Gaia Education’s Core Values are consistent with key values in the greater ecovillage/ transition/ permaculture communities, and are framed within our 4-D Whole Systems Design Framework, with four key pillars of sustainability:

  • Social
  • Economic
  • Ecological
  • Worldview
Value Mandala Jun 2024 transp
  • Respect for Diversity
    01. We celebrate cultural, ethnic, racial, sexual, religious and spiritual diversity, promoting mutual respect, tolerance, and diversity of opinion and representation on a global level. We promote biodiversity.

  • Regeneration and Sustainability

    02. We promote social, ecological, economic and cultural regeneration, using the most sustainable materials and approaches, and moving always towards a paradigm shift to a circular economy.


  • Community-led Development

    03. We place confidence in the innate generosity of spirit of humans and our ability to transform our relationship with the planet. We support community empowerment through increased participation, confidence, knowledge and skills sharing, so that communities can create their own change, on their own terms.


  • Transformational Innovation

    04. We continually search for the most innovative insights from international research and practice of regenerative development to update & improve our Whole Systems Design Framework and pedagogies.


  • The Rights of All Beings

    05. We uphold the principle that Planet Earth is a living organism - Gaia - and that nature, wholly or partly, i.e. ecosystems or species, have inherent rights and should have formal protection to exist, thrive and regenerate.

    We uphold that every Human Being's Rights must be respected at all times, and we nurture the confidence of individuals to strive for a just relation with society, valuing self-determination, social freedom and fair access to prosperity and opportunity.


  • Equality and Equity

    06. We advance cultural, ethnic, sexual, religious and spiritual equality of voice and opportunity and strive for fairness.


  • Integrity and Transparency

    07. We demonstrate high ethical standards using transparent processes, and only form partnerships with entities sharing these ethics and values.