The association
As a French nonprofit association, αωtonomia (pronounced “aotonomia”) aims to help you reduce your dependence on external resources, lower your bills and gain the practical tools needed to make your household more self-reliant.
Once the association becomes operational, planned for the second half of 2027, we will offer:
On existing self-reliance systems and solutions: energy, water, food and climate-adapted housing.
Free of charge, so you can learn by doing how self-reliance systems are implemented in the field.
Free access to our land in Coutansouze to discover self-reliance solutions in practice.
Watch the video
Take a few minutes to discover the αωtonomia association, its mission, its eco-centre in Coutansouze and the vision that drives us.
The context
There are many reasons. Yet finding the time and motivation to research information and distinguish what is useful from what is misleading can be a real challenge.
Our commitment
Traditional knowledge passed down by previous generations is disappearing as modern methods become widespread. Although many ancestral techniques remain highly relevant, only a small number of heritage keepers still master them.
While recognizing the valuable work of the many organizations that offer paid training, we identified an unmet need. Our ambition is to make this knowledge accessible to everyone, free of charge, regardless of anyone's financial means.
Our fields
By combining traditional and modern approaches, we cover all the essential fields:
Our goals
Create a network of eco-centres across France, with the long-term goal of a presence in every département. Our main site in Coutansouze, Allier, embodies this vision on nearly three hectares.
Organize hands-on community builds to create demonstration buildings: full-scale, functional showcases of self-reliance that can host free workshops.
Develop practical agroforestry and permaculture projects supported by workshops, talks and awareness campaigns.
Offer members immersive experiences through a campsite dedicated to household self-reliance, in harmony with nature and animals.
In partnership with other nonprofit organizations, welcome isolated, elderly or financially vulnerable people for restorative stays in a natural setting.
Offer educational activities for school groups, public talks and advocacy aimed at policy makers.
A few figures
Our upcoming activities
Give everyone the knowledge and intellectual tools to build greater self-reliance, addressing both economic challenges and the need to adapt to social, geopolitical and climate-related disruption.
Join the adventure
Do you have strong expertise in these areas? Are you recognized in your field and willing to share your knowledge? We can provide the platform and welcome you on our land, giving you access to our future facilities.
Where to find us
Coutansouze, 03330 Allier — Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes