GEN consists of a growing network of sustainable communities and ecovillages that bridge different cultures, countries, and continents. Individual supportive members work in multiple sectors, from businesses and NGOs to educational institutions and government. Through valuing and developing localized knowledge and skills, while freely sharing best practices throughout its networks, GEN envisions the emergence of a diverse yet shared global pool of wisdom for sustainable living and works through promoting dialogue and exchange, building solidarity and partnerships across all borders. The philosophy behind GEN is that ‘community’ lies at the heart of all models for sustainability, hence the term ‘ecovillage’. In this way, it supports the experimental creation and preservation of low impact lifestyles across the globe through its five broad regional organisations: GEN North America (GENNA), GEN Oceania and Asia (GENOA), GEN Africa, Consejo de Asentamientos Sustentables de las Americas (CASA Latina) and GEN-Europe.