive insights about the place. Each community undergoes changes influenced by ongoing projects, individuals, power dynamics, conflicts, and political or economic situations. Within these pages, you will discover some initial observations gleaned from my two-month stay at the Sunseed Desert Technology project in Andalucia, Spain.”

Ecovillages are no longer mere utopias. There are now over 10,000 ecological projects united under the Global Ecovillage Network (GEN). Additionally, there are numerous traditional villages that may not identify themselves explicitly as ecovillages or communities, yet still embody the core principles and functioning ideas of ecovillages.

“An ecovillage is an intentional, traditional, or urban community consciously designed through locally owned participatory processes in all four dimensions of sustainability (social, cultural, ecological, and economic) to regenerate social and natural environments.” This is how GEN defines ecovillages, but each settlement has its own unique approach to the term and the concept itself.

Living and surviving in a world dominated by wild capitalism and centuries of industrialization, it is evident that we have lost our connection to the land, ecosystems, and nature in general. As humans, one of the youngest species on Earth, we have managed to alter, diminish, and transform the life expectancy of many other species around us. Recent events, such as massive urbanization, centralized economic policies, mass production/consumption, and global ecological crises, have clearly influenced our perspective on nature. We tend to view nature either as a resource to exploit or as an expensive retreat destination, which shapes our mindset and mental state differently.

While I do not believe in perfect or well-managed societies, ecovillages and eco-communities, to me, represent the most ethically and morally aligned ways of coexisting with our diverse social and natural environment.

A brief introduction of Sunseed

HISTORY

As the website states, ‘Sunseed was first conceived in 1982 during a talk at a green festival by Harry Hart, co-founder of the charity ‘Green Deserts.’ Green Deserts was particularly well known for its tree planting projects in Sudan.’ The foundation of Sunseed was established in 1986, and within a year, the name ‘Sunseed Desert Technology’ was adopted.

The choice of Los Molinos, Almeria as a research center was influenced by its climatic similarities to Northern Africa. They aimed to experiment with different methodologies of appropriate technologies (AT) and share this knowledge with the so-called ‘less developed countries in Northern Africa.’ Dryland and ecosystem restoration were key focuses of Sunseed at that time.

By 1988, Sunseed had already established three departments: ‘Garden,’ ‘Bio,’ and ‘AT’. The community was always open to volunteers who could contribute to the daily work while making donations for their stay.

Based on the archived articles, it is evident that some of these projects did not perform well in African countries. One interviewee shared their perspective on the Solar Oven project, which was being marketed to Africans, sarcastically stating, ‘They were telling me about the Solar Oven, a brilliant idea to sell to Africans (sarcasm). Have any of them ever lived in Africa? Do they know how Africans cook? Africans don’t cook in ovens; this is a concept more prevalent in Northern Europe. They don’t have half an hour to move the oven around.’ This could be one of the reasons why the project re-

mained more focused on the local context and evolved into an educational center.

PERSONAL REFLECTION

While attempting to understand the history of Sunseed, I found myself becoming increasingly lost. There are numerous documents, articles, papers, and website presentations about the project, but I felt the absence of an oral storyteller’s voice. One could argue that Sunseed’s memory exists solely on paper, as there are no individuals who have actively preserved the project’s history throughout its existence. As one interviewee remarked, ‘The absence of a living memory can be considered both dangerous and liberating, as it allows for improvisation and reflection on the past.’

During conversations with the residents of Los Molinos, I had the opportunity to hear their reflections and oral recollections of the project. There is certainly a nostalgic and idealized memory of the past Sunseed, when it operated smoothly with the active involvement of long-term, experienced individuals contributing to the project’s development. This brings us to an important point: commitment and responsibility.

TRANSITION

“‘Commitment’ is the word that Sunseed needs right now. This idea was mentioned repeatedly during these conversations. In recent history, individuals came to us as coordinators for a couple of months, which may have been an interesting experience for them personally, but it posed challenges for the project’s stability and the residents of Los Molinos.”

