Prioritising the places and people that need it the most
REHABITATE ENVALL
A cooperative model to revive depressed rural areas and bring nature closer to people
In order to revitalize a region in regression that has no houses for the new inhabitants it needs, we decided to rebuild a village creating a cooperative strategy. We've first converted a ruined building into a hostel, a social and cultural center and a school for traditional mountain crafts. This space has become a pole of attraction and a motor for change. Besides, we've created a small factory where we'll produce much of the materials that we’ll use in the reconstruction, mostly local wood.
Spain
Regional
Pyrenees
Mainly rural
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Yes
2024-10-21
Yes
EAFRD : European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development
No
No
As a representative of an organisation
The main purpose of the project is to revitalize a rural territory that is in social and economic decline. The region is affected by depopulation and aging. In addition, there is a lack of affordable housing. Most are second homes or are in ruins and need to be rehabilitated. So, people who want to settle in the territory and undertake a new life project have no place to live. (See ‘Annex’_A1-A2)
The project we present corresponds to the completed initial phase of a large transdisciplinary and multilevel plan to rebuild the ruined village of Envall, offer affordable housing to the new settlers and consolidate a cooperative model of social and solidarity economy that is replicable and that takes advantage of local resources to generate economic activity and productive circularity.
In these first years of the plan, and through the creation of our housing and work cooperative “Envall Coop SCCL” –in which all the members make decisions in an assembly–, we have managed to RECONSTRUCT A BUILDING in the village to convert it into a 24-bed hostel, a social and cultural center and a school of mountain traditional crafts: the “Refugi Casa Bigodé” (RCB) and the “Escola d’Oficis de Muntanya” (EOM).
With these facilities we manage to attract groups of people to our privileged environment of the Catalan Pyrenees, facilitate the reconnection of these people with nature and generate the economic, social, educational and cultural activity that the region needs. (A3; and outcomes in ‘Evaluation report’)
On the other hand, we have reconditioned an industrial warehouse that is next to the village into a SMALL FACTORY and research space, technological training and collaborative workshop / co-working. In the “Rural Laboratory of Ideas” (LRI), we will also produce some of the materials we will need to rebuild the town and face the challenges of the energy, economic and climate crisis by using local raw materials and developing innovative tools and machinery.
The project we present corresponds to the completed initial phase of a large transdisciplinary and multilevel plan to rebuild the ruined village of Envall, offer affordable housing to the new settlers and consolidate a cooperative model of social and solidarity economy that is replicable and that takes advantage of local resources to generate economic activity and productive circularity.
In these first years of the plan, and through the creation of our housing and work cooperative “Envall Coop SCCL” –in which all the members make decisions in an assembly–, we have managed to RECONSTRUCT A BUILDING in the village to convert it into a 24-bed hostel, a social and cultural center and a school of mountain traditional crafts: the “Refugi Casa Bigodé” (RCB) and the “Escola d’Oficis de Muntanya” (EOM).
With these facilities we manage to attract groups of people to our privileged environment of the Catalan Pyrenees, facilitate the reconnection of these people with nature and generate the economic, social, educational and cultural activity that the region needs. (A3; and outcomes in ‘Evaluation report’)
On the other hand, we have reconditioned an industrial warehouse that is next to the village into a SMALL FACTORY and research space, technological training and collaborative workshop / co-working. In the “Rural Laboratory of Ideas” (LRI), we will also produce some of the materials we will need to rebuild the town and face the challenges of the energy, economic and climate crisis by using local raw materials and developing innovative tools and machinery.
COOPERATIVE STRATEGY
RURAL VILLAGE REBUILDING
REGENERATION CATALYST
TRANSDISCIPLINARY ACTION
SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION
Stopping the rural exodus to big cities and achieving a TERRITORIAL REBALANCE is a question of global sustainability. The villages in the rural environment are being emptied and, with them, the life and care of the natural environment. That is why our project is aimed at reversing this situation and promoting the necessary conditions for a dignified life away from the big cities.
