Q1: What fields under the broad head of rural development does the venture intend to participate in?
Horticulture, Floriculture, Organically grown Coffee, honey and handicrafts are the key areas of focus.
All of these will be marketed under the umbrella brand name ‘EcoEarth’. Both domestic and foreign markets will be covered.
We will work with existing organizations in the rural areas. And through our Eco Earth personnel*, introduce more professional and efficient methods of cultivation,
new crops, packaging, transportation, access to new markets and retail chains, better financial discipline, and better return on investment.
We will also, where suitable introduce eco tourism and home stays in line with the ‘Responsible Tourism ‘ initiative launched by the Govt of India.
*People from different walks of life who have decided to move away from the corporate highway onto a quieter lane. They bring with them over 30 years of work experience, a network of contacts and the passion to work with rural communities.
Q2:
What prior experience do the promoters have in the Palani Hills region?
We have promoted Kodai EcoVillage in association with Auroville (AVBC) and Ogilvy over the last 5 years. 40 like-minded people have invested in our Eco Villages.
The Eco Earth concept was born out of our experience with Kodai EcoVillage. Many of our customers informed us that they wanted to settle down and be a part of a community in Kodi. To spend the best years of their lives, doing things that they believe will be more meaningful and help them lead more fulfilling lives.
Q3:
Assuming we are interested in this venture, how can Eco Earth support us in our relocation to the region?
We can help you find alternative accommodation until your home is ready. Also help with the essentials such as Gas connections, Telephone, opening bank accounts, Driver, House hold help, Net connections, DTH, Doctors, and Schools etc.
Q4:
: How is the sale of property linked to the concept of the Eco Earth venture? Would such projects continue in the future?
Eco Villages like Jacranda form the backbone of our concept. People who are looking to move from Urban to rural areas seek above all the reassurance of a comfortable home with the basic necessities:
Electricity, water, security, food, transportation and healthcare. And these in a clean, scenic environment.
Our EcoVillages will provide all of these and access to good health care.
These villages will come to symbolize this community’s commitment and passion for moving to rural regions.
Eventually as the project matures, some or all of these EcoVillages will become retirement colonies that offer a remarkable quality of life.
Therefore, where ever EcoEarth plans a venture the Eco Village will become the first step and focal point of building a community that wants to live and work in rural climes.
The Villages will also initially provide some capital for other Eco earth projects that directly help the local community
Note : The properties are being sold at very competitive prices which in turn is an added benefit to the people who invest in them.
Q5:
We are very keen to be part of this venture. However, we either already have a property or wish to invest in another property in the region and not those promoted by Eco Earth due to personal reasons. In such a situation, can we still join the venture?
Yes you can. As long as you are accepted by the Eco Earth community and have objectives that are aligned to ours.
Q6:
We are interested to purchase property that is linked to the Eco Earth venture. However we may not be able to be a part of the venture. Are the promoters open to such an option?
We are not rigid about this. However, it is important that you respect the principles and spirit of the Eco Village and live by them. We believe that once you take this first step you will be motivated to take the next.
We will actively discourage people who buy in an Eco Village merely for the sake of investment.
Q7:How do the promoters intend to structure the organization that will manage this venture? What will be the mode of operation? How would roles and responsibilities be defined?
The structure as it is envisaged today is very flat and simple.
We will have an advisory board and a working committee.
The advisory board will consist of people who are not necessarily a part of EcoEarth.
The board will consist of people who have the necessary expertise and influence in the areas we operate in. Dr. M.S. Swaminathan* would be an excellent example. And Dr. M.S. Ananth (Director IIT Madras)*1. We will also have on the board relevant members of the local government and the local agri universities.
The working committee will consist of people in the Eco Villages who will get involved with the local communities.
The key factor here is that we will not form a separate organization; we will act and serve as mentors within existing rural organizations.
Using our experience, expertise and influence to help them get better value for their produce.
These mentors can either adopt a project by themselves or work with others from The EcoEarth community on one project.
Either way, they will earn a percentage of the additional revenue that they are able to generate for that project.