IDENTITY OF SUNSEED

“It’s challenging to find two people describing Sunseed in the same way. Sunseed does not claim to be an ecovillage but rather an eco-project or off-grid community. Many individuals expressed that they came to Sunseed with different expectations and discovered something entirely different, primarily related to social skills, group dynamics, personal boundaries, and so on. The diagram presented here showcases the project’s definitions as voiced by individuals who lived in Sunseed or Los Molinos. In the following explanations, I provide some insights into these terms.

“I resonate with the analogy of Sunseed being a nursery for pioneer species. You sow the seeds, they grow, and then you transplant them. However, I don’t think anyone is genuinely taking care of the nursery.”

“I agree with the notion of Sunseed being like a kindergarten. Sunseeders live here without conscious awareness of how they are impacting the life of this place. They want to play and give their all, non-stop, until they become exhausted and need a break. Typically, newcomers arrive, work incredibly hard, burn out, and eventually leave. They are uncertain if all the work that has been done for the place is worthwhile, hoping that it has been beneficial for them. However, people simply want to come here and play without fully facing the consequences and challenges that life presents.”

“Sunseed serves as a non-formal environmental educational center and functions as a social-ecological experiment, providing individuals with a laboratory for the development of eco projects. However, its mean-

Research center

bunch of hippoes Ecovillage It’saninternshipof communitylife.

Community

UK association

What is Sunseed?

nonformal environmental educational center

bunch of eco enthusiasts

is a very good nursery for pioneer species.

community

Mickey Mouse

Kindergarten (Guarderia)

A project to do very practical research, applying the creation of a sustainable and low tech technologies for sustainable living

place where you can play and make mistakes

transient community or group of sustainability enthusiasts, in an experimental center in Southern Spain.

Community exposed into the Los Molinos village

ing and purpose have varied for me during different phases.”

In attempting to summarize the project’s identity, it is crucial to emphasize that Sunseed holds a different significance for each individual involved. It is important to embrace diverse perspectives, which continually evolve and transform day by day or year after year. Each person’s perspective is shaped by their own unique reasons, experiences, and arguments associated with these terms. The passage of time and the assimilation of experiences greatly influence the definition and understanding of such projects.

COLONIZATION

After reading about the history, the aspect of

“I don’t believe that they had malicious intentions back then. I think their intentions were genuinely good, even when they planted the invasive Prosopis spp plant. It’s just that they might not have fully comprehended the consequences of their actions. Perhaps we are still doing things without knowing the potential impact they will have in 20 years.”

“Colonization appears different when viewed from the perspective of the colonizer versus the colonized. Even with the best intentions, overtaking resources and cultural heritage of those with less power cannot be justified. Often, the affected individuals are unaware of what is happening.

I believe that the majority of the European Union has become part of the globalized culture and market. We are now colonizing and

In Sunseed’s case, the situation is rather atypical. A project that began with a group of foreigners taking advantage of low property prices during rural abandonment is now protesting against corporations that are encroaching upon the last water sources of rural communities...

Internally, there may be clashes between privileged white Europeans in their twenties attempting to establish equitable relationships with individuals from more disadvantaged backgrounds. However, I see this topic being openly discussed and deconstructed. It is not always easy or structured, but there is sensitivity towards this matter and space for dialogue. In my opinion, that’s what matters most.”

“I believe that the strong colonial history of Sunseed’s identity is undeniable, and it makes me uncomfortable. Honestly, I am not particularly proud to be seen as a representative of it.”

“Some people have argued that we shouldn’t label this as colonial because our intentions here are good and noble. They claim that it has nothing to do with colonialism, and I was completely shocked and angered by such statements. None of the principles of decolonization were present here. I am actively working on improving my communication and educational skills regarding these specific topics.”

From these observations, it is evident that the current team is striving to reflect upon and deconstruct this past while still acknowledging the legacy of the entire project. Interestingly, the first Spanish volunteer joined the project only in the 2000s. Until now, Sunseed’s visibility has been higher in northern European countries rather than locally in Spain.

