Saranagati is sometimes incorrectly referred to as an eco village. To illuminate any possible misconceptions, we must define what an eco village is.
This definition is taken from theecovillageexperience.net:
"a community, either traditional or intentional, which aims at becoming more socially, culturally, economically, and ecologically sustainable"
In the early years, the founding members of Saranagati had the intention to live simply, following a traditional lifestyle based on agriculture and cow protection. While aspects of this high vision were realized, the full manifestation remains incomplete.
The modern day Saranagati is exactly that, modern. Households operate individually and depend on gas generators, propane water heating systems, and food from the supermarket to maintain a lifestyle with convenience, in the the beauty of the countryside.
From theecovillageexperience.net:
In the four pillars approach to sustainability, sustainability is defined as the precise intersection of environment, economy, society, and culture.
More precisely, a sustainable community is a community which:
- preserves its natural environment
- contributes to regenerate local economies
- stimulates society diversity and strong cultural life
- takes care of people, whether they are from the community or outside
Let's explore the sustainability of Saranagati from these four points:
1) The natural environment is an overgrown forest which requires thinning and continuous management. Residents have been slashing and burning for decades, and recently clear cut after a a forest fire.
2) Local economy in Saranagati is virtually non-existent. Members commute to jobs in other towns and cities, spend their money there, and encourage the next generation to do the same
3) The intention of Saranagati is that everyone practicing Krishna Consciousness. In order to maintain this uniformity, diversity is not appreciated, and other cultures, practices and lifestyles are generally discouraged.
4) There are no community services, no care facility, and no plan for the elderly as they approach the end of their life. For outsiders, there are no guest facilities and minimal engagement.
Saranagati is many things, and everyone experiences it in their own way. What can be said for certain is that Saranagati Village Holdings Inc is a land holding corporation, and it operates that way. Residents are shareholders and the people in power make decisions that benefit themselves and their friends and family.
Some confusion may arise because of the presence of the Vedic Eco Village project, which operates on 70 acres of Saranagati land shares. More information about this forming eco village can be found at their website: https://vedicecovillage.ca/
Re: preserving the natural environment, an example would be the choice to clear cut after the forest fire in 2024, also known as salvage logging. Ultimately the decision was steered by the chance to profit from the devastation of huge areas of land within the valley. Only time will tell the full scope of environmental impact.