Global Stream

Toward a mutually enhancing human-river relationship

A proposal to turn the ruins oI an old hydroelectric powerplant
into an integral sustainability and environmental education Center
by
Anton Montsant
Presented as a case study Ior the
Gaia Education
Design for Sustainability Program
September 2011
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................................ 1
Geographical and Social context
Present infrastructure
Activities to be offered bv the Global Stream Center
People that initiated the Profect
People that the Profect will address
Achievements so far
1. SOCIAL DESIGN........................................................................................................................................ 9
2.1. Jision, Mission, Goals&Jalues
2.2. Membership Protocol
2.3. Governance Protocol
2.4. Conflict Prevention and Management
2.5. Distributed Leadership and Collective Empowerment
2.6. Celebrations and Rituals
2.7. Bioregional connections
2. ECONOMIC DESIGN................................................................................................................................. 21
3.1. The Profect in the context of the global economv
3.2. Jalues of the economic design of the Profect
3.3. Indicators of well-being of the Profect
3.4. Economic activities to generate sustainable emplovment
3.5. Financial sources and complementarv currencv
3.6. Economic Jiabilitv
3. ECOLOGICAL DESIGN............................................................................................................................. 34
4.1. A base map of the profect and its main components
4.2. Water management
4.3. Land use and food production svstem
4.4. Energv use and carbon footprint
4.5. Construction guidelines
4.6. Transportation issues
4. INTEGRAL AND HOLISTIC DESIGN...................................................................................................... 49
5.1. A Spiral Dvnamics perspective of the Profect
5.2. The Storv in which the Profect consciouslv participates
5.3. The Profect and Sociallv-engaged Spiritualitv
CONCLUDING REMARKS........................................................................................................................... 57
ReIerences........................................................................................................................................................ 58
INTRODUCTION
The Global Stream Project is a proposal to rebuild an old hydroelectric powerplant, now completely
in ruins except Ior the outer walls, and turn it into a sustainability and environmental education
center, combining leisure activities Ior the general public, educational activities Ior schools, and
study and restoration oI the river ecosystem in colaboration with academic and government
institutions.
This Project is put Iorward by MoiIepat One, a Iamily investments society who acquired the Estate
under study Ior environmental protection purposes, and Associacio Habitats, an NGO created in
1997 by a group oI young biologists that provides education and land adoption services to monitor
and protect the river basins oI Catalonia. These two entities combined will hereaIter be reIerred to
as the Global Stream team (which is actually an inIormal subset oI members oI these two entities
until the Project takes up a legal Iorm).
Geographical and Social context
The Estate under study is a 2.5 Ha piece oI land at the right-side bank oI the river Tenes, a small
tributary oI the Besos river, which reaches the Mediterranean sea just North oI Barcelona (Spain).
This portion oI land is on the slopy sides oI the narrow Sant Miquel Valley, and it contains the
remnants oI a hydroelectric plant built in 1910 and in operation until 1964, year in which it was
abandoned (Figs. 1, 2). It is located in the small village oI Riells del Fai, 40 kms North oI
Barcelona, at the Ioot oI the Cingles de Berti mountain range, a Natural Protected Area (not quite as
protected as the 'Natural Park denomination, but some degree oI protection applies).
Fig. 1. The old hydroelectric plant,
in ruins except Ior its outer walls,
seen Irom the South-East across the
tiny Tenes River on a rainy period in
2009. The transient waterIall oI the
Rossinyol river is observed at the
bottom oI the valley.
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Fig. 2. The hydroelectric plant when it was still in use (unknwon date prior to 1964, leIt), and in May 2010 aIter a day
oI intense rain (right). Seen Irom the North.
The Cingles de Berti range is continuous with the more reknowned Montseny and Montserrat
mountain ranges, all oI which are part oI the Catalan Prelitoral Range, which stretches parallel to
the coast, 30 to 50 kms Irom it, and marks the transition between the inner rural Catalonia and the
Barcelona metropolitan area (Figs. 3, 4). Between the Prelitoral Range and the sea, some patches oI
pine trees and agricultural Iields still linger between a rapidly growing deployment oI highways,
railways, electricity towers, and large industrial or residential towns.
Fig. 3. The situation oI the land under study, marked with a yellow star, close to Barcelona (Spain), 30 km away Irom
the Mediterranean shores.
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Fig. 4. The situation oI the land under study within the Barcelona province. The yellow star shows the location oI the
land. Natural Parks are highlighted with purple Irames. Nearby large towns are indicated with red circles. Images taken
Irom the Institut CartograIic de Catalunya.
The land sits on one oI the most charming natural spots within a 50-km radius around Barcelona
city. Topped by the thousand-year-old monastery oI Sant Miquel del Fai and its spectacular
waterIall (Fig. 5), the tiny river Tenes opens its way through a narrow, rocky valley barely 4 kms
long, in which it creates interspersed pools where water snakes, Irogs, Iishes, crabs, water hens,
herons and kingIishers abide (Figs. 6, 7). The river then reaches the plain and it soon enters the
region oI predominance oI motorways and industrial poles.
Being so close to an urban area where 4 million people live, this tiny valley is visited by too many
during the summer, and the municipality authorities have been incapable oI controlling the situation
so Iar. The problem oI massiIication is getting worse in recent years, as more and more people seem
to be getting to know about the place and use it irresponsibly. The excessive aIIluence oI visitors
with an inapropriate behaviour poses several problems: animals being are scared away Irom nesting
and hunting spots oI particular interest; plastic, metal and glass debris and Iishing gear leItovers are
leIt behind, posing a problem oI pollution and a direct danger oI injury Ior animals and humans
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alike; people try to reach secluded spots through dangerous cliII paths or Iollowing the riverbed,
and there are accidents that require rescue by helicopter every summer.
Fig. 5. The Sant Miquel del Fai Monastery,
Ieaturing the waterIalls oI the rivers Tenes
(leIt) and Rossinyol (right), which meet at
the Ioot oI the cliII. Image taken Irom
Wikipedia.
Fig. 6. The Valley oI Sant Miquel on a sunny
day in spring 2008. On the right side oI the
image, the bottom oI the Tenes waterIall is
observed. On the leIt, the remains oI the
hydroelectric plant under study can be seen.
The aproximate limits oI the hydroelectric
plant parcel are depicted with a red line.
Fig. 7. Examples oI the quiet water pools
that the river Tenes Iorms over the karstic
terrain, which constitute vital reservoirs to
allow the continuation oI liIe in periods oI
drought. Images taken in spring 2007 just
upstream oI the hydroelectric plant.
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The overall area oI the Valley oI Sant Miquel and the village oI Riells del Fai, however, harbour
suIIicient interesting and valuable spots to imagine an integral management oI the entire area, so
that a higher amount oI people visit the area yet a much lower negative impact is caused. The
existence oI numerous possible hikes around the cliIIs oI the Cingles de Berti, several elements oI
historical value (century-old Iarm houses and watermills, religious sites, neolithic remains), the Sant
Miquel del Fai Monastery and other visitable spaces such as the Park oI the Scents or the Eagle's
Peak (devoted to aromatic plants and birds oI prey, respectively), and several restaurants and hotels
concentrated in the area make it a good candidate to become a Natural Park in the Iuture. Projects
written as proposals by University graduates Ref. #1] and Administration technicians Ref. #2]
exist that suggest a management oI the entire area in that direction.
The reconstruction oI the building appears to be a diIIicult undertaking because oI economic,
technical, and legal issues, mainly because it is very close to the river's Iloodable area. The
remnants oI the building are now at a spot with no direct access other than walking across the river.
Some kind oI brige should be built to make the building and land accessible. The old powerplant
will be rebuilt considering all measures oI sustainability regarding water and nutrient cycles,
heating, architecture and construction, so that the building and its surroundings will be used as
teaching environments and examples.
Present infrastructure
! Land (2.5 hectares) populated by young pine and oak trees and Mediterranean Iorest shrubs
and bushes, which are naturally taking over aIter a wildIire in 1994. There used to be seven
terraces with vegetable gardens at the lower parts oI the land beIore it was abandoned. Most
oI this land is now inaccessible to humans because oI its steep slope and dense vegetation
cover, and has been so Ior the last 40 years.
! Old hydroelectric powerplant in ruins, the reconstruction oI which is encouraged by
municipality catalogues and legislation, as long as the outer Iaade is respected because it is
representative oI the austere industrial architecture Iom early 20
th
century. Two Iamilies used
to live there simultaneously beIore it was abandoned.
! Waterpipe and supporting stone columns (Fig. 8).
! Important neighbouring inIrastructure oI cultural value outside the property under study
(stone irrigation ditches, watermills, traditional country houses, the Sant Miquel del Fai
Monastery, all oI them several centuries old and with a diIIerent degree oI care, some in
excellent condition and some in complete neglect)
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Fig. 8. The hydroelectric plant seen Irom the path to Sant Miquel
del Fai, at a higher altitude, with the remains oI the old iron
waterpipe and supporting stone columns that used to Ieed a turbine
within the building.
Activities to be offered bv the Global Stream Center
The activities initially oIIered by the Global Stream Center will include:
-Guided tours to wilderness observation points, to spread knowledge about the local ecosystem and
the impacts on the landscape and natural communities.
-Guided tours to visit ancient watermills and channels and century-old Iarmhouses, to promote the
understanding oI the traditional uses oI the river in this area.
-Workshops and courses on integral sustainability, philosophy and practice, using the Centre as a
base and as an example. A special emphasis will be made on the ways our current way oI living is
related to global problems that we Ieel sorry about and how we could design purposely a
sustainable, equitative world.
-Collaboration with relevant authorities, neighbouring associations and entities Ior nature
conservation Ior a continued care oI native animal and plant species oI the area.
Once the old hydroelectric plant is rebuilt, there are many possibilities to use the 25,000 sq mts oI
land, including raising the local breed oI donkeys (Catalan ass) Ior rides to nearby hotspots, archery,
canopy tours, and some more.