LEGACY OF THE HISTORY

It is intriguing to delve into the legacy of Sunseed and examine what history imparts and conveys to new members. Despite being an innovative project in the early 80s, Sunseed continues to maintain its focus on fields such as drylands restoration and appropriate technologies. However, the current members’ time commitments still pose sustainability challenges, making it difficult for the working group to propose and implement significant changes, such as reshaping the project or reimagining its ideas. Presently, the aim is to structure the organization in a way that enables it to survive and effectively navigate day-to-day challenges.

“But colonization is something that seems inevitable; it’s almost inherent. When someone arrives with more knowledge or resources, like when the Spanish arrived in America with advanced technology, colonization tends to occur. It happens because of the belief that one is superior or possesses more knowledge.”

“I believe it is essential to initiate bold proposals and make decisions that go beyond simply fortifying the existing structure but rather involve building a new one. We are constantly yearning for this shift in energy. However, I find myself somewhat apprehensive about being alone in this transformative process if I were to propose it. I often question whether I should start generating this energy now or wait for new group members (coordinators) to join and collaborate in creating it together. These thoughts weigh heavily on me, but I have yet to find a clear answer. Perhaps it is because I do not have sufficient time to contemplate and strategize about these matters. I would greatly appreciate dedicating some creative time to contemplate the re-envisioning or rescaling of the project.”

Residents of Los Molinos

Los Molinos is an off-grid village, part of the Paraje Natural (Parque Natural de Karst en Yesos de Sorbas) in Southern Spain, located in the region of Andalucia. This ancient village has endured the consequences of the civil war and dictatorship, similar to many other villages in Spain. While historically an agricultural village that produced olive oil and flour using traditional mills, it experienced a rural exodus from the impoverished countryside starting in the 1930s, leading to a significant decline in the active population engaged in agriculture. The proportion of people involved in agriculture dropped from about two-fifths in 1960 to approximately one-fifth by 1976.

Known for being the most arid land in Europe, the area is renowned for its high concentration of gypsum crystals in the soil and the presence of the year-round flowing river Rio Aguas. The Acequia (irrigation channel) plays a crucial role in the village’s water management infrastructure. Originally constructed by the Romans, it diverts water from the river to serve the cultivated plots of villagers and also serves as a biodiversity corridor.

One of the intriguing aspects of Sunseed is its location and setting. Not only does it reside in the semi-arid land near the Rio del Aguas, but it also comprises four community houses scattered amidst the Los Molinos del Rio Aguas.

Similar to many other villages in Southern Spain, Los Molinos has attracted settlers from Northern European countries. During my conversations with a few residents, I discovered that they had first visited the village in the 1990s, some of whom had been involved in Sunseed as volunteers or coordinators before eventually deciding to settle in the neighboring Los Molinos.”

“The very first time I came to Almeria was in 1990. Back then, there was no motorway, and the region was economically disadvantaged. Roads play a crucial role in bringing prosperity and financial stability. However, the entire area has undergone a significant transformation since then. After renting a house for a few years, my family and I finally purchased our own property. We renovated it, and now I live here while also operating a small business.”

“Many people wonder how Sunseed has managed to thrive for 36 years, but the answer is simple: it is a renewable energy source in itself. The continuous influx of enthusiastic, energetic, and vibrant young people to Los Molinos and Sorbas fills our area with positive energy. It is important to acknowledge that Sunseed has generated a positive social impact in this inland region of Andalusia, significantly raising the profile of the province of Almeria on a global scale.”

“We initially arrived in Los Molinos for a twoweek stay, but ended up staying for 12 years”

“When I first arrived at Sunseed in the 90s, it was quite basic, and honestly, not much has changed since then. I used to work four hours a day and then had the rest of the time to myself. It felt more open, inclusive, and free back then. We had a lot of fun together, even going on carriage rides to Sorbas with donkeys. During those days, the project’s founders served as the trustees of Sunseed, and their goal was to green the desert.

In 1992-1993, I had a strong desire to move here. It offered a pleasant living environment, good climate, and wonderful people. However, it took me a year to find a place to buy. This house, which I renovated, is a source of inspiration for me. It demonstrates that living off-grid in this area can be more comfortable than living in the city.”

