Indigenous community members standing outside traditional thatched hut in lush environment.

1st Indigenous Ecovillage

  • Communities

About the Communities

  • Forming
  • Ecological
  • Rural

Founding year

  • 2011

What we do

Ecovillage and Indigenous Chocolate Haven
Calling all nature lovers, conservation enthusiasts, and chocolate connoisseurs!
Ekobius is a unique intentional community nestled within the Guiana Shield, a biodiversity hotspot bordering sovereign Piaroa territory. Imagine waking up to the sounds of howler monkeys and scarlet macaws, surrounded by lush forests teeming with diverse life. Here, sustainability and cultural immersion go hand-in-hand.
Ecovillage Life & Indigenous Collaboration
Live amongst Indigenous food forests, a vibrant testament to our commitment to sustainable agriculture.
Our community prioritizes harmony with the environment, employing solar and hydroelectric power whenever possible.
We collaborate closely with the Piaroa people, fostering mutual respect and cultural exchange.
Become Part of the Legacy
Invest in the “First Indigenous Ecovillage,” a cooperative venture dedicated to empowering local communities and preserving traditional knowledge.
Ekobius is also home to the groundbreaking Ekobius Project, a research center dedicated to studying Theobroma cacao and crafting the world’s most exquisite Indigenous Chocolate.
Membership Options
Ekobius offers two membership levels catering to different needs:
Communal Membership: Enjoy flexible visitation rights, shared accommodations, and a 1% stake in cooperative income.
Equitable Membership: Build your dream home (300–750 sq. ft.) on a dedicated plot you can own and potentially resell.
Embrace a Sustainable Future
Ekobius is more than just a community; it’s a movement. Join us in creating a model for sustainable living and honoring the rich heritage of the Guiana Shield.
Ready to Learn More?
Visit our website or contact us to discuss membership opportunities and experience the magic of Ekobius firsthand.

Our Mission

Establish an alternative lifestyle that is in accordance and coincident with nature using appropriate technology and all that we exemplify as humans in our natural state on earth as good people.

  • Purpose
  • Ecological
  • Community type
  • Cohousing
  • Coliving
  • Ecovillage
  • Sustainability practices
  • Renewable energy systems
  • Activities
  • Farming
  • Education
  • Experiences
  • Networking
  • Services Business
  • Others

Commemorative dates

  • January 1, 2011
  • Started planning
  • January 1, 2022
  • Started living together
  • 11 Total members
  • Open to new members
  • Open to visitors
Total
19

How to join

To become a member a person must become an equal cooperative stakeholder in our project. Currently membership is $3,750 (subject to increase) for the right to a 1/100th share or as much as $18,500 with an equitable stake in a campsite with a building. To become a member and start the application process new applicants must pay 50% in advance.

Basic expectations or agreements for members

Those who visit the community must be vetted and qualified as individuals of open consciousness that are non-discriminatory and willing to understand the indigenous people that live with us and nearby. All visitors must arrange their visit in advance and cover expenses of a chaperon (one of our members) to accompany you to our site. Only persons that plan to stay for 30 days or more will be accommodated as visitors. All visitors must make a donation of $500 to be invited, sign a release with Ecology Crossroads in the United States, and are expected to pay a $10 per day use fee in advance of their visit and are additionally responsible for their own meals which can cost between $3-$10 or even $20 in town per day depending on your consumption.

Primary decision-making authority

  • Single Leader or Founding Couple

One person or partnership has ultimate authority.

Decision-making process

  • Leadership Decides

A single person, couple, or small group makes most major decisions.

Governance structure

  • Founder/Leader-led

Primary authority rests with the community’s founder(s) or designated leader(s).

Economic model

  • Complete Income-Sharing

All member income goes into common pool for community use.

Economic scenarios for this community

  • There is a one-time fee, investment, or share purchase to join the community separate from accessing housing
  • Members need to pay fees, dues, or similar to live there on a per month or per year basis

Additional economic information

Join fee: $3750
Regular fees: $33
Members with pre-existing debt: allowed
Products, agriculture, manufacturing, packaging and sales are all shared to provide the group economy and dividends from surplus are shared.

Shared resources and amenities that are accessible to everyone in the community

Common House, Garden(s), Greenhouse(s), Vehicle Share, Library, Workshop, Outbuilding(s), Swimming pond or pool, Hot tub or hot springs, Outdoor Kitchen, Large Scale Kitchen, Tractor & Farm Equipment, Stage or Auditorium, Fire pit, Swingsets & play areas, Recreational vehicles, Waterfront access, Gym or sports area, Internet

Frequency of communal meals

  • 2-5 times per week

Significant food acquisition practices

  • Locally sourced

Community activities and engagement

  • Transition Town (post-petroleum and off-grid communities.)
  • School, Educational Institute or Experience
  • Volunteer, Internship, or Apprenticeship, or WWOOF’ing
  • Ethical Business, Investment Group, or Alternative Currency
  • Organization, Resource, or Network
  • WWOOF'ing, Guest Farming
  • Festivals, Conferences, Events

Substance use culture

  • Substance use occurs primarily at celebrations or ceremonies
  • Religions
  • Native
  • Wiccan, Paganism, or Earth Religions

Gender composition

  • Roughly balanced (no group over 60%)

Age demographics

  • Multi-generational (all ages well represented)

Property status

  • Privately owned

Property owner

  • By several individuals through an LLC or a Tenancy In Common agreement

Setting

  • Rural

Countryside locations with significant distance from urban centers.