Far from occupying new natural spaces to build the homes that people need to revitalize the region, we have prioritized REBUILD the buildings that were abandoned during the 1960s. We take advantage of the space that the buildings already occupied, and also the stone materials that remain. In this way, we give continuity to a history that had stopped and minimize the use of resources, materials and energy.
For our first completed interventions, in which we have created the RCB, the EOM and the LRI, we have chosen to reconstruct one of the main buildings in the town that was in a dilapidated state. For the LRI we have improved and adapted an old industrial building for the new use of sustainable production (A4, situation).
In the reconstruction, the existing walls and stones of the old construction were used, and the building was completed with a wooden framework, the most sustainable construction material today.
It should be added too that the recovered building has been designed with rigorous energy efficiency criteria, using large thicknesses of mineral wool insulation on its facades, opening strategic windows for solar capture and placing photovoltaic panels and efficient stoves to minimize energy use in its heating and cooling.
On the other hand, the design of the small LRI factory is entirely aimed at drastically reducing the environmental impact of the upcoming reconstructions of the town. Much of the production process of the structural elements will be located there and will essentially use wood from the region's forests, promoting circular and local production.
Far from occupying new natural spaces to build the homes that people need to revitalize the region, we have prioritized REBUILD the buildings that were abandoned during the 1960s. We take advantage of the space that the buildings already occupied, and also the stone materials that remain. In this way, we give continuity to a history that had stopped and minimize the use of resources, materials and energy.
For our first completed interventions, in which we have created the RCB, the EOM and the LRI, we have chosen to reconstruct one of the main buildings in the town that was in a dilapidated state. For the LRI we have improved and adapted an old industrial building for the new use of sustainable production (A4, situation).
In the reconstruction, the existing walls and stones of the old construction were used, and the building was completed with a wooden framework, the most sustainable construction material today.
It should be added too that the recovered building has been designed with rigorous energy efficiency criteria, using large thicknesses of mineral wool insulation on its facades, opening strategic windows for solar capture and placing photovoltaic panels and efficient stoves to minimize energy use in its heating and cooling.
On the other hand, the design of the small LRI factory is entirely aimed at drastically reducing the environmental impact of the upcoming reconstructions of the town. Much of the production process of the structural elements will be located there and will essentially use wood from the region's forests, promoting circular and local production.
The mere act of rebuilding a building in a town that was completely abandoned for over 40 years has managed to reactivate the history and legacy of the place, and, in addition, at a functional level, has facilitated positive and unique experiences for the community that become a powerful engine of change in the region.
The mission of the RCB and the EOM is entirely focused on connecting people, fostering meaningful collective experiences and integrating new cultural and social values through creation. This is the direct and noticeable result of all the activities carried out during these years in our spaces of the RCB and the EOM: Courses and Workshops, Exhibitions, Conferences, Concerts, Work Camps, Youth Exchanges, Artistic Residencies… (See the complete ‘Evaluation Report’ attached, with a summary of each cultural and social field)
We believe that the construction of the RCB-EOM, taking advantage of the existing stone walls and completing it with wood, promotes the heritage of the place in all its diversity and enhances its own, genuine and sustainable aesthetic.
Especially outstanding in rescuing the memory of the place and the sense of belonging has been the project carried out by the artist Marco Noris in his artistic residency at the RCB, in which, through arduous research work and interviews with former inhabitants, he has collected the history of the town that had been buried by time and abandonment. Moreover, this project will have its materialization as a fresco pictorial work in the exhibition hall that we want to create soon in the old church to be rebuilt. (A5)
The Rehabitate Envall project has a vast horizon of future transformations and, given the trajectory of recent years, we optimistically believe that the project will reaffirm itself as a long-term movement that can inspire other communities to reinvent themselves and promote development from mutual care and transdisciplinary action. (A6)
The mission of the RCB and the EOM is entirely focused on connecting people, fostering meaningful collective experiences and integrating new cultural and social values through creation. This is the direct and noticeable result of all the activities carried out during these years in our spaces of the RCB and the EOM: Courses and Workshops, Exhibitions, Conferences, Concerts, Work Camps, Youth Exchanges, Artistic Residencies… (See the complete ‘Evaluation Report’ attached, with a summary of each cultural and social field)
We believe that the construction of the RCB-EOM, taking advantage of the existing stone walls and completing it with wood, promotes the heritage of the place in all its diversity and enhances its own, genuine and sustainable aesthetic.