REFLECTIONS ON NEIGHBORHOOD

“I believe the relationship is challenging from both sides. Due to the village’s small population and lack of a shared culture, conflicts and misunderstandings frequently arise.”

“We function as a self-sufficient village with a complex yet beautiful independent and autonomous system. Sunseed is like a fascinat-

ing soap opera, period. Since around 2005 or 2006, there has been a lack of coherence and leadership in the project. For us, it feels like a joyful holiday camp.”

“Young people come here, treating it as a temporary summer camp where they can experiment with communal living. It’s fantastic because some of them stay, and it continually brings in fresh ideas, enthusiasm, and young individuals.”

“We have experienced many ups and downs with Sunseed, but I now see that things are improving. More people are staying longer, and we are building connections. Most of the individuals who come to Sunseed are genuinely kind, intelligent, and easygoing. However, when it comes to Sunseed as an organization, something doesn’t quite work.”

Listening to various perspectives, yet never having enough time to fully grasp the complete picture, makes it challenging to effectively convey information and delve into the underlying issues. Additionally, in the current narrative, there is a desire to foster a more peaceful and collaborative atmosphere in the village. However, it is important to recognize that the interpretation of these terms may differ significantly among the residents.

Los Molinos is a unique village, as all its inhabitants are off-grid and rely on an autonomous water system, which necessitates collective management and maintenance. This aspect intensifies the interdependence among residents, which can lead to both tensions and a willingness to cooperate and find common solutions.

Sunseed structure 2023

Sunseed’s main pillars are three main circles: technical, practical, and office. Inside these circles there are departments:

Office: educatiOn, cOmmunicatiOn, administratiOn; Practical: drylands, sustainable living, and gardens; tech: at(aPPrOPriate technOlOgy), and ecO maintenance.

In the best-case scenario, each circle ideally has a manager who oversees the ongoing departments for a period of two years, while also holding a position within one of the departments. Individuals taking on coordinator roles in the departments have been working in Sunseed for a minimum of 8 months. “By implementing a three-manager system, we hope to achieve more stability during transitions and ensure that there is always someone familiar with the department’s objectives and tasks for a certain period of time. Naturally, each person can modify the department according to their preferences. I’ve heard that in Sunseed, there have been instances where things were forgotten or lost. Therefore, maintaining oversight of these departments for an extended period will be beneficial and lead to improvement.”

Sunseed utilizes sociocracy as a governance methodology, encompassing decision-making, structural organization, and daily functioning of departments. Sociocracy offers various valuable insights and learnings. Essentially, individuals who are committed to long-term involvement in the project have the opportunity to participate in decision-making processes. Fridays are designated as community meeting days, providing an opportunity for long-term residents to propose ideas, contribute to the community’s needs, and oversee the overall well-being of the community.

“I believe it’s not entirely horizontal nor completely hierarchical. As a result, there are some hierarchical elements present. To address this, we have recently implemented Tronki’s meetings, which include individuals staying for at least six months. This decision arose from the necessity to distribute the hierarchy beyond the coordinators’ hands. Previously, we had volunteers who stayed for just one month, and they had the ability to make significant changes and then depart. The current situation is already challenging enough, with frequent turnover every six months.”

“The current structure that Sunseed offers is primarily oriented towards short-term learning experiences. Given the infrastructure and environment, it does not provide a suitable setting for long-term living. There is a lack of privacy and the ability to separate oneself from the constant influx of people. I believe this is one of the major factors contributing to burnout, as individuals find themselves stuck in repetitive tasks and constantly experiencing high levels of stress. The continuous arrival of new people who often make the same mistakes also adds to the ongoing stress.”

“Well, the challenge lies in assuming responsibility for a place that I did not personally create. It has been an interesting process to establish a community structure based on the needs of the individuals within the community and to address the diverse stories and ideas associated with this place. How do we align emotionally to work together effectively? This has been a significant challenge, both within the community and with our neighbors in the village, as maintaining positive relationships with them is crucial. However, I am pleased to see that we are gradually moving in a positive direction.”

