Alternative lifestyle event for Dingle Peninsula

The Dingle Peninsula has been chosen as the venue for a major international festival on sustainable living, to be held this summer.

Several hundred people from all over the world are expected to attend a specially constructed "village" for the two-week long "Ecotopia" festival and conference from August 10th to 24th.

Workshops will be held on environmental awareness, alternative medicines, vegetarianism, and ecological building, among others.

The organisers hope to live as a sustainable community using renewable energy resources and leaving as little of the impact on the local environment as possible.

A number of temporary structures will be built for eating, meetings and sleeping and a vegetarian kitchen is planned for which vegetables have already been planted on site.

Groups will leave the camp every few days to take part in local projects - including area clean-ups and participants are encouraged to give a workshop on a topic of their choice.

Sessions listed so far include workshops on environmental law, nuclear power and energy, energy efficiency, geology, geography, ancient Irish history, sustainable living, conflict resolution, music, dance, permaculture, climate change, and global social issues.

The exact location of the conference has yet to be disclosed, however, as the organisers are keen to maintain control over the festival.

In the past Ecotopia has been held in a number of European venues. It was held in Bulgaria in 2001 and Finland in 2000. It was in Scotland a number of years ago but this will be the first time it comes to Ireland.

The organisers say they are seeking volunteers to help tend the vegetables or to join one of a number of teams set up to build the village, and carry out other essential tasks.

Further information is available from Fiona on 087 6976442, or contact may be made through ballyhaunis@care2.com or call 086 3097622. An Ecotopia website is also to be set up at www.ecotopia2002.org