EcoEarth central in Chennai will provide the advisory/support services and logistical support and coordinate between projects and mentors. The central office will also provide access to new markets and coordinate packaging, transportation, negotiation of prices, identify new trends etc.
As the movement grows we will need to adapt the structure to best suit our changing requirements. Note: Eco Earth will earn a small percentage of revenue/profits from these initiatives (5%).
Q8: : Under what category would the organization be classified? Are there any government benefits associated with this?
We are what is now called a ‘For Profit NGO’. Yes there are benefits.
These are being identified and will be published on this website shortly
Q9:
Which other locations/regions do the promoters plan to include in the future? If I am not interested in the Palani Hills project, in the future would I be able to join projects in other regions?
All our projects will be in Tamilnadu only. We are looking at a project near Tindivanam and one near Rameshwaram. We will add these to our Eco village offering as and when suitable sites are located.
Q10:
Why have the promoters chosen the villages around Kodaikanal to start with?
Kodi has no organized Industry. We believe that this gives us an opportunity to bring greater value to local communities. Also fundamentally, it is easier to get the kind of people we are looking for to move to a place like Kodi. The weather, the environment, the natural beauty of Kodi, making it an almost automatic choice.
Q11: Would fluency in the local language of the region be a necessity?
Fluency would be an advantage, but not a necessity.
Q12:
How do the promoters intend to fund the venture?
Initially through the sale of EcoVillages. Later through the sale of products under the EcoEarth umbrella brand. Where large amounts of funds are required for Packaging, transportation, new crops and new agri practices we will turn to the Govt of India for subsidies/grants in this field and to Venture capitalists who are looking to invest in 'For Profit NGOs'.
Many areas that we will be operating in will also attract companies that are looking for good CSR opportunities. For e.g. the Amrutanjan Clinic at BL shed village.
Q13:
Would the stakeholders be remunerated in this venture? If so, how would the remuneration be decided?
Yes they would. On a project basis, they would get a percentage of the additional revenue generated.
For example, If Ravindran at Kodi acts as a mentor for Corsock and can help them
get better value for their hand-made sweaters, then he gets 15% of the additional
profit he has generated. If on the other hand, he has worked with other EcoEarth mentors on this project, they divide the remuneration. (Roles and percentage of share of revenue to be mutually agreed.)
Q14:
When do the promoters expect the venture to become operational?
Our First EcoVillage is already underway. And our first CSR project is due to be finalized by end November.
Q15:
While working with this venture can we also take up other work which will in no way impact the tasks on hand or are related to a similar line of activity?
Yes you can. As long as you can keep to the time commitments you have given to your local community project. And please do remember that the real reason you joined this community is to also make time for yourself and family while working on local community projects!
Q16:
I am very interested and committed to join this venture and immediately ready to purchase a property in one of your eco-villages. However I need another 2+ years before I can wind up and relocate. What would you suggest in the meanwhile?
The project needs people at urban centers across the globe, who can coordinate our activities. (For example: Coordinating with retail outlets who stock our brand.)
You could help here, even if only on as part time basis. And once you decide to pack up and return to your roots, find another like you to play your role in whichever city you are located in.
Q17:
Are you aware of any similar ventures in the region or country as a whole? If so, have they been successful in achieving what they set out to do?
Both ITC and HLL are doing something similar. i.e. helping rural communities get better value for their produce by providing them an umbrella brand and marketing support.
What sets us apart from HLL or ITC is the fact that we will depend on the passion, experience, expertise and commitment of the Eco earth community who will bring all of this to the fore by working with and along side the local organizations.
Members of the Eco Earth community are in rural areas by their own choice. We believe that their sense of commitment and passion will be higher.
We must admit that HLL and ITC can bring much more clout and support.
Hence where possible we must work with them to build rural communities and acknowledge that we are here to work together. However, working with large organizations can dilute the power of what we are trying to achieve, both professionally and personally. Hence we should look at these associations with caution.
Plots of 30 cents & more; Clear title deeds, all infrastructure provided; Escrow used for all financials; Water harvesting & waster water management in association with Auroville Design Center.