Community type

  • Cohousing

    Private homes with shared common facilities, designed for neighborly
    interaction while maintaining independence.

  • Coliving

    Shared living spaces with private bedrooms/bathrooms and communal
    kitchens, dining, and social areas.

  • Ecovillage

    Integrated communities designed around ecological principles with sustainable living practices.

  • Commune

    Communal living with shared resources, property, and often income or work responsibilities

  • Intentional Neighborhoods

    Geographically close groups of independently-owned homes whose residents actively cultivate community relationships and shared values.

  • Land-Based Communities

    Communities centered around shared land stewardship, sustainable agriculture, or connection to specific natural environments.

  • Spiritual Retreat Centers

    Residential communities focused on providing space for meditation, spiritual practice, and personal growth retreats.

Sustainability approach

  • Renewable energy systems

Self-produced energy

  • Over 66%

Energy sources used

  • Photovoltaic Solar
  • Hydro
  • Biomass (from wood or other organic materials)

Self-produced food

  • Up to 33%

Local, organic, or fair trade food

  • Over 66%

Food systems

  • Community garden
  • Food forest
  • Greenhouse / aquaponics
  • Land area size
    25 acres

Guest Book

Written reviews are available for plus members. Click here to upgrade.

Location

  • Amazonas, Venezuela

Promoted Needs and Offers

Offer
Offer
  • Communities with Openings
8 months ago

Worktrade Opportunities on Big Island Hawaii

We are continuing our work-trade program at Bridge Hawaii for the right people on this beautiful 86-acre land located along the Hāmākua Coast. Ideally, we want to host those individuals who can help with the garden and who can support with build projects for up to a 3 month stay. This work-trade would include lodging, food staples, community kitchen, running hot water showers, off-grid electricity, and laundry. There is access to high speed wi-fi. We often have a car that can be reserved. We also have full bar signal strength with Verizon cellphone service. We have about 2 acres of permaculture garden that needs to be cared for including; weeding, planting, picking up mulch, some tree trimming, ect. We are currently in a building stage on the land. We have a few current grant projects we are working on and some build projects that are underway. We are an intentional community with about 8 permanent residents. There are rescue dairy cows, mini cows, mini donkeys, horses, a donkey, cats, dogs, and active bee hives. We are a drug and alcohol “free” space. A glass of wine or beer with dinner is fine, but absolutely no day drinking or parties. We have a meditation temple and many waterfall pools that are wonderful for swimming. Close to some of the nicest beaches on island. We have snorkeling gear and a kayak. Since this is an animal sanctuary, we limit the consumption of meat on the land. Fish, eggs, honey, and dairy are fine. Let me know if you’re interested by sending an email or text for our application. Maomi (801) 623-0738 maomi@rainbowbridgehawaii.com
Offer
  • Communities with Openings
1 year ago

Oak Park Commons Cohousing – Plan to Move in Fall 2025

Illinois’ first cohousing community fosters intergenerational connection, diversity, and inclusiveness. We welcome all those who share our vision of creating a sustainable residential community in a vibrant urban suburb. Oak Park Commons Cohousing seeks new members. Join the dozen households that have already helped plan and design a five story, 24-unit building near the commercial heart of Oak Park, Illinois. The building includes a mix of one, two, and three, bedroom ADA accessible units. A package friendly first floor mailroom adjoins the lobby, elevator, and parking entrances. Noise mitigation and energy efficient air conditioning assure year-round comfort. The Carpenter & Madison streets corner location includes within a pedestrian friendly half mile radius: a middle school, bus stop, grocery co-op, drug store, bank, CTA train station, Unity Temple, Rush Hospital, Fox Park, Mills Park, and many restaurants. Madison has traffic calming and bike lanes. The Village commercial center, barely a mile away offers the Lake Theatre Cinema, Trader Joes, Whole Foods, Formula Fitness Center, Public Library, Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, and specialty retail and service shops. Oak Park includes excellent K-12 schools. Lincoln public elementary school offers an optional Spanish bilingual program, Gwendolyn Brooks middle school’s wonderful performing arts opportunities and OPRF high school’s great college and career prep. Eight two and three bedroom units are still available for purchase starting at $406,640. Buyers pay a five percent earnest fee when signing a purchase agreement that goes toward down payment at closing. Units available for occupancy starting the last week of October 2025. Visit our website and talk with some of our members to learn more about who we are and how we envision building our community together. Website: https://oakparkcommons.com/ Contacts: Charles Hoch 708-721-8817; Sus

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