2019-2020
Origins of the project
The global COVID-19 crisis became a catalyst for reflection. In this uncertain context, the idea emerged for the La Ressource themed campsite, a place where visitors could gain practical skills in energy, water and food self-reliance through an immersive learning experience.
2020-2021
First steps and planning
Open dialogue began with the municipality of Coutansouze in Allier, at the heart of Auvergne. Detailed preliminary studies and initial meetings with public authorities followed, together with the launch of a revision of the local planning map required for the project to be established.
17 December 2021
First administrative approval
A favorable opinion was issued by the Chamber of Agriculture, confirming the project's relevance to the local agricultural context and recognizing its potential positive impact on the area. This first success provided momentum for the next stages.
2022
A pivotal year for approvals
1 February — Approval by the Saint-Pourçain Sioule Limagne intermunicipal authority.
10 March — Favorable opinion from the departmental commission for the preservation of natural areas.
19 April — The Prefect of Allier grants authorization for 3.8 hectares.
16 May - 15 June — Public inquiry with a favorable outcome.
September — Prefectural approval of the revised local planning map.
10 March — Favorable opinion from the departmental commission for the preservation of natural areas.
19 April — The Prefect of Allier grants authorization for 3.8 hectares.
16 May - 15 June — Public inquiry with a favorable outcome.
September — Prefectural approval of the revised local planning map.
18 October 2022
Land acquisition
A historic milestone: official acquisition of 28,000 m² of land in Coutansouze. On that day, the vision literally took root in the soil of Allier.
Aerial view of the land acquired in Coutansouze, Allier
2023
Challenges and a new direction
Despite the administrative successes, 2023 brought the project face to face with economic and logistical realities. Funding difficulties and continued caution in a tourism sector still affected by the COVID crisis created new obstacles. An unexpected opportunity then emerged through collaboration with an incubator for high-impact local projects. This led to a major rethink and one conclusion: the knowledge-sharing mission could have an even greater impact as a nonprofit association, accessible free of charge, nonprofit and dedicated to the public interest.
Early 2024
Legal restructuring
Intensive restructuring work was carried out in close cooperation with the GUID'Asso network (resource and information centres for volunteers) and its legal advisers, redesigning the approach to maximize impact while remaining faithful to the project's original values.
4 April 2024
DREAL application
An application was filed with the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Regional Directorate for the Environment, Planning and Housing (DREAL) for a case-by-case review of the revised project.
6 May 2024
Environmental clearance
The DREAL issued a positive decision: the project was not required to undergo a full environmental assessment, validating the environmentally responsible approach adopted by the project.
May 2024
Birth of αωtonomia
The αωtonomia association is officially created, formed by four founding members under the leadership of its first President. A new era begins for the project.
