Comparative Analysis of Ecovillage Conceptualizations: Southeast Asia and Developed Nations

This research aimed to compare the conceptualization of ecovillages in developed nations and Southeast Asia, using Malaysia as a case study. Thirty-three ecovillage definitions expressed by ecovillage residents from developed countries and individuals in sustainability-related specializations in Malaysia were analyzed thematically through semi-structured interviews. Findings revealed that, for individuals in Malaysia, ecovillages are communities that strive for economic self-sufficiency and live in harmony with nature. Contrastingly, for ecovillagers in developed nations, ecovillages are intentional communities that strive for holistic sustainability across ecological, social, economic, and cultural dimensions. The theoretical contribution offers new perspectives on the quadruple bottom line, highlighting that this framework is a more suitable lens for conceptualizing mature ecovillages, as they strive to balance across all four dimensions of sustainability. Emerging ecovillages, however, tend to focus on limited dimensions, making the quadruple bottom line less applicable at this stage. Practically, recognizing this progression pattern can help emerging ecovillages and individuals interested in building ecovillage communities align their strategies with local realities, economic self-sufficiency, and environmental sustainability in the Malaysian context, and gradually strive toward holistic sustainability.