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People that initiated the Profect
The project started out oI love Ior the place by one oI the Administrators oI MoiIepat One, who is
essentially 'the owner oI the Estate under study, and also the author oI this document.
This representative oI the ownership oI the land is a 36-year-old person with advanced training in
natural sciences, who took the decision to buy the property in 2008 Ior the sole purpose oI
promoting the protection oI the natural and cultural heritage oI that environment. Lacking the
money and contacts to organize this project alone, the owner soon contacted Associacio Habitats,
with which he had previously volunteered. In 2009, an agreement was reached according to which
the NGO will try to raise Iunds Ior the reconstruction oI the building, and iI they manage to do so,
the owners oI the Estate will let the NGO use the building Ior a period oI 30 years completely Iree
oI charge. The renovated building will be used as an environmental education Center, hereaIter
reIerred to as 'the Global Stream Center. The initiators oI the Project are now looking into ways to
obtain a Iormal architectural project and subsequent estimation oI the initial investment. The legal
Iorm oI the Global Stream Project remains to be discussed; it could be a small society, a
cooperative, or just a branch or label oI Associacio Habitats itselI, either way a social enterprise.
All actors involved in pushing this project Iorward are essentially moved by their love oI the
community oI existence and the valuable items and landscapes that we have in our region. At
present, the Associacio Habitats team only have an oIIice in Barcelona city, and would love to have
Iacilities with audiovisual equipment, a couple oI aquaria, and a beautiIul, biodiverse landscape
around as a basecamp Ior their activities. They are determined to help raising Iunds and obtaining
permits so that an environmental education center can be put in operation in the place. They are a
small team oI young people used to organising actions Ior environmental education and landscape
conservation. They are used to raising their own salaries through public Iunds and donors, and so
their actions need to be convincing. None oI these actors aim to make any lucrative amount oI
money out oI this project, but money will have to be generated through the Center's activity in order
to maintain the place in operation. ThereIore, useIul quality services have to be oIIered that
potential customers will be willing to pay Ior.
People that the Profect will address
In order to make this Project come true, a number oI actors will need to be contacted to obtain the
pertinent permits, agreements, and Iunds. The connivence and collaboration oI current neighbours
(new construction is Iorbidden in the valley, so no new neighbours are expected) will be necessary,
so the passing oI vehicles and people through tracks and roads on their properties is allowed, both
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Ior construction work and during regular operation oI the Center. Local and regional authorities will
have to give permissions so that the Project can become a reality, and perhaps they can give
additional help in the Iuture. Academic and technical support wil be sought among proIessors and
proIessionals Irom authoritative institutions. Finally, this initiative will not be possible without a
social base that supports the project and that are willing to be collaborators and customers oI the
services oIIered by the Center. The Project will seek the interest and complicity oI local schools,
cultural organizations, environmentalist groups, hikers, and other citizens with a concern about their
local landscapes and human communities.
Achievements so far
-2008/09: Contacts were made among university experts, authorities and local environmental
organizations. The area was visited with several oI these, and very positive impressions oI the
environment and ideas were received by the initiators oI the Project.
-Late 2009: Associacio Habitats Iound a proIessional architect to help as a volunteer advisor in the
development oI the Project.
-February 2010: A Graduate thesis was published by Environmental Science Students Ref. #1] in
which two students presented a scientiIic evaluation and management scheme oI the natural and
cultural values oI the Valley. This report strongly advised the reconstruction oI the old hydroelectric
plant and La Madella watermill Ior cultural tourism and outdoor leisure purposes.
- Summer 2010: Grants Ior aproximately 3,000 euro were awarded to Associacio Habitats in order
to organize a summer workcamp and set up a bench and some inIormation panels about the Land
Custody initiative.
- January 2011: A 15,000-euro grant was awarded to Associacio Habitats to clear the vegetation
around and inside the building and eliminate dangerous rooI and ceiling elements, so that the
building was made amenable to architectural projects and reconstruction.
-May 2011: Morning tours were organized Ior the local highschool, to visit the centuries-old
watermills oI La Madella and La Pineda and the hydroelectric powerplant and learn about the
historical development oI the landscape in the Valley.
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1. SOCIAL DESIGN
9
1.1. Vision, Mission, Goals&Values
Jision
A lush, Iertile valley, with clean waterstreams and well-preserved cultural heritage elements, the
educational and revelatory potential oI which are enjoyed to the beneIit oI humans and wildliIe
alike.

Mission
The Global Stream Project will raise awareness about the sensitivity oI the ecosystem and historical
constructions oI the valley oI the Tenes River, while promoting people's connections with the
natural environment and with each other, in order to contribute locally to the societal value change
toward sustainability that the current social, economic and environmental global crises require.
Goals and values
The project aims to rebuild the ruins oI the old hydroelectric plant oI Sant Miquel del Fai
(Barcelona, Spain) and create an environmental and sustainability education center, oIIering leisure
and educational activities that will inspire people into a way oI living with a better connection to
nature and to each other. An implicit goal oI the project is to provide an example oI an integrally
sustainable economic activity due to its nature as a social enterprise, its internal organization and
Iunctioning, and its values and undertakings.
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1.2. Membership Protocol
1. The core members oI the Global Stream Project will be a sort oI Board oI Directors that will be
the decision-makers and responsible Ior the overall Iunctioning oI the Center. The core members are
intially the Iounders oI the Project, i.e, the NGO Associacio Habitats and the owners oI the old
hydroelectric plant and its 2.4 Ha. oI land, MoiIepat One, SL. These will be permanent core
members oI the Global Stream project during up to 25 years, aIter which term a renewed agreement
will have to be reached between the two parts. The two entities will decide which and how many oI
their workers represent them in meetings between core members; regardless the number oI
representatives oI each entity, Associacio Habitats and MoiIepat One, S.L will have equal weight in
taking decisions. New core members may join the project iI candidates are Iound that are willing to
contribute an amount oI money, ideas or worktime comparable to that dispensed by the existing
core members, as agreed by the latter. Becoming a new core member oI the Project will not be an
easy or Irequent achievement; new core members will have shown their genuine interest in the
project, similar worldviews and personal values, and their ability to help it thrive.
2. The project will take up associate members, such as workers, collaborators, and Iriends and
regular visitors, who help the Project in some way and who will enjoy in return speciIic beneIits
using the Center's Iacilities. The Ieedback oI associate members will be most important to the core
members, because having an ample diversity oI regular happy collaborators will beneIit the
Iunctioning oI the Center. Acceptance oI new associate members will be agreed upon by consensus
between core and associate members. Any associate member is Iree to unsubscribe and walk away
Irom the project at any moment, which implies the end oI all duties toward and beneIits Irom the
project Ior that member. The beneIits and duties oI associate members (yearly Iees or volunteering
hours, rigths to use Iacilities Ior Iree, collaboration on speciIic tasks, discount prices) will be agreed
every year between core members and each associate member, and speciIied elsewhere.
3. Disruptive associate members will be suggested to abandon the project by consensus between the
core members upon consultation with the associate members. Reaching the decision that a member
has to be expelled will be considered an important error oI the remaining members, who will revise
admission and conIlict-resolution processes and issue a report oI conclusions about the expulsion
case. Core members cannot be expelled Irom the project by the other core members; they can only
walk away Irom the project iI they lose interest in it.
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1.3. Governance Protocol
1. Decision-making:
1A. Decisions regarding the educational and leisure activities oI the center will be taken by the
NGO Associacio Habitats according to their internal rules, always checking Ior input and opinions
Irom MoiIepat One, SL.
1B. Decisions related to the estate and physical looks and assets oI the land will be taken by the
owner MoiIepat One, always checking Ior input and opinions Irom the NGO Associacio Habitats.
2. In issues aIIecting both the educational activity (or the interests oI Associacio Habitats in any
sense) and the physical conditions oI the estate (or the interests oI MoiIepat One in any sense), the
decision-making method will be total consensus. In case oI disagreement, the lowest common
denominator will prevail.
3. The role oI new core members (economic aIIairs, public relations, educational and leisure
activities, research) will be established upon their entry and speciIied as point 1C and subsequent
letters. Their views will have equal weight than previously existing core members in decision-
making as one more entity in point 2.
4. Associate members will only have a consultative value, but their views will be highly considered
by the core members, because they are a vital component Ior the liveliness oI the Center.
5. All meetings between core-members, by themselves or with associate members, that result in
Iormal agreements and decisions will be summarized in a document and kept in a Project Evolution
Record Iile.
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1.4. Conflict Prevention and Management
1. Meetings between the core members oI the project will be held at least monthly, or when
required.
2. All associate and core members will gather on at least 4 occasions every year, either in Iormal
meetings around a desk or in celebrative or leisurely environments, so that all members have a
chance to talk to each other and expectations and concerns can be raised. The expenses oI these
meetings will be taken care oI by the Global Stream Project.
3. ConIlicts between core and/or associate members will have to be solved with attention to the
principles oI compassionate communication and human systemics. All parts will avoid negative
labels and speak at the level oI personal needs. All core members will be expected to take trainings
on these techniques. Other members will oIIer their help in mediating between conIlicting parts.
4. Annual meetings will be held with neighbours and municipal authorities, in order to receive their
Ieedback, learn oI any nuisance or concern that the center may be generating within the community,
and seek their support according to the needs and goals oI the Center and its surrounding
ecosystem.
5. The Global Stream Center staII will maintain a blog in which it will describe its activities and
ideas Ior the Iuture, so that all inhabitants oI the area and potential visitors Irom Iar away can keep
inIormed and give Ieedback. Printouts will also be available at the Center upon request.
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1.5. Distributed Leadership and Collective Empowerment
The Global Stream core members will assign roles to themselves, associate members and staII
according to their technical and leadership skills, with agreement oI all parts involved. High
importance will be given to interpersonal relationship abilities. Part oI every worker's job will be
helping to create a harmonious, pleasant atmosphere at the Global Stream Center, both Ior members
and Ior visitors.