Drylands

From its origins, the concept of desertification has been controversial. The prevailing confusion between two desertification visions, one that considers it as the expansion of deserts and another that emphasizes its anthropogenic component, has been transferred to society.1

“I believe we need to redefine the concept of ecosystem restoration in relation to the ecosystems surrounding us. In a way, we should assist nature in carrying out processes that it would naturally undertake over a longer period of time, without extensive human intervention. Two years ago, they were planting plant species, such as pinus, that are not native to this area. Personally, I would prefer to utilize the shrubs that are already abundant here. The initial question we need to ask ourselves regarding restoration is: What ecosystem services do we aim to restore? Restoration is a human concept, rooted in our perspective, as the land itself does not have preferences for a particular state.

1 Unraveling Misunderstandings about Desertification: The Paradoxical Case of the Tabernas-Sorbas Basin in Southeast Spain, 2020.

“The river emerges from the ground at ‘el Nacimiento’ (the Birth), flows through the bottom of the valley it gives life to, then all but disappears back into the ground as the valley rounds a bend towards the sea. The surrounding land, not irrigated by the ancient Moorish system of channels that carry water from the river to the lower terraces, is dry, harsh terrain turned to a near desert that stretches away in all directions from the tiny oasis valley.”2

What we are witnessing here is the result of human intervention. This land was cultivated until 60 years ago, and it was once covered with cereals. Now we see an abundance of shrubs, but also a significant amount of bare soil. Considering the high erosion in this area, the primary ecosystem service humans are seeking is soil stability and fertility.

To restore these essential ecosystem functions, our first step is to cover the soil. Everything is interconnected: by preventing erosion through soil cover, we stabilize the soil, facilitate water infiltration, recharge groundwater, increase soil moisture, and create better conditions for plant growth. Consequently, this leads to an increase in soil organic matter and nutrient content.

In my opinion, the presence of trees is not the priority as long as we focus on covering the soil. Once the soil is adequately covered, ecological evolution and succession will naturally lead to the establishment of trees. With improved soil conditions, tree seeds dispersed by birds and animals will have the opportunity to germinate and thrive.

Planting species that do not belong to this specific ecosystem can have unpredictable consequences, ranging from disaster to positive outcomes. However, we can avoid this risk by allowing nature to take its course while supporting the process by covering the soil.

My plan involves germinating seeds and planting them in areas that are already relatively fertile. By expanding around existing shrubs or trees, these areas can further develop. We have various microenvironments with different soil types, such as clay soil, areas with natural gypsum, and places with red soil containing higher iron content. We aim to define specific microecosystems and select plant species that naturally thrive in these environments, creating unique plant communities.

The concept relies on utilizing a wide range of genetic diversity by collecting seeds from this region. The seeds that are best suited to the conditions will naturally thrive, eliminating the need for us to decide which plants should grow. Through this process, the species that are most successful will survive and flourish.

I strongly believe that our experiment should not pose risks. If it fails, no significant consequences will occur. If it succeeds, it will accelerate ecological succession and aid in faster soil coverage compared to natural processes.”

Education and Communication

“I have a strong belief that footprint needs to be effectively combined with handprint.”

Education is a vital department in Sunseed, where the entire project is centered around non-formal and informal learning experiences. The department organizes educational courses, programs for short-term volunteers, on-site educational tours, and various activities and initiatives related not only to Sunseed but also to the outside world.

The Communication department focuses on social media management, newsletter creation, and daily email communication with individuals interested in volunteering, visiting, or interning at Sunseed. They also collaborate on projects, podcasts, and documentaries to make Sunseed more accessible to newcomers.

“People who come to Sunseed have the opportunity to educate and empower themselves by utilizing the tools, facilities, space, and time we provide here. However, we don’t have individuals who can structurally teach a specific body of knowledge. Instead, we offer workshops, space, and opportunities for co-learning and experimentation.”

