Draft:Govardhan Ecovillage

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Govardhan Ecovillage

Govardhan Ecovillage (GEV) is a sustainable farming community, retreat center, and spiritual eco-village located in Palghar district, Maharashtra, India. Established in 2003 under the inspiration of Radhanath SwamiRadhanath Swami, a spiritual leader of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), it is known for combining principles of traditional Vedic living with modern sustainability practices.

History

Govardhan Ecovillage was founded as an extension of the ISKCON Chowpatty community in Mumbai, envisioned as a rural retreat that demonstrates harmony between ecological balance and spiritual values. Over the years, it has grown into an internationally recognized model of environmental sustainability and holistic living.

Location

The ecovillage is situated in the Wada taluka of Palghar district, about 108 kilometers from Mumbai. Nestled at the foothills of the Sahyadri mountains, the campus covers more than 100 acres of land and includes farms, forests, water bodies, temples, and retreat facilities.

Facilities and Activities

Organic Farming: GEV practices sustainable agriculture using cow-based natural farming, crop rotation, and permaculture techniques.

Cow Protection (Gośālā): The ecovillage maintains indigenous Gir and Sahiwal cows, emphasizing ethical dairy practices.

Education & Training: The Govardhan School of Sustainability offers programs on ecological lifestyle, yoga, and Ayurveda.

Spiritual Retreats: Visitors can participate in yoga, meditation, and spiritual study programs rooted in the Bhakti tradition.

Community Living: The project includes eco-friendly cottages, water recycling systems, and solar energy initiatives.

Architecture and Replicas

A notable feature of Govardhan Ecovillage is its scale replicas of holy sites from Vṛndāvana and Govardhan Hill, such as Kusum Sarovar, Radha Kund, and Yamuna ghats. These replicas attract pilgrims and tourists while preserving the cultural and spiritual essence of the original locations.

Awards and Recognition

Govardhan Ecovillage has received multiple national and international awards for its work in sustainability and community development, including:

United Nations Award for Excellence and Innovation in Tourism (2017)

UNWTO Award for Innovation in Tourism (2019)

Water Sustainability Award by FICCI (2015)

It is also recognized as a UNWTO Affiliate Member and has presented its sustainability model at various international forums.

Research and Collaborations

The ecovillage collaborates with universities and institutions in India and abroad for research on sustainability, rural development, and spirituality. It is also involved in outreach programs that support local tribal communities with healthcare, education, and skill development.

References

| Topic | Source & What It Supports | | -------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **UNWTO Award (2017)** | *"ISKCON Govardhan Eco Village Wins Prestigious UN WTO Award in Tourism"* — ISKCON News article says GEV won the UNWTO Award for Innovation in the NGO category, recognizing its use of eco-tourism to reduce poverty and provide sustainable livelihoods in tribal regions. ([ISKCON News][1])
Also *Times of India* article: “UNWTO award for Govardhan Eco Village” confirms the recognition in Maharashtra for excellence & innovation in tourism. ([The Times of India][2])
*Business Standard* also covered it. ([Business Standard][3]) | | **Energy Globe Award (2019)** | GEV won the **National Energy Globe Award (India)** in 2019 for its “Integrated Water Conservation, and its Protection Scheme” in tribal villages. ([ISKCON News][4]) | | **Biodiversity / Seeds for Life Initiative** | GEV’s “Seeds for Life” project was featured in a *Faiths for Biodiversity* / COP16 report. It describes efforts to preserve indigenous seed varieties, work with marginal farmers, on-farm demonstrations, community seed centers etc. ([ISKCON News][5]) | | **Rural Development & Organic Farming** | *Equator Initiative* entry: GEV promotes rural development via organic farming, water conservation, women empowerment, rural education, etc. It details number of tribes/families involved, livelihoods etc. ([equatorinitiative.org][6]) | | **Conference: Hinduism & Ecology** | A report (JSRNC / ISSRNC) on the “Hinduism and Ecology: Towards a Sustainable Future” conference held at GEV in late 2017. This provides description of the ecovillage, its location (\~100 km north of Mumbai), its model, its sustainability practices (buildings, food production, water resources, waste treatment, spiritual renewal etc.) ([issrnc.org][7]) | | **Location / Scale / Founding** | Some sources give acreage (\~70 acres) in Wada, Maharashtra. Founding year \~2003. ([ISKCON News][1]) |

[1]: https://iskconnews.org/es/iskcon-govardhan-eco-village-wins-prestigious-un-wto-award-in-tourism/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "ISKCON Govardhan Eco Village Wins Prestigious UN ..." [2]: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/unwto-award-for-govardhan-eco-village/articleshow/57921295.cms?utm_source=chatgpt.com "UNWTO award for Govardhan Eco Village | Mumbai News" [3]: https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/iskcon-s-govardhan-eco-village-bags-un-award-117012000863_1.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com "ISKCON's Govardhan eco village bags UN award" [4]: https://iskconnews.org/govardhan-ecovillage-wins-national-energy-globe-award/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Govardhan Ecovillage Wins National Energy Globe Award" [5]: https://iskconnews.org/un-global-biodiversity-report-spotlights-govardhan-ecovillages-seeds-for-life-initiative-at-cop16/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "UN Global Biodiversity Report Spotlights Govardhan ..." [6]: https://www.equatorinitiative.org/2020/04/24/solution11075/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Govardhan Ecovillage" [7]: https://www.issrnc.org/2018/01/17/report-hinduism-ecology-conference/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Report on Hinduism and Ecology Conference - issrnc"