The Center will organize every summer some kind oI training related to integral sustainability or
human systemics, oI which all members will have to take at least one workshop or summercourse
every 3 years. Members who have never taken such a program will be required to do so within the
Iirst year. This can include several kinds oI philosophies that have many things in common
(humanistic systemics, Claudio Naranjo`s SAT program, Permaculture Design, Vipassana
meditation, Natural agriculture, and so on).
Because oI its nature, the NGO Associacio Habitats attracts staII members with a cooperative,
nature-loving attitude, and this Iounding member can initially provide individuals to take care oI
Education & Landscape Protection, Communication, and Economic Management. The other
Iounding member, MoiIepat One, SL, can also provide Ior highly-trained individuals to take care oI
areas such as Environmental Protection, Research or Management. External individuals may be
contracted as required. Prospective candidates will be evaluated through resumee, letters oI
motivation, and personal interaction in the Center`s daily activity during a certain period oI time (2
weeks to 2 months). Candidates will preIerentially be sought within the networks oI contacts whose
interests and worldview are aligned with those oI the Global Stream center.
The Iounding members wish to maintain the control oI the Project (by being the sole core members)
because oI the time, money and eIIort invested on its inception. However, they by no means wish to
enjoy the potentials oI the place on their own. The Center will operate as a 'common good
available to local agents with an interest in environmental or social issues that can beneIit Irom the
Center and contribute to its maintenance. The Global Stream team will maintain an attitude oI
permanent cooperation and consideration oI collaborators' opinions, aware that the success oI the
Project is linked to the intensity with which the Center is used to participate in the societal value
change that the 21
st
century will require.
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1.6. Celebrations and Rituals
The Center will aim at holding at least two regular celebrations throughout the year: a Spring
celebration related to 'taking care oI the land (planting, picking up plastics, making pools Ior
amphibians, reintroducing endangered species) , and an Autumn celebration dedicated to
appreciating the services that the land gives to us (eg. workshops, hikes and communal meals
related to biodiversity, the water cycle and wild Iood) (Table 1-1). Two activities that are already
organized every year by Associacio Habitats in many municipalities are already in this line: a
'Cleaning day in spring (volunteers gather to go clean up a segment oI river or creek), and a
'ReIorestation day in autumn. Both these days are Iun and educative, and they usually include
collateral workshops (bird ringing, construction oI nest-boxes, composting) and some snacks
provided by the municipality.
Table 1-1. A proposal oI regular celebrations to be held at the Global Stream Center in order to promote a sense oI
communion among Project members and local population. In all cases, people will be invited to bring their own Iood
and share it. The Global Stream Center will provide Ior cooking and dining spaces, and also complements grown on-site
or nearby (bread, tomatoes, eggs, olive oil) as available.
Yearly Celebration When Description
River Clean-up Day Mar-Apr A gathering oI volunteers to remove debris Irom the river bed. Explain about
birds and amphibians and give a strong Iocus on the accumulation oI plastics in
the ocean. Discuss ways to minimize plastic and water consumption. People will
be invited to bring their own Iood and share it.
Amphibian Day May A gathering at the Center to have a communal pot-luck breakIast while learning
about amphibians that abide the surroundings, then take a walk to try and see
them, and swim in the river to celebrate the arrival oI the warm season.
Migratory Birds
Greeting Day
Sep-Oct A morning walk to watch birds, discussing which ones are about to leave us
Southbound, which ones just arrived Irom the north, and which are permanent
residents, Iollowed by communal meal to say bye-bye to the warm weather until
next spring
ReIorestation Day Nov-Dec A gathering to plant native river-side species and eliminate invasive plants. The
main Iunctions oI riparian Iorests in nature, their traditional uses, and the
impacts suIIered in recent times will be explained. A special emphasis on
remineralization oI organic matter, soil Iormation, the origin oI natural Iertility,
and composting will be made.
In addition to selI-organized celebrations, the Project will probably participate in local Iestivity
dates Ior ritual celebrations that concern Iood and wilderness in relation to the pass oI seasons. For
example, in the villages oI the area there are several celebration days and Iairs regarding
15
mushrooms, asparagus, chestnuts, sprouted onions, work animals, or the pigslaughter.
Through its underlying worldvision, the Project will intend to reconnect people with the larger
community oI existence through an increased undertsanding and perception oI the sources oI
plenitude and suIIering Ior every being, the interconnections between them, and a deep reIlection on
our true needs.
Finally, a high importance will be given to celebrating group achievements, either within the regular
celebrations mentioned above, or as special meals or member meetings arranged Ior the occasion.
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1.7. Bioregional connections
In its mission to reconnect people with the local natural liIe and traditional uses oI local resources,
the regional scale oI the Global Stream Project includes the small river basin where it is located in
terms oI 'landscape to interpret and develop activities about, and as the perimeter to start to weave
a network oI collaborators and Iriends. It also ranges the entire Catalonia region or the international
level in terms oI obtaining permits (Catalonian authororities), Iinding customers, Iund-raising, and
inspirators. The types oI diIIerent actors that need to be contacted can be mapped in a visual way as
shown in Figure 1.1.
Fig. 1.1. A diagram oI the network oI contacts oI the Global Stream Project during its development and Iunctioning.
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On the one hand, the Global Stream project will be subject to regional and national laws Ior it to
even come into being or maintain an activity (Water Management and Cultural Buildings
Departments oI the Catalan Government have speciIic requirements Ior the type oI construction and
activities that our project will require). On the other hand, the Global Stream Project hopes to
regularly collaborate with nature-loving or socially engaged associations oI its bioregion, such as
the GOT (Ornithology Group oI the Tenes river), the DRAG (DeIense oI Amphibians and Reptiles
oI Gallecs), or the UEB (Hiker's Union oI Bigues), to mention just a Iew. All decision-making and
political relationships oI the Center will be based on personal interactions, because the vast majority
oI actors involved (both 'Iounding members and potential 'associate members) are local entities.
The suggested network involves entities with diIIerent interests and expertise, and also diIIerent
degrees oI 'activism and 'oIIicialism, both among customers and among collaborators.
Most oI the relationships developed by the Global Stream center will be non-authoritative, not
based on the need Ior generating proIits, and guided by good intentions aimed at mutual
cooperation Ior the beneIit oI human society and the natural ecosystem that supports it. The
considerable number oI agents involved in this initiative, either as stakeholders who hold some non-
Ior-proIit interest in the Project, or entities that have to give permits and support to it, that are in a
position to provide Iunds, or that are target customers, are listed in Table 1-2.
The economic balance oI the Center is most important in order to maintain the Center itselI, its
workers, and the network oI people who are using it and helping to keep it alive. The Global Stream
center will be very close to Barcelona city, about 5 million people live within a 40 km radius, and
there are several hundred target schools and thousands oI concerned Iamilies as potential users and
supporters oI the Center.
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Table 1-2. A list oI agents that are involved or will be necessary Ior the Global Stream Project during its creation and
Iunctioning
Stakeholder Type of relevance Description
MoiIepat One Estate owner,
expertise, Iounding
member
A society that has investments in diIIerent sectors that is willing to
invest its capital with a social and environmental concern
Associacio Habitats Expertise, Iounding
member
NGO devoted to protecting river ecosystems and providing education
about it
Workers and
associate members
People who work Ior
the Project other than
Iounding members
All the people who work Ior the Project should Ieel that their eIIorts are
meaningIul and rewarding in one way or another.
Town Council Legal Permits, Funds It can help with Iund-raising and pass or block permits
Catalan Water
Energy
Legal Permits Evaluates environmental impacts oI human activities on river
ecosystems Ior Government permits
Catalan
Government
Legal permits, Funds Sets laws and issues permits Ior interventions in the natural
environment (risk oI Iorest Iires, pollution and harm to endangered
species), and also regarding buildings oI cultural interest.
Ethical Banking Funds Ethical Iinancing will be sought at at all stages in whcih credit is
required; Triodos Bank and some credit cooperatives operate in the
bioregion.
Energy and
Sustainability
Companies
Funds, materials Local energy companies might want to provide electricity equipment
Ior display in exchange Ior the publicity obtained, and similarly Ior
supplyers oI other goods related to sustainability.
Universitat
Autonoma
Barcelona
Authoritative support,
collaborators
The Institute Ior Environmental Science (ICTA) has carried out some
environmental research in the area and has given its support the Global
Stream Project.
International
Networks
Authoritative support,
collaborators
Permaculture networks or Gaia Education-like global organizations can
give their support and engage in common projects
Local naturalist
organisations
Collaborators Local organizations with experience tracking birds, breeding Ireshwater
indigenous species, or maintaining or enhancing natural environments
Sant Miquel del Fai
Monastery
Neighbor, competitor,
collaborator
A thousand-year-old cultural area owned by a French company, with a
large visitable area, which oIIers nvironmental education Ior schools
La Pineda Neighbor Large Iarm-estate Iounded in 1208 that owns a large Iraction oI the land
in the valley where the Global Stream Center will be placed
La Madella Neighbor A centuries-old Iarm which owns some oI the land surrounding the
estate where the Global Stream center will be placed
Local Schools Support and customers Elementary and secondary schools oI the entire bioregion could help
the project be lively and useIul iI they have a Iavorable opinion about it
Local Cultural
associations
Support and customers Cultural associations (sports clubs, boy scouts, women's or music
associations) oI the entire bioregion could help the project be lively and
useIul iI they have a Iavorable opinion about it
Who are the profects natural allies, supporters and, equallv, potential adversaries?
Local Education Centers up to college level, local environmentally-concerned entities, local town-
councils, the neighboring Sant Miquel del Fai Cultural Area, and Iarmers and Iamilies that own land
19
close by the Global Stream center. Organizing the agents listed in Table 1-2 as an
importance/inIluence stakeholder matrix helps prioritize contacts and plan communication
strategies (Table 1-3).
What are their interests and goals?
