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.