Experimental Center El Remanso ECER in Choachi-Colombia. A Laboratory Eco-Village to Learn and Co-build a Circular Learning

Abstract The purpose of this article was to show the progress in the implementation of an Eco-Village that incorporated elements of bioconstruction with the use of bamboo-guadua cane framed in a circular design and integrated planning approaches for the increasing resilience in an area of high seismic risk in the Colombian Andes Mountains. Likewise, it included energy transition elements advancing towards decarbonization with the use of solar panels for electricity generation and water heating. At the same time, it integrated clean production linked to regenerative agriculture and circular bioeconomy using closed water circuits from bioprospection purification processes in internal treatment plants, equally, waterless toilets that allow the use of human waste as an input for composting and urine mixed with water for nitrogen fixation in permaculture gardens. Likewise, Experimental Center El Remanso ECER has allowed the application of Interdisciplinary education related to Ecological Engineering Education. The project is framed in the concepts and theories of bioeconomy and degrowth (Georgescu-Roegen, Latouche). An exploratory qualitative methodology was considered based on the participatory action research PAR proposals of Fals Borda. In addition to, the meeting with the traditional knowledge of the indigenous people and the peasant communities of the area in the production and cooking of food and the recovery of soils and ecosystems, as well as, the implementation of associativity processes related to the design and execution of tourist routes. As result of the research, the importance of co-creation, respect for ancestral knowledgement and the dialogue of knowledges are recognized, among others. The used of the small sample size of the different information access instruments were recognized as a limitation in the research. However, future actions linked to the results of the implementation of the PAR are been planned.