Not all institutions mentioned above provide the Iollowing, but all oI them together aim to provide
education and leisure, protect the environment, share ideas and experience, be a platIorm Ior
regional activism.
Who are we hoping to influence through the profect?
Current inhabitants and visitors oI the area, bioregional authorities and mass media, and Iuture
generations. We will also seek inspiration in projects going on anywhere in the world, and network
with Ioreign organizations to inIluence decision makers globally.
Table 1-3. A stakeholder matrix Ior the Global Stream Project. In this analysis, 'Importance implies
sentimental/cognitive value, that is, 'importance toward achieving the social and environmental goals oI the project,
whereas 'influence reIers to the ability to make the project come to be or block it (legal permits, providing Iunds), i.e.,
'bureaucratic or economic inIluence.
SigniIicant inIluence Some inIluence Little inIluence No inIluence
SigniIicant
importance
-Moifepat One -Associaci Hbitats
-Workers and associate
members
-Local schools
(elementary, secondary
education)
-Local cultural
associations
-Other naturalist
organizations
Some
importance
-Town Council Bigues i
Riells (municipality)
-Ethical Banking
-Energy&Sustainability
companies
-ICTA-UAB
-Sant Miquel del Fai
Monastery
-Mas La Pineda
-Mas La Madella
Little
importance
-Catalonian Water
Agency
-Catalonian Govt.
(Culture and
Environment Depts)
No
importance
20
2. Economic design
21
2.1. The Project in the context of the global economy
The Globlal Stream Project aims at generating economic activity at a local scale while at the same
time regenerating rather than using up natural resources. Its main source oI income will be schools
and citizens wishing to receive environmental and sustainablility education, and public institutions
or companies wishing to Iinance natural or cultural heritage restoration. The Center, thereIore, will
rely on skills and knowledge, rather than availability oI materials, Ior production oI merchandise, in
line with the type oI economic activities that can be viable on a planet with dwindling resources.
The surroundings oI the Valley oI Sant Miquel suIIered Irom erosion aIter a big Iire in 1994. The
terrain is mainly clay and limstone covered by small bushes now, but prior to the Iire there was oak
and pine tree Iorest and a thicker layer oI Iertile soil. Given that the Global Stream Center will
require a healthy ecosystem Ior it to have a meaning, it will engage in raising concern, protesting or
even pressing charges over illegal agressions to the river, such as untreated wastewater discharge,
excess uptake oI water Irom the river or surrounding aquiIer, or poaching. The main 'declining
Iactor that could aIIect the Center's activity is water (iI the natural volume oI Ilow oI the river isn't
respected) and the cleanliness oI the ecosystem Irom chemical contamination and plastic debris.
Considering the current economic situation oI Spain, it is likely that in 10 years time the country
will generally be poorer than it seemed to be back in 2006: the middle-class might be smaller and
municipalities and regional governments will probably have less money to spend in services to
society. This might require the Global Stream Center to do exceptional eIIorts in Iund-raising
among public institutions, and also in advertising the Center in the right channels (general public
Irom the Barcelona area and specialized tourist inIormation sites Ior Ioreign public). However, this
period oI economic distress will also bring about social tension, strikes, and many people Ieeling
disappointment and gaining awareness. It can be seen already that, in modern-day societies, many
people want to learn how their daily liIe ends up causing environmental degradation or social
injustice elsewhere that they generally Ieel sorry about, and see examples oI other ways to live in
order to avoid that while meeting our needs Ior well-being. In this context, given its integral
sustainability principles, the Global Stream Center may well Iind social support Irom educational
institutions, NGOs and people's associations, ethical banking, or even large corporations oI the
'bussiness as usual who might increasingly want to engage in social responsibility actions.
22
2.2. Values of the economic design of the Project
The values at the heart oI the project are:
- Sustainability is a property that human communities should have because oI the inherent right oI
Iuture generations to Iind a world in which they can live their liIes.
- For the sake oI sustainability, humans should love the entire community oI existence, including
both human and non-human Iorms oI liIe. On a deeper level, this stems Irom the believe that the
natural laws oI ecology will eventually prevail, whereas attempts by humans to circumvent or
modiIy these laws will eventually Iail. Human communities should thereIore progress toward a
better adaptation to and acceptance oI the natural world, and protect natural landscapes, biodiversity
and sustainable ways oI living.
- II a community, system or organization is truly 'Sustainable, then it is also'happy, 'enjoyable
and 'IullIilling, because a system in which individuals Ieel unhappy and empty can not be
sustained over time voluntarily.
Specific actions to undertake to help the profect become richer following these values
-Establish cooperation with the Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, in particular with its
Environmental Science department, in order to undertake ecosystem management and restoration
initiatives with scientiIic, authoritative supervision
-Establish deals with local schools and environmentally-concerned NGOs so that they can use the
Global Stream center as a base-camp Ior learning and celebrative activities.
-Integrate the Global Stream center in some kind oI 'exchange network that enables an economic
exchange not necessarily based in euro (complementary currencies, service x product). The Catalan
Integral Cooperative may oIIer an interesting means oI achieving this; alternatively, deals can be
established with Administrations and Universities so that they can take care oI speciIic costs
(electricity, construction work, providing speciIic materials or perIorm scientiIic-technical analyses)
and have the right to use the Center in exchange.
-As consumers, the Global Stream Center should acquire materials and seek proIessional advicein
the immediate surroundings, so as to exploit the potential oI the local economy. This will generally
be possible except Ior buying complex machinery, electronics and some construction materials.
-As investors, a) plan Ior staIIing local individuals and b) seek to create an 'economically
sustainable rather than 'proIitable organization, aiming at growing in terms oI 'good-quality job
posts created and 'quality and diversity oI the natural environment in our area oI inIluence.
23
2.3. Indicators of well-being of the Project
The Iollowing indicators could be used over the years in order to monitor the well-being oI the
Global Stream Project:
-Number oI indigenous vertebrate species inhabiting the surroundings oI the Global Stream center
(river and woods). Alternatively, average size oI the population oI diIIerent vertebrate species
relative to the estimated carrying capacity Ior the species (e.g. The ratio 'number oI otters or eagles
living in the Iew square km oI the small valley oI Sant Miquel, divided by the max. amount oI otters
or eagles that experts determine could live in the valley should be as close as possible to 1).
-Number oI happy workers that the Center employs, as measured by an annual report oI each oI the
workers about the tasks that he/she has been involved with during the year and whether he/she Ieels
the obtained rewards -economic, emotional, spiritual- make it worthwhile.
-Number oI interactions (projects oI a speciIic time-span or stable collaborations) engaged with
other bioregional or international associations that have similar values (be them educational
institutions, NGOs, public administrations, or enterprises).
24
2.4. Economic activities to generate sustainable employment
The Global Stream Center might take the legal Iorm oI company or cooperative, deIinitely with an
aspiration to be a social enterprise. There are several niches that could be considered economic
opportunities and that the Global Stream Center will be in a very good position to oIIer:
a) A center Ior enjoying and learning about the Cingles de Berti natural environment through
educational leisure activities. The Cingles de Berti ('Berti's CliIIs) Iorm a small mountain range
between the more reknowned Natural Parks oI the Montseny and Sant Lloren de Munt i l'Obac. In
spite oI its beauty and tranquility, this small range is not very well known by many people even
Irom areas close by such as Granollers, Mataro or Sabadell. A Center that could serve as an 'entry
gate to the area and provide a role as a 'Cingles de Berti interpretation center would be most
suitable, given the absence oI such a center anywhere in the mountain range at the moment.
Collaboration will be sought with the Sant Miquel del Fai Monastery and other neighbouring
entities, so that combined packages can be oIIered and everybody can participate according to their
motivation and potentials. A summary oI the types oI activities that could be oIIered at the Global
Stream Center is shown in Table 2-1.
b) An 'open laboratory in the midst oI a beautiIul landscape that includes multiple biological,
geological and cultural Ieatures oI interest. This laboratory could be oIIered to schools, universities
and other educational entities (ranging Irom the local elementary school to Gaia Education) in order
to perIorm studies, send students or carry out celebrations and exhibitions. In addition to its
surrounding landscape, this 'open laboratory will contain diIIerent interesting Ieatures in itselI:
examples oI sustainability at home (composting toilets, greywater biopuriIication, minimizing
energy consumption, hydropower), Iacilities Ior breeding native river species (crabs, Iish, or plants),
simple laboratory equipment (microscope, weigh, pHmeter, -20 C Ireezer), plus 2 hectares oI land
dedicated to permaculture-inspired Iood production and Iorest management (orchards with local
Iruit varieties, aromatic plants, perennial polyculture area, production oI wood Ior heating....).
c) Consultancy about water-related issues (biopuriIication oI greywater at home, breeding Iish in
outdoor ponds, educational activities Ior schools, Iormal reports Ior municipalities or companies).
This could be an opportunity iI the Center really starts operating Iocusing on the Iirst two topics
commented above and it acquires suIIicient experience. Over time, it is likely that the Global
Stream Center keeps connecting with people and entities with all kinds oI topics related to
25
waterstreams, and in due time this accumulation oI knowledge by educated, concerned locals may
prove useIul in the Iield oI consultancy and analytical or advisory reports.
Table 2-1. A minimal set oI leisure and educational activities that can be oIIered at the Global Stream Center. Other
specialities may be included (rappel tours, horse-riding, archery) in collaboration with the appropriate agents.
Activity Description Duration Public
Ther River Doctors A study oI physical, chemical and biological parameters in order to
evaluate the ecological health oI a riverside ecosystem.
Morning
activity
Students
ReIorestation Day A morning in the woods to plant trees and shrubs and learn about the
diIIerent layers oI vegetation within a Iorest, the importance oI riverside
ecosystems, and the impacts they are receiving in our region; in
collaboration with town councils that would provide plantation points and
materials
Morning
activity
Students
Water through
History at the St
Miquel Valley
A hike Iollowing the channel that starts in Iront oI the hydroelectric plant,
to observe the historical use oI water in old watermills, irrigation ditches
and pools, and hydroelectrical production at the Global Stream Center.