“I believe that politics and a broader social and ecological perspective are essential components of educational activities at Sunseed. While it’s great to lead a self-sufficient life, such as making your own marmalade, it’s equally important to cultivate awareness and work towards dismantling capitalist, patriarchal, and colonial structures. This is why I find motivation in staying here and being the person who consistently brings political and environmental factors into the community, striving to integrate them into our daily lives.”

Festival Del Agua

“We have been hosting the Festival Del Agua for a couple of years now. The main idea behind the festival is to protect and raise funds for the legal rights of one of the most precious rivers, Rio Aguas. This river provides water throughout the year to off-grid villages, including our own village, Los Molinos. The festival also aims to take legal action regarding the state of the aquifer, which has been exploited for massive monoculture irrigation, putting the rivers at risk of drying up. The festival is organized in collaboration with the entire Los Molinos community.

The theme of the festival in 2023 will revolve around water cultures and territorial knowledge. It will feature numerous workshops, live music performances, homemade food, and collaborations with our art residency program.“

Artist residency

“The idea to explore various artistic approaches connected specifically to the concept of degrowth emerged last year. We contemplated the idea of organizing a residency to encourage collaboration and investigation into the intersection of degrowth, art, and community. The initial residency experience lasted for one week, providing a wonderful opportunity to perceive the community from a fresh perspective. It served as a much-needed space for self-care and community-care, allowing us to break free from the routines of our daily lives and collectively explore this concept.“

Office

“I oversee the work of the office, but in reality, my role is that of an administration coordinator or operations coordinator, as it was previously called. The role was temporarily removed due to some power-related issues. My responsibilities include accounting and finding sustainable methods for financial management. Additionally, I handle the legal matters of the Spanish association and ensure the statutes are updated. The office also takes care of the bureaucracy of ESCs, and also provides informational training about different Erasmus+ and other opportunities for the community.”

Tech

Recently, the technical aspect of the project has been divided into two parts: Appropriate Technology (AT) and Eco Maintenance. The concept of AT originated in the 1970s. Currently, these departments work together, although their names may not accurately reflect the technical needs of the project.

“The Eco Maintenance department is responsible for all general building and infrastructure maintenance, excluding electrical and water systems. The AT department focuses on water systems, waste water and electric systems in the houses, solar panels, and assisting with the management of the Acequia. This department has the potential to develop new technologies based on the community’s needs.

I consider this work as caring for the community, ensuring that the technical aspects, buildings, and technology support our comfortable living conditions. One important aspect that requires improvement is the redefinition of these departments, as they are based on outdated ideas. They need to work together and be redefined in a way that promotes the well-being of the project.”

sl (sustainable living)

The Sustainable Living department serves the fundamental needs of the Sunseed community, focusing on creating a comfortable environment for off-grid living. This includes providing essential items such as food, preserves, bread, cosmetics, and household products.

“I’ve noticed a recurring pattern in several communities where care jobs, such as cleaning and cooking, are often undervalued and can potentially lead to conflicts.”

The Sustainable Living (SL) department actively organizes various workshops aimed at teaching valuable skills, such as bread making, preserving food, creating homemade eco-cosmetics, exploring holistic vegan/vegetarian diets, and crafting herbal teas. These workshops provide both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in these important areas.

“The role of the Sustainable Living Coordinator can be seen as reminiscent of the mother archetype. It is intriguing from an anthropological perspective to observe how the gender role of a mother interacts within this context. Personally, I find fulfillment in taking care of both the people and the physical space, not because of my gender or reproductive abilities, but simply because I genuinely enjoy it. This role carries significant expectations and involves attending to numerous “invisible” tasks on a daily basis. I prioritize the comfort of the houses and the well-being of the community members. Ensuring that people have a good night’s sleep and a cozy private space is of great importance to me, especially considering the intensity of communal living and the potential for long work hours.”

Gardens

The Sunseed gardens encompass several patches of land situated on the terraces of Rio de Aguas. The primary objective of the department is to experiment with different permaculture principles and learn how to cultivate specific crops in this particular climate.

