KEY COMPONENTS OF OUR ECO-UNIT...

Wondo Shilo Eco-Unit puts "Traditional family-constelations and values first"
It will assure us to get "smooth operation" for...

...A group, committed though co-ownership or contract, that shares resources to produce food, water, accommodation and in some cases work.
A settlement where farming, living, recycling and energy production are contained in one geographic location
Living accommodation that is a long term investment.

About us:
We are Carl Fredrik Sixten von Wowern and Anna Jenny Genet von Wowern.
a Swedish/Ethiopian family with two children.

This project came about searching for a solution for the many-faced problems here in Ethiopia.
The criteria’s we had was that it should be an “all in one” concept that drawn away from the neo-traditional ways of helping, we could form it and mold it as our hearts told us.
To receive help in the manner that Ethiopia up until now have, creates only dependants and we see that oh too well.
There are good examples but surprisingly few, once you see for yourself, our understanding has increased when it comes to “Why” and one why is that there needs more of them that dare to take risks, both socially and economically.
The establishments have grown lazy and fat and simply do not do what was set out for them to do!? The people know this well, even if there are “new compass directions” implemented.
Thru our searching we found a concept and started to form the project: Wondo Shilo Eco–Unit which means;
Wondo=Gate.
Shilo= whole, sound, safe, integral, rest, peace, quiet, security, tranquility, health, just to take a few.

So we say: “The gate to peace”.

And our policy became: Family, Ecology, Economy.

Situated in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia since 3 years, we are sharing a great love for the country, working at present voluntarily with our project.
We are here and we care!

Why support Ethiopia?
Ethiopia is one of the richest countries when it comes to Historical heritage including the Solomonic Crown and in natural resources.

Ethiopia is mentioned various times in the Bible, and is often called the Cradle of Mankind and the Capital of Africa.

One of the reasons to this title is that all the big help organizations are present in Addis Ababa including UN and the head Quarter of the African Union so an impact for the rest of Africa would not be far.

Situation Addis Ababa:
The situation is alarming and we see a prevention of this direct poverty and urbanization by installing and spreading the Eco-Unit concept which contributes to rualization.

We are also grieved to find that prostitution and corruption directly increases, as diverse foreigners and Ethiopian “intellectuals” in general don’t take their responsibility (to help in protect the less fortunate) once trusted or charged to assist in the development of the country, and that desperate people are instead often taken advantage of.

Unfortunately too many seem to have forgotten common moral at home. Therefore Wondo Shilo Eco-Unit will take a stand against all such activities.

We believe that Africa is a continent of the future, it´s problems belong to the past and that, Love is stronger than hate.

Carl Fredrik Sixten & Anna Jenny Genet von Wowern.

Benefits of eco-units

Lifeboats One of the reasons for developing eco-units is to provide a ”lifeboat” in an increasingly difficult future, where the availability of cheap fossil fuel has very serious consequences for society as it is built up today. The first eco-units will work as knowledge/experience building for the changes needed in a society where cheap fossil fuel is not available.

Geographical boundaries coincide with organization and membership. The benefit of having in the same place your investment, work, maintenance and operation of your energy, food and accommodation gives a strong feeling of control over your future and living ”close to nature”.

A manageable area (on a human scale) As an eco-unit member the area you see around you is where your food comes from, your investment and that you pass on to future generations. In addition it is a piece of the earth which contributes to a balanced global eco-system. Your living is simplified and given more depth at the same time.

Integrated farming Locally grown food has many benefits: it is cheaper, is fresher and means less waste, higher quality at a lower price. Delivery security is higher than if you have to rely on a large number of people and processes to provide food on the table.

Different forms of accommodation In an eco-unit it is important that all life’s phases are catered for, examples, family, pension, temporary.

Other activities That there are possibilities for entrepreneurship in an eco-unit increase self development and pleasure. If the activities are profitable the value of your initial investment also increases.

Off-grid Water nor energy comes totally from the national network which increases the future security of supply and limits the effect of future price rises. Investment in renewable energy gives cheap energy once the original investment is paid back.

Mature eco-system The benefits of an eco-unit are very similar to the attributes of a typical mature eco-system. An area that retains nutrients elements and produces a large number of ecological services that we use industrial processes for today benefits both the global eco-system and survival for future generations. The nutritional flow in this type of community has many similarities with a mature ecosystem. With this type of process for example, the ”overfeeding” of lakes can be tackled – on land!