Morning
activity or
2-hr tour
Students,
adults
Know your woods:
Wild Iood and
local wilderness
A hike to recognize evidence oI the types oI animals that dwell in the
local woods, identiIy edible Iruits and plants with culinary or medicinal
uses, and learn about other historical uses oI the local Iorests.
Morning
activity or
2-hr tour
Students,
adults
The low mountains
and the plain:
Understanding the
local landscape
A hike to the upper part oI the cliIIs Iollowing observation points oI
particular interest, to learn about the Iormation oI the Prelitoral Range,
mediterranean vegetation and the historical use oI the land that have lead
to the landscape we can observe now
Morning
activity
Students,
adults
The sustainable
home
A tour around the Global Stream Center to learn about design to minimise
water and energy consumption
2-hr tour adults
Aquaculture and
local Iish biology
A visit to Global Stream Center's aquacultural Iacilities and outdoor pools
to learn about Iish breeding and biodiversity oI local waterstreams.
2-hr tour adults
Permaculture and
ecology oI Iood
production
A tour oI the Global Stream Center's gardens to learn about organic
agriculture principles, local crop varieties, composting and natural
Iertility, and negative aspects oI industrial Iood production
2-hr tour adults
SMART criteria
An enterprise Iocusing initially on the Iirst two topics listed above would meet some oI the SMART
criteria used in project management Ref. #3], with only some uncertainty over the time component.
S Significant, Stretching, Simple
26
The Global Stream Center will span many areas oI interest, so it would not be very SpeciIic but
rather Stretching. This is an advantage rather than a problem, because in times oI systemic crises,
Ilexibility and adaptability to diIIerent Iields are Iundamental.
M Measurable, Motivational, Manageable
The impact oI the Center will be Measurable through several indicators (see section 2.3). As an
initiative it is highly MeaningIul and Motivational to the kind oI people it seeks to connect with.
The Project must grow at the right pace, Iinding the right people and resources beIore proceeding to
the next step, otherwise it could become unManageable because oI its breadth in scope.
A Attainable, Agreed, Ambitious
The Global Stream team are convinced that the Project is Achievable: the hydroelectric plant was
built in 1906 in the Iirst place (so it must be possible to rebuild it now), and the Iounder members
have a large potential to oIIer educational contents that will become increasingly necessary as the
present crises unIold and persist. The Project is thereIore Attainable even iI it is Ambitious, and,
given that it is not driven by money-making trends, it will only come to light iI suIIicient actors
Agree to bringing it to existence.
R Relevant, Results-oriented, Rewarding
Given its sustainability and holistic educational vision, the Global Stream project is highly Relevant
and, in case oI successIul perIormance, will be a highly Rewarding activity.
T Time framed, Time-based, Timetabled
The Global Stream Project needs to be Ilexible on the time component, mainly due to two reasons:
a) the lack oI an initial capital, and b) the bureaucracy and permits that will be required in order to
carry out this kind oI construction work at a site oI natural value and very close to the river bed. The
Iinancial aspect is most determining: the starting team is now trying to progress step by step with
small amounts oI money that can be obtained through grants and donors.
27
2.5. Financial sources and complementary currency
The value oI the Global Stream project is two-Iold:
a) It restores and protects a building oI cultural value, and uses it as a 'vigilance point Irom which
to take care oI the small valley where it is based, which has suIIered Irom misbehavior and excess
aIIluence in recent years; this might prompt public administrations to help the Project Iinancially iI
required and iI its existence proves to be desireable.
b) It oIIers education and Iacilities Ior education in sustainability and environment. Although in
recent years the terms 'sustainability and 'environmental concern may have been regarded as
luxury or purely 'goodly-hearted options, in the coming decades true holistic sustainability
concepts will have to be applied in order the industrial world to alleviate the suIIering that the end
oI consummerism is bringing about (in terms oI unemployement, social health and education,
widespread dismotivation in the Iace oI broken dreams and disappointment). ThereIore, it is to
expect that the type oI knowledge and mentality that the Global Stream Center will try to spread
will be increasingly necessary in the coming years.
There are many entities oIIering environmental education in the region oI Barcelona, and less
abundantly also some integral sustainability educational entities. The most obvious competitor Ior
the Global Stream center is the neighboring Sant Miquel del Fai Cultural Area, a 1000-year-old
monastery with a great outlook on the valley and numerous Ieatures oI great value (caves, a
remarkable waterIall, ancient constructions oI cultural interest). The distinctive Ieature oI the
Global Stream project is the demonstrated expertise oI the Iounding team in aquatic biology,
environmental science, and education Ior all types oI public. The SWOT analysis shown in Fig. 2.1
summarizes the situation oI the Project at its beginning.
Taking into account its nature and goals, the Global Stream Project will seek Ior Iunds among
diIIerent types oI entities and administrations in order to Iind the initial capital to start the activity
(Table 2-2). Once the Center is operating, its activity should generate enough revenues to maintain
itselI over time. The potential customers oI the Center are listed in Table 2-3.
28
Fig. 2.1. A SWOT diagram oI the Global Stream Center at its inception phase.
Table 2-2. Financial sources Ior initial investment (donors, grants, and low-interest credit)
Entity Description
European Funds Environmental or Educational grant programs
State and Regional
Administration
The Spanish Government or the Catalan Administration periodically launch
Environment or Culture subsidies. Some oI these Iunds are given to Municipalities.
Energy and Sustainability
Companies
Some companies might want to provide turbines, electricity generators or solar
panels Ior display in exchange Ior the publicity obtained; similarly, suIIiciently large
companies related to sustainability might support the project Iinancially
Ethical Banking The nature oI the project will demand an ethical Iinancing at all stages; Triodos
Bank and some credit cooperatives operate in the bioregion.
WildliIe Foundations Some charity associations award grants to projects oI particular interest.
Table 2-3. Potential customers Ior activities in the Center
Entity Description
Local Schools and High-Schools Morning or Iull-day packages can be prepared with multiple contents, within the
Center or hiking in the surroundings
Families and groups oI Iriends,
cultural organization
Leisure activities or workshops about sustainability and environment (tours within
the building and surroundings)
Town councils Workshops and guided tours about landscape interpretation and local sustainability
Colleges and Universities Use our Center Ior Research.
3rd-party environmentalists Other educational or environment-Iocused entities may want to rent our Iacilities Ior
their own activities on speciIic occasions
29
The use of an Alternative Currencv
The Project will consider alternative economiesso that some oI the economic exchange oI the
Center is not mediated by the euro. The reason to do that will be to support types oI economic
relationships with which it is not possible to regard money as an end product that is worth
accumulating indeIinitely, but just as an intermediate Ior obtaining necessary products and services.
In these regards, there is a very interesting social experiment that begun in 2010 in Barcelona called
the Catalonian Integral Cooperative (CIC), created by the 'anti-globalization or 'anti-capitalist
circles oI the region (Catalonia, NE Spain). The CIC can legally provide ANY type oI service. Any
citizen or organization can become a member oI this cooperative and provide their services to other
members oI the cooperative, and these exchanges are done with the CIC`s own currency, Iixing the
price by agreement between the two parts involved. Many products and services can be obtained
Irom the CIC, especially about construction work, garden and Iorest management, Iood, and
education. Members oI the cooperative can also legally issue bills in euros Ior their regular
proIessional activity with the 'standard economy (outward activity Ior non-CIC-members that are
customers oI a proIessional oI the CIC). The Global Stream Center could join this initiative, so that
CIC members can provide their services to it or enjoy its services using a local, debt-Iree currency.
Services needed by the Center, such as garden and Iorest maintenance, construction or educational
support, can be obtained Irom CIC members, and the Center could accept enough payments in CIC
currency to cover these needs. The Global Stream Center would this way serve as an important
point to spread the word about the existence and Iunctioning oI the CIC, so that this continues to
grow. Most oI the income oI the Global Stream Center, however, will need to be made in euro,
because most expenses (regular salaries, electricity, most materials) will need to be payed Ior with
euro.
Additionally, a time-bank system may also be designed in order to measure the contributions oI
associate members and regular collaborators oI the Global Stream Project, so that they can be
rewarded as agreed upon membership Iormalization.
30
2.6. Economic Viability
The Iollowing estimations assume an amount oI activity that appears reachable in terms oI
commercialization in the near term, and that could be carried out by 3 people working 25 h/week
with occasional external support. A preliminary calculation oI potential income (Table 2-4) and
aproximate operating costs (Table 2-5) shows that the Center will need to generate around 80,000
euro per year in order to maintain its activity, and will be able to do so. As shown in these tables,
over 70 oI the income will be dedicated to salaries, and about 8 oI it will be used to improve the
building and its surrounding natural environment year aIter year.
Table 2-4. Expected minimal revenues to be obtained as a result oI the activities oI the Global Stream Center.
Customer Service Freqency Rate Annual income
ACTIVITIES AT THE CENTER
Local
Schools and
High-
Schools
Education (guided tours and
workshops)
4 groups oI 40 students per
week Ior 6 months a year
(mainly Oct through Jun)
9 euro/student
(min 20)
160*24*9 34,560
Groups oI
adults
Education (guided tours and
workshops)
100 visitors per week Ior 6
months a year (mainly
summertime)
11 euro/person
(min 8 people,
2-h tours)
100*24*11 26,400
Colleges
and
Universities
Use the Center's Iacilities
(lab, bedroom, classroom) Ior
Research or Teaching
purposes
30 days throughout the year 120 euro/day 30*120 3,600
Sales Selling T-Shirts, educational
materials, home-grown Iood
20 oI visitors buy smthg
(20 per week Ior 6 months,
20*24 480 customers)
net proIit oI
10t/customer
480*10 4,800
EXTERNAL ACTIVITIES AND CONSULTING
Schools and
Town
councils
Education (guided tours and
workshops at requested place)
2 groups per week during 6
months
6 euro/student
(min 20,
morning
activity)
40*24*6 5,760
Individuals,
town
councils and
companies
Consulting about riverside
ecosystem restoration, garden
pools, bioIiltration and
tertiary treatment
8 projects per year ca. 2,000 t per
project (very
variable)
2,000*8 16,000
Total estimated annual income 91100
31
Table 2-5. Aproximate expenses to achieve the minimal revenues oI the activities oI the Global Stream Center.
