EKO!

The French non-profit association “EKO!” implements positive and innovative projects in the fields of sustainable development and international solidarity. It promotes individual and collective fulfillment and resilience, respectful of nature and cultures. EKO! as a name, comes from Esperanto language : it means “Let’s go!”. The organization currently consists of two programs: The ‘Low-tech with Refugees’ program is operating in three different European locations. It is present on the EU-Turkey border on the Greek island of Lesvos, in the french town of Briançon on the French-Italian mountainous border, and in Marseille, a major destination for refugees to settle down in France. Low-technologies are accessible and sustainable solutions that address basic needs such as housing, food, water access, energy access, sanitation, transportation, etc. Low-technologies offer refugees the opportunity to be autonomous in meeting their own needs and to go forward in their professional integration through sustainable jobs that contribute to ecological transition. The objective of 'Low-tech with Refugees' is to strengthen resilience, individual and collective empowerment for both migrants and locals. The association's second program, “Ekolok”, is based in Briançon, France and promotes habitat sharing in a convivial, ecological and solidarity-based manner since 2015. The project aims to develop and support shared housing focused on solidarity and ecology, called “ekoloks”. Through the creation of links between shared experiences, mutual cooperation and joint action by interested individuals participating in an “ekolok”, these places become hubs for different lifestyles that respect people and environment.