"Trinoga" organisation

Trinoga Association, established in 2005, is situated above Zhelen village, Sofia district, Bulgaria. It goes beyond being just an NGO - it’s an eco-community where people permanently live in harmony with nature and put our beliefs into practice. Our association’s philosophy revolves around three pillars: life in harmony with nature, social unity, and personal growth. Vegetarium Community Home, the heart of our Trinoga Association, is a community centre where these principles come to life. Here are some key points about the place: 1. Location: Nestled in the Balkan Mountain, Vegetarium Home is 5 km away from any asphalted village and shops, providing a serene and remote environment. 2. Community: Currently a few families live at Vegetarium Home, and other 20 autonomous eco friendly households coexist in Zhelen valley and collaborate. 3. Languages: Vegetarium core team is fluent in English, French, German, Spanish, Russian and Bulgarian, allowing us to welcome both local and foreign volunteers. 4. Global Connections: As an integral part of the Global Ecovillage Network, ESC and Erasmus+, Trinoga association maintains close ties with NGOs in Italy, Spain, France, Portugal, Georgia, Turkey, Uganda and Switzerland. 5. Education: The team actively engages in teaching sustainable development, healthy lifestyle, and community building at institutions like Sofia University, New Bulgarian University, and professional schools. 6. Mentorship: Our mentor, M.D. Dimitar Pashkulev, a renowned Bulgarian specialist in natural medicine and the Integral approach, has found his calling in living at Vegetarium Home since 2015. He provides non-formal education to young people and youth workers interested in sustainable activism. Vegetarium Community Home embodies the vision of living in balance with nature, fostering personal growth, and creating a supportive community. Trinoga Association is deeply committed to sustainable activism and development of a harmonious relationship with the environment and communities. Here are the specifics of our impactful work: 1. Young People's Personal and Social Development: o We focus on developing various skills and competencies among young people; o We strongly advocate for a healthy lifestyle, emphasizing the balance between proper nutrition, biorhythms, and practices that benefit body, mind, and spirit. We promote a non-dogmatic approach toward spirituality; 2. Climatic Agriculture: o The association engages in regenerative landscaping to enhance biodiversity and habitats; o Our efforts contribute to the production of clean food and raw materials; 3. Eco Construction: o Trinoga constructs using mainly natural materials, maintaining a harmonious blend of traditional low-tech and modern high-tech approaches; o Our ratio stands at 95% traditional low-tech and 5% modern high-tech; 4. Active Citizenship and Eco-Activism: o Trinoga actively promotes biodiversity and social unity through eco-activism; o Our commitment extends beyond theory: we live and breathe these principles. Main Activities: • Living and Promoting Healthy Life in Nature: Trinoga members embrace a lifestyle in harmony with nature; • Volunteer Hosting and Development: We help volunteers discover their authentic vocations and develop diverse competences; • International Exchange: Volunteers are sent to Italy, Portugal, France, Spain and Switzerland; • Enhancing Biodiversity: Through landscaping, carbon sequestration and planting perennial fruits and nuts; • Eco-Friendly Construction: Renovating old structures and building new ones using wood, clay, stone, hay, and other natural materials; • Maintenance and Practical Skills: Volunteers gain hands-on experience in maintaining gardens, animals, buildings, and machinery; • Collaboration with the Local Population: Trinoga actively exchanges production, physical labor, and intellectual work with the local community; • EU-Funded Projects: We also lead and participate in projects funded by various EU programs, in partnership with other NGOs; Target Groups: 1. Young Eco-Oriented Individuals (Aged 18-30): Those ready to adopt a sustainable lifestyle; 2. Youth workers; 3. Other NGOs with Similar Interests: Collaborating to amplify their impact; 3. Local Population of Zhelen Village and Svoge Town: Engaging with the community; 4. Academical and municipal institutions.