NORWAY — During their bi-annual board retreat in the heart of the Maine’s Western Foothills, board members of the Center for an Ecology-Based Economy in Norway recently met for a full day to reflect, recognize, build and glean from the partnerships and opportunities they have fostered. CEBE’s goal of “local community sustainability, health and resilience in response to climate instability and resource depletion” is no small order, but one that board members feel is essential and attainable.

“Strategic planning — done well — is essential for meeting weighty and worthwhile goals; the day was well spent,” said Michael Newsom, a CEBE board member and facilitator for the board retreat.

CEBE’s work is to help sustain a good life for everyone in the region, with a focus on the areas of food, energy, housing and transportation. Since their arrival on Main Street in Norway, they’ve brought new resources to the area and have worked creatively and collaboratively to bring attention and energy to these necessities.

“Nature is our home and our model,” said Scott Vlaun, executive director of CEBE. “By re-connecting to nature and beginning to understand its ecology, we can learn to create sustainable economic systems that mimic the resilience and diversity of natural systems.”

Much of the day’s work was focused on how best to engage the richness and diversity of the community, to raise awareness of how climate and resource issues will affect us, and how best to transition away from a fossil fuel-based economy and towards a more locally self reliant economy based on renewable resources.