The World is finally becoming aware of the threats of global warning and its consequences. Governments, organisations and individuals are rallying their efforts to propose solutions and alternatives. Guidelines are being formulated and legislation brought in to enforce actions that will ensure a sustainable existence for future generations.

On our planet ruled by economics, any idealistic venture must prove itself to be profit making or its success cannot be guaranteed. It is perhaps time for the world leaders to draw up a universal plan but this must be backed up by action on small and local scale. Dr Schumacher and his book 'Small is Beautiful' must not be forgotten as it is showing the way to an alternative that brings together creativity and self-esteem to every individual who will help to create a sustainable world.

Launched in 2002, the many-faceted Kerkenes Eco-Center Project has covered extensive ground. With its focus of activities on the promotion of renewable energy for a low carbon economy the Eco-Center is fast becoming a model for sustainable rural development initiatives. One primary aim is the reduction of greenhouse gases emissions in rural environments, thereby contributing to a reduction in atmospheric pollution.

In the autumn of 2008, using the Kerkenes Eco-Center as a showcase, the project sponsored by the Bilateral Program Budget of the British Embassy, Ankara, the program for Promotion of the Use of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficient Designs for a Low-Carbon High-Growth Rural Economy in Turkey focused on the mobilisation of public, private and local authority support for local-scale energy-efficient and renewable energy designs. Panels, kermess and workshops were organised in a successful arousal of awareness amongst local authorities and the wide spectrum of stakeholders. One result was an increased consciousness of the importance of the Kerkenes Eco-Center Project as a model for a low carbon high growth economy as a major component in sustainable rural development. Public outreach has been extended through the distribution of posters, leaflets and reports together with updating of the much-visited the Eco-Centre web page. Another crucial result has been the establishment of contacts with interested parties in a wide range of administrative, corporate, academic fields as well as NGOs and foreign embassies. Collaboration with and between many of these parties, stakeholders and individuals is ongoing.

The Şahmuratlı Village Association, ŞAH-DER, and the Kerkenes Eco-Center Team will seek for support as more active components will have to come together before it can claim autonomy. The venture is however on the right track and the enthusiastic response and appreciation of the general public is encouraging. It is hoped that sufficient funding will be forthcoming to allow the project to develop further its income generating activities and to become economically viable.