“Toward the end of last year, I shifted my focus from physical work to understanding, primarily by observing the gardens here. I realized that this garden serves more as an educational space rather than a highly productive one. When there are ESC (European Solidarity Corps) volunteers in the garden, there are certain expectations and a desire to learn, so I strive to strike a balance. The shorter your stay, the more specific tools, techniques, and practical knowledge you can gain from working in the gardens.

When I first arrived at Sunseed, there was an abundance of information on paper and through handovers, which I found overwhelming for someone who needs to be actively involved in the fieldwork. It’s important to note that we are not aiming to achieve complete self-sufficiency in fresh fruits and vegetables. The main purpose is to observe and learn from the garden. Individuals staying for longer periods can explore a broader range of approaches, including permaculture, agroforestry, food forest systems, and holistic management. This represents a larger perspective on the possibilities if we have sufficient energy and resources available.

In terms of handovers, it took me some time to understand that we operate in a place where resources, especially water, are quite limited. It doesn’t make sense to allocate significant resources to growing potatoes, for example, when our neighbors can produce them more efficiently on a larger scale. This consideration greatly influences our choice of crops. Essentially, we focus on growing a variety of produce that our collaborators may not easily produce at a low cost. While we are not a self-sufficient garden, we prioritize experimentation and exploration.”

“As summer approaches, working in the garden becomes more challenging due to the rising temperatures and the limited availability of irrigation water. Spending a long period of time in the garden helps in understanding and gaining knowledge of the land, but if one is not present for a complete change of seasons, it can be harder to grasp its specific needs.

The plants experience both very dry periods and the presence of gypsum in the soil, which is abundant in Los Molinos. While gypsum can be beneficial in small amounts, its high concentration poses challenges for plant growth.

To adapt the plants to the dry climate, we employ infrequent watering using a flood irrigation method. This involves directing water from the acequia into channels that run alongside the growing beds. The roots of the plants absorb the water from these channels. The concept behind this approach is to encourage deeper root growth, making the plants more resilient to drought.

We have a circular system from the garden to the kitchen and back. Our food leftovers and kitchen scraps are utilized to create compost, which is then used to prepare garden beds and mixed with soil to create potting mix for seedlings. By using nitrogen-rich compost, we aim to close the consumption loop. Additionally, we utilize urine separated from human waste in the compost toilets. The waste itself is composted into ‘Humanure,’ a nutrient-rich material that we use when planting our dryland species.”

Some individuals who have lived in Sunseed believe that the community needs to reinvent itself and transform into a more sustainable community. This means providing better conditions and environments to encourage people to stay for the long term and sustain the project. The constant turnover of people, including short-term volunteers, or visitors, poses many challenges to the project.

In recent years, Sunseed has attracted many young people in their early 20s to visit and stay in the community. On one hand, this brings fresh energy to the community, but on the other hand, it can result in less commitment to a long-term vision for the project.

Finances also play a significant role in long-term commitment. The project is unable to provide proper salaries and financial support to individuals, making it challenging to attract more stable and experienced individuals in the required fields of work.

When we come to new places, we bring our own culture, backgrounds, traumas, and past experiences. This diversity makes community living a complex endeavor. It is interesting to observe the internal processes that everyone goes through when sharing rooms, food, working spaces, and daily life with unfamiliar individuals.

“I believe that Sunseed is probably one of the most environmentally sustainable places I have lived, but it lacks a solid foundation. It’s like floating in the air, without roots to grow and develop. Every time we need to start anew, from scratch. To be honest, this is not a pattern we observe in nature. In nature, there is always an accumulation of matter and a continuous growth.”

“I believe that in Sunseed, we are allocating a significant amount of space for community activities, but we aren’t giving enough space for individuals to focus on their own lives and have their own personal spaces. Sometimes, everything becomes excessively communalized. We need to make improvements in that aspect, without a doubt.”

“Most of the people who come here are young Europeans seeking to experience a different lifestyle, but they bring with them the social constructs of their respective backgrounds. Living here does not automatically shield us from capitalism or patriarchy because these systems exist within each of us. This reality occasionally manifests in our community life, and it has been the most shocking aspect for me since the beginning. I have noticed the presence of many undefined and unofficial ranks within the community.”