Expense Description Annual cost
electricity 4.4 kw contract, 1 kw average consumption year-round, 22 cents/kw
(1kwh/h*24 h/d * 365 day/yr * 0,25 t/kw)
2.000,00 t
Consummables oIIice, electronics, aquaculture, teaching and lab materials, ca. 300/month 4000
3 part-time salaries 30 hr/week regular contracts, 1200 t/month 14,400 t/yr, 28 taxes 55000
Educator subcontracts 80 euro pay, required twice a week over six months (80 * 2* 24) 3840
Reparation Maintenance oI building and terrain, ca. 500 t/month 6000
Community building Celebration and meeting expenses 2000
Total estimated annual expenses 72840
The Global Stream team believe that it is hardly imaginable to pay Ior the initial investment to
repair the building (which is still unknown, likely a Iew hundred thousand euro) by means oI
conventional credit. Given that this is a proposal to restore a building oI cultural importance and
create a social economic activity that will help preserve the local natural environment, Iunds will be
sought in the Iorm oI grants and donations among local, State, or European Administration
agencies, and also among companies that may be interested in providing materials or Iunds just to
improve their corporate image or obtain publicity. Credit-type Iunds may be used iI negotiations
with ethical banking show possibilities within reach Ior both parties.
Requirements to reach financial independence within 3 vears
In order to become Iinancially independent within 3 years upon the rebuilding oI the hydroelectric
plant, the Global Stream project should become well known among elementary schools and high-
schools and the general public oI the Barcelona area, and also among tourist circles. It should have
activity most days oI the week with one type oI public or the other. It could oIIer training and
workshops not only to non proIit and educational institutions but also to Ior-proIit institutions
(consulting, team building activities).
The Global Stream Center should learn how to grow diIIerent native aquatic species (crayIish,
crabs, turtles, Ireshwater mussel, amphibians), and several institutions will oIIer their guidance Ior
that purpose (AdeIIa, Dept oI Environment oI the Catalonian Government, ICTA-UAB).
A center operating intensively the entire week could create 5-6 stable jobs and some other seasonal
jobs, and expanded opportunities Ior third-party environmentalists through collaborations and
subcontracts.
32
3. Ecological Design
33
3.1. A base map of the project and its main components
The valley oI Sant Miquel is at a spot in which Iour interesting natural Ieatures can be Iound very
close to one another: a) the agricultural plain oI the Valles county, b) the large mass oI continuous
Iorest oI the Moianes region, c) the cliIIs and mountaintops oI the Pre-Litoral Range, and d) the
surIace waterstreams oI the river Tenes and tributaries. This gives the valley a high biodiversity
relative to its surrounding areas, especially in terms oI birds.
The ruins oI the powerplant to be rebuilt are close to the lowest altitude level oI its land. This is an
advantage regarding the supply oI water to the house through gravity and the potential Ior
hydroelectric generation. However, given the steepness oI the terrain, it implies that there is very
little space leIt between the point oI generation oI dirty water and the point oI reintroduction into
natural streams (Fig. 3.1).
The main building will thereIore contain most oI the Center's Iacilities, including water puriIication
and treatment units, aquaria, electricity and heating units, storage rooms, and teaching and multi-
purpose rooms. All inIrastructure that require heating (oIIice, classroom, laboratory, kitchen) will
be placed in the northern module oI the building, which is the smaller one (Fig. 3.2). This module
used to contain the housing Ior two Iamilies that operated the hydroelectric powerplant up to 1964
(Fig. 3.3). The southern module oI the building used to be the industrial warehouse and it will be
leIt as a semi-outdoorsy environment, with no temperature control or complete isolation Irom the
exterior (Figs. 3.2, 3.3).
The surroundings oI the Center will include a vegetable garden and an area Ior local varieties oI
Iruit trees, mainly Ior educational purposes, but also to provide Ior Iood Ior the staII and their
Iamilies as well as Ior the Center's celebrations and gatherings. Tertiary treatment natural pools and
marshes will be used just east and south oI the building, essentilly Ior educational purposes too.
34
Fig. 3.1. An orthophotoimage 1:10,000 oI the Valley oI Sant Miquel with the main Ieatures indicated (top), and a close-
up to 1:5,000 showing the access to the hydroelectring plant (bottom). The remains oI the waterpipe can be seen in the
middle oI the latter image. The aproximate limits oI the parcel under study are shown with a doted red line. The road to
Sant Miquel is about 200 m oI altitude higher than the hydroelectric powerplant.
35
Fig 3.2. A computer diagram oI the building viewed Irom the East (top) and a topographic map showing the
components oI the building (bottom). The triangle inside the building indicates the existence oI a Iountain that Ilows
continuously, aIter which the back space oI the building was named. The river bed rapidly loses altitude just
downstream oI the hydroelectric plant, leaving the building in saIe area as Iar as Ilooding is concerned.
36
Fig. 3.3. The interior oI the building aIter a
sanitation work in spring 2011 to eliminate
dangerous rooI leItovers and vegetation
inside the building. Top, northern module;
middle, southern module's upper Iloor;
bottom, southern module ground level.
37
3.2. Water management
Water is probably the most relevant natural element Ior the very existence oI the Global Stream
Project. The center will Ieel concerned about both the living community oI the river ecosystem and
the traditional uses and culture associated to it, and it will be placed within a valley carved on clay
cliIIs Irom which water springs in many points, because the entire region is one large aquiIer.
There are at least three watersheds close to the building to renovate:
-on the upper terrace north oI the building, at a height above the rooI oI the building
-by the leItovers oI an irrigation pool, nearly at the same height as the upper Iloor oI the building
-a Iountain (continuous well) behind the building, integrated into its back wall (which is less than a
meter apart Irom the cliII).
In all three cases the water is just spilling out oI the mountain, Iiltering through the massive rock.
The main concern oI the design, thereIore, is not whether we will obtain enough water Ior our
purposes, but rather, how we are going to adequately use and drain the large supply oI water that
surrounds the building. The Iact that the powerplant was built in 1910 and it is still standing (even
though since 1964 it has remained in complete neglect) suggests that a very good choice was made
to place a building in such a diIIicult terrain.

The water obtained on the site is presumably Iree oI contaminants (a presumption that will be
veriIied with the proper laboratory analyses in the Iuture). It will have to be Iurther puriIied Ior
drinking, but it can be used straight away Ior most other uses:
- Drinking-quality water: A small amount oI water will be made saIe to drink to send to the required
spaces (kitchen, other drinking water taps).
- Filtered water: Some oI the water will be just passed through a sand Iilter and used Ior aquaculture
and Ior non-drinking uses oI the building (lab, showers, hoses, washing sinks).
- Direct use: Agriculture (irrigation) and production oI electricity Ior educational purposes
The water system will be designed with attention to all measures Ior conservation and reutilization,
as summarized in the diagram oI Fig. 3.4. See also the water conservation measures listed in
Section 3.5.
38
Fig. 3.4. A diagram oI the circulation oI water at the Global Stream Center. Water will be taken Irom the environment
and returned to it a Iew tens oI meters downstream. Dashed lines indicate circulation driven by water pumps, the
remaining may be gravity-driven.
Water reservoirs will be made at least at two points above the level oI the building in which water
springs out oI the mountain year-round. These reservoirs can be used to provide Ior gravity-driven
clean water Ior irrigation, aquaculture or electrical production. The water to Ieed the puriIication
unit or some direct uses can be obtained Irom the continuous source at the back oI the building (Fig.
3.5).
Fig. 3.5. The watershed and earthened irrigation pool close by the old powerplant (leIt), and the remains oI the Iountain
at the back wall oI the building (right). The cliII is just one meter behind the wall, and water springs out oI it
continuously at this point, as shown by the inset.
39
In order to treat the greywater produced at the center, septic tanks that ensure accomplishment oI
legal discharge limits (through secondary treatment) will be set up at the basement oI the building.
Additionally, wetlands with endogenous plants will be contructed Ior tertiary treatment.
Aquacultural eIIluents will not be considered greywater and will circulate directly into constructed
wetlands. II there ever were an outbreak oI disease oI some aquacultural species, eIIluents would be
treated chemically or Iiltered prior to release, or else evaquated Irom the area Ior correct disposal.
II we consider 1 person equivalent Ior every 10 visitors 1 person equivalent Ior every 3 workers
Ref. #4], the load oI the Center on a day oI intensive activity with 70 visitors and 4 workers would
be:
70/10 4/3 7 1,33 8,33 person equivalents
A sub-surIace Ilow constructed wetland, in which the inIluent is circulated through a gravel bed
with reeds and other plants, requires 4 m2 oI wetland per person equivalent at an average
temperature oI 10 C (winter conditions) Ref. #5]. These data assume an eIIluent oI 200 L/pe and a
depuration to 15 mg/L oI BOD. ThereIore, aIter the septic tank treatment,
4 m2/pe x 8,33 pe 33,33 m2
a 35-m2 constructed wetland will suIIice to denitriIy to saIe levels the greywater generated at the
Global Stream Center prior to its release back to the environment. SuIIicient space may be Iound
just east and south oI the building, but the terrain at lower altitude than the building is scarce (Fig.
3.6). As mentioned above, however, septic tanks will be placed beIore the wetlands so that these are
more educational than vital to the Iunctioning oI the building, given the risk oI Iloods or vandalism
Ior the construction marshes and the likely irregular and heterogeneous discharge in the building's
toilets.