Especially outstanding in rescuing the memory of the place and the sense of belonging has been the project carried out by the artist Marco Noris in his artistic residency at the RCB, in which, through arduous research work and interviews with former inhabitants, he has collected the history of the town that had been buried by time and abandonment. Moreover, this project will have its materialization as a fresco pictorial work in the exhibition hall that we want to create soon in the old church to be rebuilt. (A5)
The Rehabitate Envall project has a vast horizon of future transformations and, given the trajectory of recent years, we optimistically believe that the project will reaffirm itself as a long-term movement that can inspire other communities to reinvent themselves and promote development from mutual care and transdisciplinary action. (A6)
We are a cooperative made up of 10 main members and 15 collaborating members. As such, we make strategic decisions by consensus at our regular assemblies, in which all members can have an equal say. Inclusion and open access to services are specifically contemplated in our founding documents and in the internal regulations that we have agreed and defined cooperatively and that govern our activities.
The new RCB and EOM building was designed to guarantee accessibility at all levels. At a physical level, the building can be reached and accessed via a street without obstacles or irregularities. Once inside, the facility also offers spaces that are accessible to everyone. Although the main bedrooms are on the upper floor, the floor accessible from the street has a room prepared to accommodate people with reduced mobility. (A7)
Affordability is also guaranteed at all levels, not only the economic one (our accommodation prices are reduced and aimed at reaching as many people as possible), but also we don’t restrict access due to issues of gender, origin, age, sexual orientation or beliefs. Moreover, we ensure that we welcome and receive the greatest diversity of groups and people in our space in order to promote enrichment and inclusion. Our youth exchange programs and international work camps are conclusive proof of this.
The Rehabitate Envall project was born from the need to create new ways of living that respond to the challenges of today's society from a solidarity and community perspective. We want our project to become an exemplary experience and we firmly believe that it can be applied to territories that suffer from difficult conditions like ours.
The results achieved in our years of life with everything we have been able to build and offer together make us realize that another social model is possible. We see that the action and value we provide inspires our visitors, and is capable of transforming prevailing paradigms towards an alternative model.
The new RCB and EOM building was designed to guarantee accessibility at all levels. At a physical level, the building can be reached and accessed via a street without obstacles or irregularities. Once inside, the facility also offers spaces that are accessible to everyone. Although the main bedrooms are on the upper floor, the floor accessible from the street has a room prepared to accommodate people with reduced mobility. (A7)
Affordability is also guaranteed at all levels, not only the economic one (our accommodation prices are reduced and aimed at reaching as many people as possible), but also we don’t restrict access due to issues of gender, origin, age, sexual orientation or beliefs. Moreover, we ensure that we welcome and receive the greatest diversity of groups and people in our space in order to promote enrichment and inclusion. Our youth exchange programs and international work camps are conclusive proof of this.
The Rehabitate Envall project was born from the need to create new ways of living that respond to the challenges of today's society from a solidarity and community perspective. We want our project to become an exemplary experience and we firmly believe that it can be applied to territories that suffer from difficult conditions like ours.
The results achieved in our years of life with everything we have been able to build and offer together make us realize that another social model is possible. We see that the action and value we provide inspires our visitors, and is capable of transforming prevailing paradigms towards an alternative model.
Many people have been involved in the project. From the members of the cooperative themselves, who have been accompanying the project for years, to the collaborators who support the initiative with occasional contributions, ant the hundreds of users and visitors of the RCB-EOM who have promoted and made our initiative grow.
The members of the cooperative, true ‘architects’ of everything, have not only been involved on a productive level with their time and work (in the hostel, at the school, organizing events or renovating other buildings) but also and above all on an economic level, since the construction of the RCB-EOM has been possible thanks to the own funds collected (€50,000) and a bank loan of €80,000. Each member of the cooperative assumes different roles within the organization but all share full dedication to the project.
