Silvilization

Silvilization is a conceptual framework or a vision of the world whereby the forest, a metaphor for primordial living, is the best place for human development and fulfilment. It is a portmanteau of the Latin word silva, meaning forest, and civilization.

History

The term was first coined by Pierre-Doris Maltais, leader of the Iriadamant eco-cult. Erkki Pulliainen, an MP of the Green League, in collaboration with Maltais and the University of Helsinki, implemented the interdisciplinary ESSOC project in 1991. The project was considered a failure.
In 1997, a publication in the journal Interculture by the Institut interculturel [de Montréal|Intercultural Institute of Montreal] was devoted entirely to the theme of silvilization and ecosophy. The articles were written by authors such as Edward Goldsmith, Gary Snyder, and Gita Mehta.