40
Fig 3.6. The hydroelectric plant in Feb. 2009, just aIter a thorough clearup oI the terrain to the North in order to obtain a
topography Ior inundability studies. Points where water is Ilowing right out oI the mountain (nearly one liter per second
each) are indicated by red arrows. The watershed behind the building is at ground level.
41
3.3. Land use and food production system
Given the slope oI the terrain where the Global Stream Center will be placed, only a strip oI land,
10 to 20 m wide, immediately north oI the building, can be considered to be 'within easy reach
Irom the building. This accessible strip oI land spans about 60 m oI the river bank and contains two
tributary watersheds (Fig. 3.6). The river runs North-South nearly exactly in this segment, and at
the bottom oI the valley there is direct sunlight only between 11am and 3 pm in the winter because
oI the shade oI the cliIIs. However, since the remains oI the hydroelectric plant under study are
catalogued as 'Estate with Cultural Interest, the reconstruction oI the place needs to respect its
current location, height and Iaade.
The elements oI the Global Stream Center will thereIore be designed in congruence with these
unchangeable characteristics oI the building. Some oI the remains oI irrigation pools and ditches
will be recovered to provide Ior habitat Ior amphibians, taking advantage oI the continuous
availability oI clean water all over the area. Vegetables will be grown in the same terraced terrain,
just north oI the building, that was used Ior this purpose by the two Iamilies who ran the powerplant
up to 1964. Some oI the pools Ior irrigation or Ior amphibians may be used Ior breeding indigenous
Iish or crabs. Further up the slopes, to the south oI the house, an area could be domesticated to
allow Ior the growth oI a Iew local Iruit varieties and Ior replanting with endogenous wild Iood
plants. This area would be a bit Iar uphill on Ioot, but some pulley with a basket could be set up to
easily transIer products and tools down into the building (Figs. 3.7, 3.8).
The rest oI the land will be regarded as wildliIe sanctuary. Some paths may be created to take a tour
close to the stone columns or observation points, but generally there will be very little intervention,
and biodiversity will be protected and let to thrive.
42
Fig 3.7. An orthophotoimage 1:2,000 oI the hydroelectric plant parcel (top), and a topography oI the same Irame
(bottom). The remains oI the waterpipe and support stone columns can be seen in the top image. The aproximate limits
oI the parcel under study are shown with a doted red line. Areas devoted to Iood and wilderness are indicated with
squares and numbers. Images drawn Irom the Institut CartograIic de Catalunya.
43
Fig. 3.8. The hydroelectric plant in Feb. 2009, just aIter a thorough clearup oI the terrain to the North in order to obtain
a topography Ior inundability studies. Areas relevant to water extraction and puriIication, Iood production, and
wilderness promotion are indicated.
44
3.4. Energy use and carbon footprint
The Global Stream Center will probably be occupied by 2-4 workers and groups oI up to 70 visitors
during the morning and aIternoon hours. Only 1 to 3 people may occasionally stay overnight.
The energy sources and sinks oI the Center are summarized in Fig. 3.9. The availability oI a Iew
cubic meters oI water per day at a height oI about 12 m above the building ground level implies a
potential to generate a Iew tens oI watts oI electricity continuously. Accumulating water would
enable a 1kw-microturbine to operate Ior a Iew hours every day as a support unit, but its main
purpose would be educational. The Center will manage its Iorested terrain so that (a) local wood
can be obtained Ior heating and (b) mulch is Iormed to regenerate the soil and promote natural
Iertility.

Fig. 3.9. A scheme oI energy
sources and the needs that
each type will cover.
Beyond the energy needs Ior heating, cooking, and electricity, the main impact oI the Global Stream
Center on global carbon will be transportation. The village where the Global Stream Center will be
placed does not currently have either a strong public transportation system (low Irequency oI buses,
no train or trams within 10 km) nor a complete network oI bike-tracks. The Project will support any
attempt oI higher authororities to improve these and campaign Ior it. Groups oI students will arrive
by coach, but private cars are expected to be the main way to reach the village Ior Iamilies and
small groups oI visitors, as long as these continue to be common in our society.
Taking all oI these Iactors into account, a rough estimation oI the Center's carbon Iootprint can be
done with online calculators (Table 3-1).
45
Table 3-1. The carbon Iootprint oI the Global Stream Center activity, calculated with the www.carbonIootprint.com
engine.
Concept Amount tCO2
Heating and cooking 12 Tonnes oI wood and woodpellets 2,2
Electricity Irom
public network
8760 kwh ( 1kw average consumption
year-round)
4,39
Visitors by car* 70,000 km (1000 cars/yr * 70 km) 14,5
Visitors by coach 7,000 km (100 buses/year * 70 km) 0,22
TOTAL CARBON FOOTPRINT 21,31
* The consumption oI a standard 2007 Seat Ibiza 1.8 is assumed
As the data in Table 3-1 reveal, the Iact that many oI the customers will reach the village by car will
be the main component oI the Project's carbon Iootprint. Electricity is the second largest contributor.
The total carbon Iootprint oI the maintenance oI activities in the Center is thereIore likely to be in
the range oI 15-25 tCO2 per year.
The entire valley was stripped oI vegetation aIter a dramatic Iorest Iire in 1994, and the Global
Stream Center will collaborate with nature in the ongoing ecological succession process. A hectare
oI mature Iorest can contain in the order oI 200 tonnes oI CO2 equivalents Ref. #6]. ThereIore, the
carbon Iootprint oI the Global Stream Center over a period oI 20 years oI operation would be oIIset
iI a surIace the same size oI the hydroelectric plant Iorested parcel (ca. 2 Ha) was Iorested anew,
allowed to develop into an old growth Iorest, and preserved like that Iorever.
20 tCO2/year * 20 years 400 tCO2
200 tCO2/Ha * 2 Ha 400 tCO2
This image is no more than a visual metaphor oI the impact oI the proposed initiative (as mentioned
above, largely due to the means oI transportation it is Iorced to rely on). The true way to become
carbon-neutral in the long term is by having a large majority oI customers that reach the Center
through low-impact transportation systems.
46
3.5. Construction guidelines
Materials
-Use construction materials that originate and are manuIactured as locally as possible (clay cobbles,
limestone, wood).
-Steel and other materials with a high embodied energy are to be used only Ior security reasons or iI
laws demand them.
-Avoid materials that require regular maintenance or treatment with aggressive chemicals (the use
oI bleach and expeditious cleaning products, solvents, varnishes and similar generates a type oI
waste that cannot be depurated on site)
Water
-Separate urinaries Irom dry toilets (composting toilets) Ior solids. The building should not generate
black water.
-All taps should be controlled by Ioot-activated buttons on the Iloor, plus secondary hand gauges to
close the tap iI the Iloor button stops working well.
-Soapy water Irom sinks and showers should be Iiltered and reused to Iill up Ilushtanks in urinaries.
-Grey water will be treated by biological means and reused Ior irrigation or returned to the river.
Thermal comIort
-Apply all possible criteria Ior passive maintenance oI thermal comIort (insulation, thermal mass,
solar panels, geothermal systems)
-The sources oI energy will be electricity (Irom the public network plus a small hydroelectric
turbine Ior display purposes) and local wood. Electricity should NOT be the main source oI energy
Ior cooking or heating (ineIIicient and expensive use oI energy).
-Integrate wood-based heating with kitchen stoves and oven.
Electricity
-Connect to public network in order to meet electrical appliance requirements. Electrical devices
will be used as sparingly as possible (computers, Iridge, Ireezer, water pumps, lighting, electrical
bikes, audiovisual equipment).
-Design a water reservoir, pipe and microturbine system to operate a Iew hours every day as an
electricity support unit.
47
3.6. Transportation issues
Personnel and outsourced necessities will be contracted nearby and encouraged to reach us by
public transportation or bicycle. The Global Stream Center will own a Iew bicycles and electric
bikes, Ior use in guided tours and available to workers oI the Center.
Students and large groups oI clients will usually arrive by coach, but individual customers will do
so by private car. All customers and visitors can reach the parking lot oI the nearby restaurant oI La
Font de La Pineda, and then walk an additional 1000 mts to the Center. For supplies and emergency
vehicles, a narrow dirt road that gets to less than 100 mts Irom the Center can be used.
48
4. Integral and holistic design
49
4.1. A Spiral Dynamics perspective of the Project
The Spiral Dynamics theory considers that human worldviews and core values are not Iixed, but
rather, diIIerent conceptual models appear according to liIe experiences and changes in external
conditions Ref. #7] . In this theory, diIIerent colors indicate diIIerent value systems, each one more
elaborate and encompassing and trascending the previous (Fig. 4.1).
The Global Stream Project is in Iull identiIication with the green meme oI the Spiral Dynamics
scheme, representing egalitarian propensions. The Project believes that the path oI true progress lies
on collectively breaking Iree Irom greed and domination impulses and allowing a Iair distribution
oI opportunities among all.
The Global Stream Center will provide education about sustainable housing, with a special
emphasis on minimizing water and energy consumption, recycling organic waste, and using local
resources wherever possible, so as to encourage personal empowerment and responsibility in daily
citizen liIe. Because oI these goals, the Project will be a representative oI the type oI economic
activity that is desireable toward a more sustainable, equitative Iuture with a dramatically reduced
diIIuse damage to the planet (air and water pollution, over-Iishing, deIorestation). Furthermore, the
Center will work to spread a deep understanding oI the impact oI present-day ways oI liIe on
natural systems, and will actively collaborate with government and scientiIic eIIorts to recover
endangered indigenous species (such as Ireshwater crab and turtle species). The protection,
celebration and enjoyment oI Nature by the human community will play a central role in the
persistence oI the Project over time.
Although the Project is non-Ior proIit and its only aspiration is to contribute to the well-being oI
human and non-human living communities, it is not an initiative lacking selI-interest, because the
people who promote it will obtain deep reward and internal satisIaction in developing this goal.