On the other hand, with the economic activity generated by the RCB-EOM and the construction branch of the cooperative, it has been possible to hire external personnel for tasks related to construction and project management (3 people), which has given consistency to the entity.
The users of the weekly activities (yoga and ceramics) have found here a space for personal care, creation and interpersonal relationships that has generated bonds and that give the project a vital common thread.
On the other hand, artists who have come to Envall to conceive and develop their artistic projects have been involved in our vision, have contributed research and creations and have made evident a nourishing symbiosis for all parties.
The young people who have come from all over the world to the work camps or summer exchanges have learned traditional construction methods and have helped to rebuild both the building that houses us and the surrounding spaces.
The experts and musical groups that come sporadically have helped maintain and fan the community and cultural flame of the project, enriching it and making it known to more people.
The members of the cooperative, true ‘architects’ of everything, have not only been involved on a productive level with their time and work (in the hostel, at the school, organizing events or renovating other buildings) but also and above all on an economic level, since the construction of the RCB-EOM has been possible thanks to the own funds collected (€50,000) and a bank loan of €80,000. Each member of the cooperative assumes different roles within the organization but all share full dedication to the project.
On the other hand, with the economic activity generated by the RCB-EOM and the construction branch of the cooperative, it has been possible to hire external personnel for tasks related to construction and project management (3 people), which has given consistency to the entity.
The users of the weekly activities (yoga and ceramics) have found here a space for personal care, creation and interpersonal relationships that has generated bonds and that give the project a vital common thread.
On the other hand, artists who have come to Envall to conceive and develop their artistic projects have been involved in our vision, have contributed research and creations and have made evident a nourishing symbiosis for all parties.
The young people who have come from all over the world to the work camps or summer exchanges have learned traditional construction methods and have helped to rebuild both the building that houses us and the surrounding spaces.
The experts and musical groups that come sporadically have helped maintain and fan the community and cultural flame of the project, enriching it and making it known to more people.
In the phase of creating the cooperative and defining the project, we involved the ‘Ateneu Cooperatiu de l'Alt Pirineu i Aran’ (ACAPA), which guided and advised us on the steps to follow to establish ourselves as an entity and on the programs that we could rely on in the future.
As stated in the previous section, for the construction of the RCB-EOM we received financial aid from the EU and the Catalan government through the “Leader” rural development aid program [€17,500 – PDR.cat 2020 - co-financed by the European Union (EAFRD) and the Government of Catalonia].
The City Council of the municipality to which we belong has also facilitated the achievement of the project in recent years, making possible the arrival of electricity to the town, improving the access road and also paving the streets of the urban center.
To promote the EOM we have also received support from the Social and Solidary Economic Net of Catalonia (XES). And for the adaptation and creation of the LRI we have had the support of the Catalan government through the subsidy of BruixIT projects of technological innovation in cooperativism.
In addition, we have established agreements and collaborations with several entities and we continue to define many others.
With the “Civil Service International”, a youth volunteering entity to carry out the summer work camps that have helped us to rebuild part of the building and its surroundings, as well as to give life and activity to the hostel.
With the association “XarxaProd” (Network of Creation and Production Spaces of Catalonia) to carry out artistic residencies, with the consequent exhibitions and artistic projects of research and recovery of the historical memory of the place, with the cultural and heritage value that they entail.
And also with the Spanish National Council for Scientific Research (CSIC) and the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC) to develop technological innovations in the field of forest management and production
As stated in the previous section, for the construction of the RCB-EOM we received financial aid from the EU and the Catalan government through the “Leader” rural development aid program [€17,500 – PDR.cat 2020 - co-financed by the European Union (EAFRD) and the Government of Catalonia].
The City Council of the municipality to which we belong has also facilitated the achievement of the project in recent years, making possible the arrival of electricity to the town, improving the access road and also paving the streets of the urban center.
