"Trinoga" organisation

Trinoga Association, established in 2005, is situated above Zhelen village, Sofia district, Bulgaria. It goes beyond being just an NGO - it’s an eco-community where people permanently live in harmony with nature and put our beliefs into practice. Our association’s philosophy revolves around three pillars: life in harmony with nature, social unity, and personal growth.
Vegetarium Community Home, the heart of our Trinoga Association, is a community centre where these principles come to life. Here are some key points about the place:
1. Location: Nestled in the Balkan Mountain, Vegetarium Home is 5 km away from any asphalted village and shops, providing a serene and remote environment.
2. Community: Currently a few families live at Vegetarium Home, and other 20 autonomous eco friendly households coexist in Zhelen valley and collaborate.
3. Languages: Vegetarium core team is fluent in English, French, German, Spanish, Russian and Bulgarian, allowing us to welcome both local and foreign volunteers.
4. Global Connections: As an integral part of the Global Ecovillage Network, ESC and Erasmus+, Trinoga association maintains close ties with NGOs in Italy, Spain, France, Portugal, Georgia, Turkey, Uganda and Switzerland.
5. Education: The team actively engages in teaching sustainable development, healthy lifestyle, and community building at institutions like Sofia University, New Bulgarian University, and professional schools.
6. Mentorship: Our mentor, M.D. Dimitar Pashkulev, a renowned Bulgarian specialist in natural medicine and the Integral approach, has found his calling in living at Vegetarium Home since 2015. He provides non-formal education to young people and youth workers interested in sustainable activism.
Vegetarium Community Home embodies the vision of living in balance with nature, fostering personal growth, and creating a supportive community.
Trinoga Association is deeply committed to sustainable activism and development of a harmonious relationship with the environment and communities. Here are the specifics of our impactful work:
1. Young People's Personal and Social Development:
o We focus on developing various skills and competencies among young people;
o We strongly advocate for a healthy lifestyle, emphasizing the balance between proper nutrition, biorhythms, and practices that benefit body, mind, and spirit. We promote a non-dogmatic approach toward spirituality;
2. Climatic Agriculture:
o The association engages in regenerative landscaping to enhance biodiversity and habitats;
o Our efforts contribute to the production of clean food and raw materials;
3. Eco Construction:
o Trinoga constructs using mainly natural materials, maintaining a harmonious blend of traditional low-tech and modern high-tech approaches;
o Our ratio stands at 95% traditional low-tech and 5% modern high-tech;
4. Active Citizenship and Eco-Activism:
o Trinoga actively promotes biodiversity and social unity through eco-activism;
o Our commitment extends beyond theory: we live and breathe these principles.
Main Activities:
• Living and Promoting Healthy Life in Nature: Trinoga members embrace a lifestyle in harmony with nature;
• Volunteer Hosting and Development: We help volunteers discover their authentic vocations and develop diverse competences;
• International Exchange: Volunteers are sent to Italy, Portugal, France, Spain and Switzerland;
• Enhancing Biodiversity: Through landscaping, carbon sequestration and planting perennial fruits and nuts;
• Eco-Friendly Construction: Renovating old structures and building new ones using wood, clay, stone, hay, and other natural materials;
• Maintenance and Practical Skills: Volunteers gain hands-on experience in maintaining gardens, animals, buildings, and machinery;
• Collaboration with the Local Population: Trinoga actively exchanges production, physical labor, and intellectual work with the local community;
• EU-Funded Projects: We also lead and participate in projects funded by various EU programs, in partnership with other NGOs;
Target Groups:
1. Young Eco-Oriented Individuals (Aged 18-30): Those ready to adopt a sustainable lifestyle;
2. Youth workers;
3. Other NGOs with Similar Interests: Collaborating to amplify their impact;
3. Local Population of Zhelen Village and Svoge Town: Engaging with the community;
4. Academical and municipal institutions.