Even though the Project can be regarded merely as a proposal oI leisure and environmental
activities, a more phylosophical, spiritual mindset that challenges present day values oI
consummerism and superIiciality lies at the background. A strong emphasis on notions such as
introspection, empathic communication, deep ecology and deep democracy will be made. Integral
sustainability workshops will be held (mostly in the Iorm oI summer courses, workcamps and
retreats). Gardens, multi-purpose indoor spaces, and a beautiIul riverside environment will be
available at the Center Ior relaxation, meditation, yoga, stretching, and similar activities.
Consequently, the yellow meme, representing values that develop selI-interest in such a way that the
entire community beneIits, can also describe the Global Stream Project's design, vision and mission.
50
Fig. 4.1. The Spyral Dynamics diagram, showing the progressive conceptual models within two tiers (Irom Ref. #7).
51
Seeking support. Communication issues
When a large variety oI agents need to be contacted and a Iavorable opinion by the local population
is required, eIIorts should be made to do away with misunderstandings and criticism based on
incorrect assumptions. The summary oI attitudes toward nature put Iorward by Barret C. Brown
Ref. #8] is a very useIul tool Ior thinking about ways to address diIIerent types oI public. Several
oI the 'Eco-selI types proposed in this work are likely to be Iound by the Global Stream team.
During the development oI this Project, it will be necessary to talk to two main types oI listeners:
a) Agents related to Iunding, authoritative support, permits, and legal issues
b) Local citizens and cultural entities, whose satisIaction and Ieeling excited about the Project
because are crucial Ior the vitality oI the Global Stream Center.
The Iirst type oI agents are likely to be mainly Eco-strategists and Eco-Managers, while among the
second type a more heterogeneous audience with Eco-Managers, Eco-Warriors and Eco-Radicals
may be encountered. The characteristics to bear in mind and points to highlight when addressing
diIIerent agents are summarized in Figure 4.2, a diagram that can be helpIul to prepare Ior
interviews and presentations.
52
Fig. 4.2. The characteristics oI diIIerent types oI audience that may be encountered by the Global Stream Project during
its development phase, including notes on how the Project can be oI the interest oI every Eco-selI (Irom Ref. #8).
53
4.2. The Story in which the Project consciously participates
The bioregion oI the Global Stream Center is at the transition between the Barcelona Metropolitan
Area and the more rural inland areas oI Catalonia beyond the Pre-Litoral Range. Over the last 60
years, this area has experienced remarkable changes in total population, liIestyle and cultural
values, and landscape occupation and resource use. This type oI societal development has been
pushed by a worldview oI expansion and Dominion that inadvertently relied on the assumption oI
never-ending resources, lands to discover, and oceans to exploit. Understandably, people has
traditionally had to permanently Iight nature (in the shape oI weeds that invade vegetable gardens,
beasts that break into henhuts, or water and moisture that rot dwellings and ruin tracks and bridges).
During most oI History, humans lived in touch with the limitations and hardships oI Nature, and
devices or systems coming Irom human ingenuity (such as craIty technology, clothing, irrigation
structures, animal breeding) contributed to human comIort with little apparent negative eIIects on
the environment. The idea that we could ever 'destroy or 'run out oI Nature just didn't make
sense.
But then cheap energy arrived (discovery oI Iossil Iuels and industrial-technological revolution),
and the development oI machines oI all kinds enabled an unprecedented increase in the rate oI
transIormation oI natural elements into manuIactured goods and artiIicialized landscapes. The
development oI chemical industries and industrial animal breeding and slaughterhoses soon turned
the tiny rivers oI this bioregion into open-air industrial sewers, toxic to most liIe Iorms. The advent
oI high-speed roads and private cars led to disperse housing, commuting, and a dramatic
Iragmentation oI natural ecosystems and weakening oI human communities. Agricultural Iields
were abandoned and young pine-tree woods, very prone to suIIering Iorest Iires, are now in their
place. Television, advertising, and the ambient noise oI our culture made people more
individualistic, demanding, IanciIul and consummerist. Economic and leisure activity involves
increasingly long distances, and the sense oI community has been lost in most villages and small
towns.
However, the degradation oI the natural environment and social relationships occurred because
society was gaining other types oI qualities that it was longing Ior when this mentality began to take
place. The cultural level oI the average citizen is now higher than ever (even iI the sources oI
manipulation are still powerIul enough so as to anesthesize most oI us into individualism and
consummerism), and the threshold Ior 'minimal conditions Ior decent living has been radically
improved in recent decades.
ScientiIic models and reports indicate that 20th-century trends (in terms oI air and water pollution,
54
species extinction, mineral consumption, habitat destruction) cannot be continued Ior another entire
century. The planet is simply not large enough Ior that to happen. Necessarily, mankind as a whole
will need to go through a transition, leading us to a set oI values that rejects accumulation oI wealth
and luxury beyond a certain limit and Iinds joy in simple living once Iundamental needs are
covered. A set oI values that takes into account every being's needs, in which all humans -but not
only humans- have rights, and through which the human communities will participate in the global
community oI existence with joy, simplicity, and a sense oI purpose and meaning.
The Project is commited to promoting a transition Irom the mentality oI Dominion to a mentality in
which humans will live within the rates oI renovation oI natural ecosystems and Iind sustainable
ways not only Ior basic subsistence but also Ior personal IulIillment. It will do so through education
and leisure activities related to environmental sciences, interactions between human liIe and natural
ecosystems, and sustainable practices. Because global natural resources are indeed limited, the
mentality Ior continuous growth in resource use will sooner or later Iail to deliver its promises Ior
well-being to all, and the population will Ieel disappointed and stop believing in it. It seems
thereIore reasonable to expect that, in coming decades, either there will be increasing societal
changes in the direction that the Global Stream Project wishes to promote, or the situation oI the
planet will be ever more calamitous, so that the need Ior initiatives like the Global Stream Project
will be increasingly evident.
55
4.3. The Project and Socially-engaged Spirituality
The attempt to create an entity whose sole goals are to generate decent jobposts while promoting
mutually-enhancing human-Earth relationships, without generating any proIits in the Iorm oI
money, probably stems Irom a spiritual understanding oI happiness and IulIillment by the initiators
oI such a project. The Global Stream Project will try to disseminate an attitude oI reverence and
gratitude toward nature based on the phylosophical principles oI Deep Ecology Ref. #9], which is
probably the Ieature that most clearly reIlects the spiritual components behind the initiative.
The Center will network and actively collaborate with local agents that are involved with the
change oI paradigm toward a more healthy sustainable way oI living. These may include activists
and organizations dedicated to topics such as local seeds, ornithology, animal rights, personal
growth, or alternative currencies. In general, entities and individuals with an interest on the
abovementioned concepts and related worlviews will be welcome to work with the Global Stream
Project to achieve our common goals Ior the beneIit oI all.
Although introspection and inter-personal dynamics will not be the main Iocus oI the Project, a
strong emphasis will be made on the Iact that our unsustainable way oI liIe in modern soocieties is a
cultural problem rather than an environmental one. The importance oI selI-awareness, empathy and
eIIective communication will thereIore be indirectly promoted within environmental and
sustainability activities. The Global Stream Center also wishes to provide an example Ior
sustainability in terms oI social relationships with its internal organization and conIlict resolution
processes. In these regards, the Project's core members and staII will continuously expand their
training on the concept and methodologies oI Deep Democracy Ref. #10].
The initiators oI this Project are aware oI the value oI both Science and Spirituality, which need to
walk hand by hand. Spirituality reIers to the non-material component oI the human mind, whereas
science represents the systematic, rational inspection oI the physical world. Without science,
spirituality has become dogma, superstition and taboo many times in the past, and has been used to
instill Iear and dominate the masses. And History also shows that without spirituality, science too
has become a tool to put technical skills at the service oI nations, corporations, and other
accumulations oI power moved by values oI greed and domination. The Global Stream Center will
strive to transmit the multiple dimensions oI Integral Sustainability by means oI its nature-based
learning and leisure activities, physical design and social organization.
56
CONCLUDING REMARKS
The aim oI this project is to participate in societal change toward the creation oI equitable,
sustainable communities, Irom municipal level (through direct interaction) to the global level
(through networks oI local activists). In this goal, the Iounding members and the Project that they
have designed take into account Integral Sustainability principles and deeply understand the
interrelationships between mind, natural environment and community.
The Project is under development and modiIications to the present document may be introduced as
new actors get involved. The present Iile may serve as a working draIt to seek collaboration among
neighbours and local authorities and proceed to Iund-raising. II the Project can be carried out and
the Global Stream Center begins to operate, a regular revision and expansion oI the Iour aspects oI
integral sustainability reIlected upon here will be most advantageous. It would be oI particular
interest that other members oI the Global Stream Project worked on this very case study Ior the
GEDS programme in a Iew years time.
57
REFERENCES
1. Bonas A, Carmona E, Boada M (2010). Home i Natura a la Jall de Riells. Graduate thesis oI the
Environmental Science Dept., Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona.
2. Consorci per a la DeIensa de la Conca del Besos (2007). Profecte de Cami Fluvial del Tenes. Diputacio de
Barcelona.
3. Doran GT (1981). Theres a S.M.A.R.T. wav to write managements goals and obfectives. Management Review
70(11):35-36.
4. http://www.Iitobox.com/personequivalent.htm
5. http://cv.uoc.edu/~mcooperacion/aulas/ecological25012011/Images/Wetland-Sizing.jpg
6. UNEP (2009). The Natural Fix? The Role of Ecosvstems in Climate Mitigation. UN Environmental
Programme Publications.
7. Beck D, Cowan C (1996). Spiral Dvnamics. Mastering Jalues, Leadership and Change. Blackwell Business.
8. Brown BC (2005). Integral Communications for Sustainabilitv. Online publication.
9. Nss A (1973). The Shallow and the Deep, Long-Range Ecologv Movement. Inquiry 16:95-100.
10. Wilson PA (2004). Deep Democracv. The Inner Practice of Civic Engagement. Fieldnotes: A Newsletter oI the
Shambhala Institute, Issue No. 3.
58