To promote the EOM we have also received support from the Social and Solidary Economic Net of Catalonia (XES). And for the adaptation and creation of the LRI we have had the support of the Catalan government through the subsidy of BruixIT projects of technological innovation in cooperativism.
In addition, we have established agreements and collaborations with several entities and we continue to define many others.
With the “Civil Service International”, a youth volunteering entity to carry out the summer work camps that have helped us to rebuild part of the building and its surroundings, as well as to give life and activity to the hostel.
With the association “XarxaProd” (Network of Creation and Production Spaces of Catalonia) to carry out artistic residencies, with the consequent exhibitions and artistic projects of research and recovery of the historical memory of the place, with the cultural and heritage value that they entail.
And also with the Spanish National Council for Scientific Research (CSIC) and the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC) to develop technological innovations in the field of forest management and production
The design and implementation of the Rehabitate Envall project involved multiple disciplines and fields of knowledge, given the diverse backgrounds and specialties of all the main members who have carried it forward.
In the process of creating the project, the professional fields of each founding and/or main partner were key, defining the transversality and plurality of this ambitious proposal. As if it were a cocktail, the conception and birth of the RCB-EOM as the initial phase of the project to rehabilitate Envall and revitalize the region is due to this diversity of backgrounds of each of the founding partners.
The main professional disciplines of the members of the cooperative have been: education and pedagogy, forestry engineering, construction, crafts, management of cultural acts and events, audiovisual communication, computer engineering, design, livestock farming and grazing.
In the implementation and development of the project, many other fields of knowledge have also been involved through our collaborating partners. The most prominent fields are: architecture, politics, environmental sciences, art and music.
Proof of all this is the great variety of cultural events, workshops, talks, exchanges, concerts and training that have been carried out at the RCB-EOM (see attached “Evaluation Report” (ER)).
It is also worth highlighting the agreements and collaborations that we are defining with various research entities in order to consolidate our vocation to innovate and continue developing strategies for improving the territory in areas such as construction and forest management and production. (See attached ‘ER’, final section EOM)
In this sense, and aimed at covering different disciplines and organizations in similar contexts, we are also leading and defining an Interreg-POCTEFA project to carry out specialized postgraduate courses in the field of forests, sustainable production and the traditions and creations in their environment. (ER)
In the process of creating the project, the professional fields of each founding and/or main partner were key, defining the transversality and plurality of this ambitious proposal. As if it were a cocktail, the conception and birth of the RCB-EOM as the initial phase of the project to rehabilitate Envall and revitalize the region is due to this diversity of backgrounds of each of the founding partners.
The main professional disciplines of the members of the cooperative have been: education and pedagogy, forestry engineering, construction, crafts, management of cultural acts and events, audiovisual communication, computer engineering, design, livestock farming and grazing.
In the implementation and development of the project, many other fields of knowledge have also been involved through our collaborating partners. The most prominent fields are: architecture, politics, environmental sciences, art and music.
Proof of all this is the great variety of cultural events, workshops, talks, exchanges, concerts and training that have been carried out at the RCB-EOM (see attached “Evaluation Report” (ER)).
It is also worth highlighting the agreements and collaborations that we are defining with various research entities in order to consolidate our vocation to innovate and continue developing strategies for improving the territory in areas such as construction and forest management and production. (See attached ‘ER’, final section EOM)
In this sense, and aimed at covering different disciplines and organizations in similar contexts, we are also leading and defining an Interreg-POCTEFA project to carry out specialized postgraduate courses in the field of forests, sustainable production and the traditions and creations in their environment. (ER)
In recent years, the debate on the rural emergency has begun to become visible, and government policies have emerged to address it. Revitalizing a depressed territory in economic and population terms is not an easy task, nor can it be carried out by a single actor.
A dying territory needs people to inhabit it and make it beat, and these people need houses to live in, and also other people with whom to relate and create together. Hence the different objectives defined by our project, which we do not normally find grouped together around.
