Ecotrain visits Kibbutz Lotan - an ecological village and educational centre in the Negev Desert

Today I was on an Ecotrain assignment to visit a very special place called Kibbutz Lotan which is situated in the Negev desert in the deep south of Israel.

Driving along the highway through the arid Jordan valley, you might never know that such a place as this exists, tucked away, out of sight.. a little oasis of green. A living vision of how the world could look like everywhere, if humans lived in harmony with their surroundings - with care, creativity, intelligence and respect for the environment and our place in it.

With its focus on ecological building and permaculture in desert environments, Kibbutz Lotan operates as an education center where people can come to learn and practice these vital skills, express their creativity and share their own gifts.

Beautifully hand painted signs all around inform and inspire.

The permaculture organic garden is healthy and abundant, tended by enthusiastic, happy volunteers and watered with recycled water.

Beautiful, hand-made, low-tec devices and creations are all around. This compost turning barrel, for example.

Recycling is an important factor. New uses are found for old things. This is a beehive made from an old wooden chest.

I like the experimental workshop area. To some people, this might look like a junkyard, but to me, it's a treasure trove...

Who needs electricity to run a washing machine?

This solar oven comes with instructions...

For me, the most inspiring part of coming into a place like this is the structures.. The living spaces and public areas. All lovingly made by hand using natural or recycled materials.

Inside a shady dome made from living climbing plants. The perfect place for holding a conference.

A little meditation space made from branches and mud, housing a small fish pond. Cool air and shade are important factors in this climate.

Adobe brick building. This is the most beautiful rabbit hutch I've ever seen.

These mud igloos give ideal shelter from the harsh desert sun.

Inside the communal kitchen

Outside the communal kitchen, wood fired ovens.

More photos...

I took these photos, wrote and uploaded this post using an overworked Galaxy S3. I think I have reached the limit of its capabilities so I'm going to publish now before it crashes, even though I've got lots more photos I could show you. I hope this has given you at least some idea and that you found this post informative and inspiring.

To me, places like this give me a lot of hope, even though they are few and far between at the moment, they provide a glimpse into the world of the future... at least a possible future.

Check out Ecotrain for lots more news of good things such as this and plenty more besides...

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Thanks for visiting