Eco villages may be described as socially, economically and ecologically sustainable intentional communities. Most would aim for a population of 50-150 individuals because this size is considered to be the maximum social network according to findings from sociology and anthropology (Hill & Dunbar, 2002). Larger ecovillages of up to 2,000 individuals may, however, exist as networks of smaller "ecomunicipalities" or subcommunities to create an ecovillage model that allows for social networks within a broader foundation of support.

Ecovillage members are united by shared ecological, social or spiritual values. An ecovillage is often composed of people who have chosen an alternative to centralized power, water and sewage systems. Many see the breakdown of traditional forms of community, wasteful consumerist lifestyles, the destruction of natural habitat, urban sprawl, factory farming, and over-reliance on fossil fuels, as trends that must be changed to avert ecological disaster. They see small-scale communities with minimal ecological impact as an alternative.

The Global Ecovillage network supports
sustainable settlements linking together a highly diverse worldwide movement of autonomous ecovillages (environmentally and socially sustainable settlements) and related projects.

The Ecovillage network of the Americas sets out to engage the peoples of the Americas in a common effort to join the global transformation towards an ecologically, economically and culturally sustainable future. ENA serves as the Western Hemisphere representative of the Global Ecovillage Network.
ENA works to unite cultures from North, Central and South Americas and the Caribbean to become a unified force in ecovillages and sustainability movements.

There is much to read and understand about Ecovillages, tribal ecovillages, first nations ecovillages, sustainability and community development. There are opportunities to attend eco village conferences and discover your own position in the Ecovillage movement.