We believe that our project is innovative because it brings together several areas of action in a MULTIDISCIPLINARY approach to address this major challenge. All of this, moreover, is carried out in a COOPERATIVE way, through an entity created and constituted by people with a community spirit oriented towards the social and solidarity economy.
We believe that the innovation of our project is subject to the NETWORK of interaction and synergy of the different branches of our entity and, above all, in the PROCESS deployed by the approach, which is not usual in the regeneration of territories.
Firstly, by creating the Cooperative (Envall Coop, the soul of the project). Then, by building the Hostel-School, a cultural and social center, a center of attraction-training and an engine of change (RCB-EOM, the heart of the project). Beyond that, the local production and research factory (LRI, the skeleton of the project). And, finally, rebuilding the town and offering the houses that people need (the body and blood of the project).
We believe that the model we have defined is also innovative in terms of sustainability because it focuses on REHABILITATING a town that was abandoned by occupying a space in ruins and recovering the local MEMORY and heritage that had been buried. In addition, creating a small factory for self-production and technological research that minimizes the environmental impact and ecological
A dying territory needs people to inhabit it and make it beat, and these people need houses to live in, and also other people with whom to relate and create together. Hence the different objectives defined by our project, which we do not normally find grouped together around.
We believe that our project is innovative because it brings together several areas of action in a MULTIDISCIPLINARY approach to address this major challenge. All of this, moreover, is carried out in a COOPERATIVE way, through an entity created and constituted by people with a community spirit oriented towards the social and solidarity economy.
We believe that the innovation of our project is subject to the NETWORK of interaction and synergy of the different branches of our entity and, above all, in the PROCESS deployed by the approach, which is not usual in the regeneration of territories.
Firstly, by creating the Cooperative (Envall Coop, the soul of the project). Then, by building the Hostel-School, a cultural and social center, a center of attraction-training and an engine of change (RCB-EOM, the heart of the project). Beyond that, the local production and research factory (LRI, the skeleton of the project). And, finally, rebuilding the town and offering the houses that people need (the body and blood of the project).
We believe that the model we have defined is also innovative in terms of sustainability because it focuses on REHABILITATING a town that was abandoned by occupying a space in ruins and recovering the local MEMORY and heritage that had been buried. In addition, creating a small factory for self-production and technological research that minimizes the environmental impact and ecological
As we described in the previous point, we have followed a transdisciplinary and cooperative methodology. Many different people with very varied knowledge creating together to achieve great goals. The purpose, to respond to the territorial and global challenges of our present with a transversal view and a focus oriented to people and sustainability.
As a cooperative entity, we make strategic decisions in a community manner in our periodic assemblies and, then, each member of the entity is responsible for leading and developing a specific area of the multiple sections that we have defined. Two people are in charge of the RCB Hostel and social/cultural activities. Two more, of the workshops and training of the EOM. Two more, of the LRI production and experimentation. Three more, on the construction branch. Another one, in the communication area…
There are many impacts that we aim for and believe that we have achieved in recent years with our actions.
Bringing Nature closer to people. Generating social and cultural activity that creates bonds and reflection. Promoting intergenerational and international exchanges. Rescuing memory, crafts and traditions on the verge of disappearing. Grow the local economy. Discover new innovative ways of doing things. Encouraging rooting. Training young people in the region and offering them a 'vital ecosystem' so that they want to stay. Educating in a new paradigm of collaboration…
We are so happy looking back and watching the way we have done last years. Not planning and doing only houses but starting at the essentials: people, Nature and healthy and enriching relationships between all of us.
As a cooperative entity, we make strategic decisions in a community manner in our periodic assemblies and, then, each member of the entity is responsible for leading and developing a specific area of the multiple sections that we have defined. Two people are in charge of the RCB Hostel and social/cultural activities. Two more, of the workshops and training of the EOM. Two more, of the LRI production and experimentation. Three more, on the construction branch. Another one, in the communication area…
There are many impacts that we aim for and believe that we have achieved in recent years with our actions.
