The History of the I.E.E.N.I. Project in Vilcabamba

I.E.E.N.I. (International Essene Educational Network, Inc.) The idea to build the I.E.E.N.I. Center was first firmly conceived in 1975 while the founder, Michael Solomon, worked at a Retreat Center called Eden Hot Springs, Arizona. Michael traveled to Central and South America to search for a new land site. The countries of Belize, Costa Rica and Ecuador were visited, and research was compiled on growing heirloom seeds and how to build a retreat center.

In 1979, Michael returned to Ecuador, living and working in an agricultural community in Vilcabamba Valley, Ecuador. In 1991 a new land site was chosen to build an Eco-Longevity Center and community. This area was selected because of its warm hearted people, subtropical longevity climate, pure mineral water, and black, fertile soil.

I.E.E.N.I. is a land preservation project and contains a cultural educational center, an Eco-Longevity center, a children’s school and Heirloom Seed Company. It will serve as a model for centers to be built internationally. There is strong interest and support from the people in Ecuador and the government of Ecuador to form this center. I.E.E.N.I. is currently working with ecology/environmental organizations in Ecuador and will also work together in other countries of South America to help improve the quality of life for these people. Heirloom seeds will be sold, at a reduced cost, to native agricultural collectives in Ecuador so that they can grow pure, healthy chemical-free food and conserve the land.

Currently the I.E.E.N.I. Foundation is working with fundraisers to preserve the pristine Vilcabamba Valley and Ecuadorian Rain Forest from environmental destruction. Our entire project, when completed, will create economic stability for the people of the Vilcabamba Valley and the Rain Forest.

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