Kin’s settlement «Schastlivoe» («Happy») is located in Moldova, a 30-minute drive from the capital. It has a truly unique position: in a national reserve, on a small hill between the rivers Reut and Prut, among the forests, where there are more than 1000 species of various plants. In previous centuries, this area was called «little Switzerland». Vineyards grow at the foot of the hills. The beauty of these places is created by Nature itself: there are many gardens, trees, and lakes.
«Schastlivoe» occupies an area of 40 hectares. On 4 hectares there are public areas: a house for meetings and receiving guests, a pond, a sports ground, and a grove. Now more than 20 families live in «Schastlivoe». The settlement has its own unique style, expressing the traditions and spirit of the Moldovan people.
The history of the settlement began in 2001. It all started with a concept, with an idea: at that time, like-minded people created an ecological club where they gathered twice a week. For several years, the club discussed the prospects for the development of ecovillages in Moldova. Future settlers made plans together, drew plans of their domains, and organized expeditions in search of suitable places. All the founders of the settlement are united by common interests: the Ringing Cedars books, permaculture, the experience of Japanese innovative agronomists, new systems of education and medicine, and much more.
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All decisions here are made by the Settlement Council that is held every week, and if there are any urgent issues, then more often. All settlers can take part in the Council, and all decisions are taken only by full unanimity. Residents say: «This decision-making system may seem strange in the modern world, but we are all friends, and everyone is interested in each other's success, so we succeed!».
All settlers eat only ecological food: fruits, vegetables, and herbs grown personally, without the use of chemical fertilizers. They are vegetarians. Electricity in «Schastlivoe» is also completely ecological (from solar panels). It is enough for absolutely the whole year for all household appliances, and also for water pumps. The immediate plans of the settlers include the creation of a common large apiary. And for the distant future, the plans are even more grandiose: people from «Schastlivoe» are sure that one day it will become the cultural and scientific center of the region, and a point of attraction for agritourism.
Residents of «Schastlivoe» invite new neighbors. This is how they describe those they are waiting for in their settlement: «Families inspired by the ideas described in the Ringing Cedars series of books. Those who are ready to move to a permanent place of residence in their family domain, with their own strength and means to realize their dream within the framework of our project among like-minded people…».