Bringing Nature closer to people. Generating social and cultural activity that creates bonds and reflection. Promoting intergenerational and international exchanges. Rescuing memory, crafts and traditions on the verge of disappearing. Grow the local economy. Discover new innovative ways of doing things. Encouraging rooting. Training young people in the region and offering them a 'vital ecosystem' so that they want to stay. Educating in a new paradigm of collaboration…
We are so happy looking back and watching the way we have done last years. Not planning and doing only houses but starting at the essentials: people, Nature and healthy and enriching relationships between all of us.
We believe that all the processes and elements of the project we are presenting are fully replicable, transferable and desirable for regenerating rural territories that are in decline.
We believe that forming an association of people with a common goal and an optimistic and transversal outlook –that is, creating a Cooperative like ours– could be carried out throughout our continent.
Recovering a ruined building and dedicating it to sustainable tourism, training in local traditions and arts, music and debate can also be carried out anywhere in our rural areas.
Similarly, creating a small factory with a few strategic machines for the production of construction elements with local raw materials can also be established wherever desired.
And finding abandoned villages that can recover their history and offer the affordable homes that people and territories need can also be done in any corner of our countries.
At this point we must thank the infinite energy that each and every member of our organization has given so that this dream has became a reality, and to all the people who have believed in the project and have come to Envall to make it grow. Likewise, to the organizations in the territory and beyond that have seen value in the project and have joined us to jointly create new tools and objectives.
We must also recognize and give the importance it deserves to the institutional support that has allowed many of the steps taken to be taken with confidence, whether with financial aid or with process support.
We also celebrate the existence of this award and the categories to which it is aimed, a clear sign that public policies are ensuring that an ecological and people-centered transition is possible.
We believe that forming an association of people with a common goal and an optimistic and transversal outlook –that is, creating a Cooperative like ours– could be carried out throughout our continent.
Recovering a ruined building and dedicating it to sustainable tourism, training in local traditions and arts, music and debate can also be carried out anywhere in our rural areas.
Similarly, creating a small factory with a few strategic machines for the production of construction elements with local raw materials can also be established wherever desired.
And finding abandoned villages that can recover their history and offer the affordable homes that people and territories need can also be done in any corner of our countries.
At this point we must thank the infinite energy that each and every member of our organization has given so that this dream has became a reality, and to all the people who have believed in the project and have come to Envall to make it grow. Likewise, to the organizations in the territory and beyond that have seen value in the project and have joined us to jointly create new tools and objectives.
We must also recognize and give the importance it deserves to the institutional support that has allowed many of the steps taken to be taken with confidence, whether with financial aid or with process support.
We also celebrate the existence of this award and the categories to which it is aimed, a clear sign that public policies are ensuring that an ecological and people-centered transition is possible.
The Rehabitate Envall project mainly addresses the global challenge of living on our planet in a SUSTAINABLE way, taking into account the NATURE of which we are a part, minimizing our impact on it and creating HEALTHY and rich COMMUNITIES that together can create a desirable reality.
New models of society are needed that consider and promote rural areas at the same level of rights and opportunities as metropolitan areas. Models that understand their potential and deploy it, that help REBALANCE THE TERRITORIES and revitalize the activity they need to make the necessary 'ecosystem harmony' a reality.
We believe that our project meets the previous criteria and approaches, and is aimed at solving global problems with local solutions. As we said at the beginning, the main purpose of our project is to revitalize a rural environment that is in social and economic decline, and thus reverse the depopulation and aging that is plaguing it. We believe that this is a global challenge, and that new practices and innovative projects are needed to draw up inspiring strategies.
In the face of the climate emergency, we offer rehabilitation and reconstruction instead of new construction (minimizing materials and occupied spaces); efficient construction with local wood (minimizing environmental impact and ecological footprint); and self-construction (ensuring economic and resource optimization).
In the face of rural depopulation and its social and economic regression, we offer new houses; and also reasons and opportunities to put down roots in the territory, to train, to grow, enjoy, share, create, rescue memory and tradition... and, above all, to appreciate and 'collaborate' with Nature in all its complexity and richness.
