FUTURE PERSPECTIVES

     The aim is for the Kerkenes Eco-Center and Sahmuratli Village to be a showcase for environmentally friendly, energy sensitive and self-sufficient development, promoting the use of renewable energy for a low-carbon economy and a sustainable future. It is however necessary to secure additional funding so as to pursue given goals and overcome various bureaucratic hurdles that will make the income generating activities economically viable in the medium and long term.
     The proposal will follow the overall goals of the Kerkenes Eco-Center Project and general objectives for rural development and improvement of living standards in the Village of Sahmuratli. These are:
        1. Promotion of renewable energy, energy efficient designs and income-generating activities.
     2. Promotion of permaculture and organic gardens through resource management such as drip irrigation and composting.
     Long term goals of the project focus on environmental issues. The Kerkenes Eco-Center Project promotes the use of solar energy for domestic needs as well as income generating activities and energy efficient designs for buildings. The project thus contributes in a significant example of one way to a sustainable future. It is inspired by the well known dictum of René Dubos, an advisor to the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in 1972: Think Globally Act Locally.
     Both genders benefit from this project. Special efforts are directed towards involving the village women and youth in the planned workshops. Women should also benefit from the income generating activities and play an active role in the village association.
     The Project, in promoting organic farming and energy efficient permaculture, is demonstrating that opportunities can be provided for the population of rural areas. Such environmentally sensitive, socially responsible and economically feasible rural development opportunities may halt, and even reverse, migration from rural areas to urban centres.