“I believe that we haven’t deeply reflected on what we are currently doing and where we want to consciously go. Our energies seem to be scattered and lacking focus, going in various directions.”

Personal learning in Sunseed

“What often happens in communities is that random people come together to work on projects. While it can be exciting, I believe it should work the other way around: first, you build trust and relationships, and then you decide to collaborate on creating things together. Therefore, the priority should be on developing conscious bonds and relationships with different individuals, which later serve as a solid foundation for collaborative endeavors. Otherwise, it becomes challenging to create when your energy is still focused on building the foundation - getting to know who you’re working with. This approach resonates with me and is my key takeaway from the Sunseed experience.”

“I love learning, so I have been feeling great since I arrived here. It’s an intense experience, sometimes overwhelming, but it offers an ongoing and endless process of learning. I’m not only learning about communal and social life, but also about the structures of meetings, planning, and coordinating skills.”

“Sometimes I have this feeling that Sunseed is a place where people come to enjoy themselves, have fun, and then leave. Other times, I see it as an anarchist project that was initiated, abandoned, and somehow managed to survive for nearly 40 years.”

“This is why it was so frustrating for me to be in Sunseed. I came there with a different purpose, wanting to focus on learning the technical aspects. However, I soon realized that many people go through the same struggle. They arrive seeking a crash course on self-sufficiency, but they find themselves faced with the challenges of navigating group dynamics and tensions. In Sunseed, there is no CEO or executive who can solve problems and dictate how to live. Instead, if you open yourself up to it, you receive a manual on how to interact with others and yourself. During my time there, I gained a deeper understanding of the different roles we play in groups, the processes we go through as collectives, and the importance of facilitation and the soft skills required for conflict resolution.”

“My biggest learning right now is to say NO to things and focus on what I have to do, doing it well. Essentially, I have become more aware of my personal boundaries and limits.”

“The relationship that I have built with the surroundings is the most valuable relationship I have established here in Sunseed. I have noticed that the land has given me so much in return, and it has undoubtedly given me the strength to stay.”

“I believe Sunseed provides a sustainable and secure space for experimentation and personal experiences. Nowadays, there are not many places where you can have the gift of complete autonomy in your actions and realize that you are ultimately responsible for your decisions. The way one experiences Sunseed undergoes significant changes over time. The understanding gained after two weeks, two months, or two years is completely different. I am grateful that I have had the opportunity to be there for two years because it has allowed me to see lessons learned that were not visible to me at the time. I don’t think the real impact Sunseed has on people’s lives can be accurately measured or summarized in bullet points within a project proposal or report. It is more about the actual experience a participant gains and the understanding they develop by immersing themselves in a partly surreal environment. This experience stays with them throughout their lives. It’s not about whether the walls are crumbling or not, but rather the fact that someone with no knowledge of natural building can come in from the street, learn how to fix them, learn from their mistakes, and feel empowered to construct their own shelter.”

“I remember when someone was describing a challenging situation in Sunseed, but then they said, ‘Sunseed is amazing. Do you want to learn? Just go there’.”

“I must admit that I believe Sunseed serves a purpose. Sometimes I find myself questioning what we are doing here, feeling like it’s all meaningless, that we’re just occupying these houses in the village and giving opportunities to privileged young individuals to come and play around. However, on the other hand, I truly appreciate and admire the fact that our presence and work on the water system breathe life into these areas. Without our care, they would have been abandoned and even more exploited. So, the significant contribution Sunseed makes is bringing vitality to Los Molinos.”

CREDITS:

Design and text: Nini Khuroshvili

Sketches: Stefania Kasouni and Nini Khuroshvili

Editing: Lara Stammen, Olivia Route

Huge gratitude to everybody who was so honest and open during the interviews and converstations

‘This publication was produced with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union’

Useful Links

Seeds of change (podcast)

Sunseed website

Prepsoil

Alt Shift festival

Decolonial knowledge

Festival Del Agua

Without water there is no life

Climate Change Post

Food unfolded