We must say that we are proud of what we have done and experienced, and that we will continue to do so (hopefully for many years) because we believe in and like what we do, and we love being part of the CHANGE.
New models of society are needed that consider and promote rural areas at the same level of rights and opportunities as metropolitan areas. Models that understand their potential and deploy it, that help REBALANCE THE TERRITORIES and revitalize the activity they need to make the necessary 'ecosystem harmony' a reality.
We believe that our project meets the previous criteria and approaches, and is aimed at solving global problems with local solutions. As we said at the beginning, the main purpose of our project is to revitalize a rural environment that is in social and economic decline, and thus reverse the depopulation and aging that is plaguing it. We believe that this is a global challenge, and that new practices and innovative projects are needed to draw up inspiring strategies.
In the face of the climate emergency, we offer rehabilitation and reconstruction instead of new construction (minimizing materials and occupied spaces); efficient construction with local wood (minimizing environmental impact and ecological footprint); and self-construction (ensuring economic and resource optimization).
In the face of rural depopulation and its social and economic regression, we offer new houses; and also reasons and opportunities to put down roots in the territory, to train, to grow, enjoy, share, create, rescue memory and tradition... and, above all, to appreciate and 'collaborate' with Nature in all its complexity and richness.
We must say that we are proud of what we have done and experienced, and that we will continue to do so (hopefully for many years) because we believe in and like what we do, and we love being part of the CHANGE.
REHABITATE ENVALL project gives priority to the places and people who need it most, as it contributes to addressing the needs of a rural area that requires urgent attention due to its economic and population decline.
Our project involves the regeneration of buildings and their surroundings to fight against isolation and revitalize the region at a social and cultural level. The project has also become a new space in the region that brings together and promotes diverse communities and learnings.
The attached EVALUATION REPORT (ER) details the results obtained beyond the successful reconstruction of the old building and the adaptation of the industrial warehouse near the village.
More than 800 people have come to our privileged natural environment and have stayed at the RCB Hostel in the last 3 years. In addition, multiple Courses, Workshops, Exhibitions, Concerts, Conferences and weekly activities have been held at the EOM-RCB, which have brought together hundreds of people and generated links and new projects, both intergenerational and international.
This space has become a reference and engine of change for the region. Now the local community has a place to meet, learn and share culture and reflection.
Furthermore, as the next phase of our great plan, the project will offer affordable housing to people who can barely live in the cities, where the cost of housing has increased. With the launch of the LRI, it will also be done in a sustainable and innovative way.
Ours is a cooperative model that reinvests profits in the project and aims to create social housing through the transfer of use, an anti-speculative property model with a direct impact on the social and solidarity economy that we support.
We believe that we have achieved the objectives of the category in which we are presenting and also many of those included in the other categories. Thousands of people have benefited from the project during our trajectory and we are very happy for this!
Our project involves the regeneration of buildings and their surroundings to fight against isolation and revitalize the region at a social and cultural level. The project has also become a new space in the region that brings together and promotes diverse communities and learnings.
The attached EVALUATION REPORT (ER) details the results obtained beyond the successful reconstruction of the old building and the adaptation of the industrial warehouse near the village.
More than 800 people have come to our privileged natural environment and have stayed at the RCB Hostel in the last 3 years. In addition, multiple Courses, Workshops, Exhibitions, Concerts, Conferences and weekly activities have been held at the EOM-RCB, which have brought together hundreds of people and generated links and new projects, both intergenerational and international.
This space has become a reference and engine of change for the region. Now the local community has a place to meet, learn and share culture and reflection.
Furthermore, as the next phase of our great plan, the project will offer affordable housing to people who can barely live in the cities, where the cost of housing has increased. With the launch of the LRI, it will also be done in a sustainable and innovative way.
Ours is a cooperative model that reinvests profits in the project and aims to create social housing through the transfer of use, an anti-speculative property model with a direct impact on the social and solidarity economy that we support.
We believe that we have achieved the objectives of the category in which we are presenting and also many of those included in the other categories. Thousands of people have benefited from the project during our trajectory and we are very happy for this!
