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As part of our project, in order to contribute to the permaculture movement, as well as to gain some structuration, I am working towards a Diploma in Applied Permaculture Design with the Nordic Permaculture Academy with Cathrine Dolleris as a mentor.
“…Permaculture is a system of design based on ethics and principles that can be used to design, implement, manage and improve all kinds of individual, family and collective initiatives for a sustainable future…” – from https://permacultureprinciples.com
In the summer of 2000 I took a Permaculture Design Certificate with Rod Everett og Mill Millichap on the Isle of Man. Since then I have been in touch with permaculture practitioners and ideas regularly, visited communities and projects, worked on our little herb garden for five years (2012-2017), but this is my first chance to properly design a forest garden and a living land. Exciting!
Getting a Diploma in Applied Permaculture Design:
“…This is done through a process which will take you a minimum of 2 years after registering with the NPA of either independent work, or through a supported route of designing and documenting a Diploma Portfolio of relevant Design work and Activities. This process is based on self-managed planning, work and learning. The Diploma Portfolio should demonstrate that you have developed into a proficient permaculture designer and that you have a thorough understanding of the Permaculture ethics and design principles. You also have to show proficiency in using different design tools and methods and a variety of design frameworks. A list of relevant Activities which show how you have implemented permaculture in your life and work should also be included in your Diploma Portfolio…”.
Posts on this website, which are directly relevant for the diploma process will be tagged as “Diploma in Applied Permaculture Design“.
Each design will be linked to here as well, in due course 🙂
Finally, from the digital hive-mind:
A Diploma in Applied Permaculture Design typically focuses on teaching the principles and practices of permaculture in a hands-on, applied manner. Permaculture is an approach to designing human settlements and agricultural systems that mimic the relationships found in natural ecosystems. It emphasizes sustainability, self-sufficiency, and regenerative practices.
In a Diploma program, students often learn about various aspects of permaculture design, including organic gardening, sustainable agriculture, water management, renewable energy systems, natural building techniques, and community development. They may engage in projects where they apply these principles to real-world situations, such as designing and implementing permaculture gardens or food forests.
The curriculum may vary depending on the institution offering the diploma, but common topics covered include:
- Permaculture ethics and principles
- Observation and site analysis
- Design methods and tools
- Soil management and fertility
- Plant guilds and polycultures
- Water harvesting and management
- Energy systems and appropriate technology
- Social permaculture and community engagement
Diploma programs often involve both classroom learning and practical fieldwork, allowing students to gain hands-on experience and develop their skills in permaculture design. Graduates of such programs may pursue careers in sustainable agriculture, landscape design, environmental education, community development, or related fields.
Permaculture extends beyond being merely a set of design principles; it’s also a movement, a science, and a toolbook for regenerative action. As a movement, permaculture promotes a shift in mindset towards sustainable living and stewardship of the Earth. It encourages communities to embrace self-sufficiency, cooperation, and respect for nature’s patterns and cycles. Through grassroots initiatives, educational programs, and advocacy efforts, the permaculture movement seeks to inspire individuals and communities to create positive change in their local environments.
As a science, permaculture draws upon principles from ecology, biology, anthropology, and other disciplines to develop holistic solutions for sustainable living. It applies systems thinking to design human settlements and agricultural systems that are not only productive but also regenerative, working in harmony with nature to restore ecosystems and enhance biodiversity. By mimicking natural patterns and processes, permaculture aims to create resilient and diverse ecosystems that can thrive over the long term.
Permaculture also serves as a toolbook for regenerative action, offering practical techniques and strategies for improving the human habitat while minimizing our ecological footprint. From designing edible landscapes and forest gardens to implementing water-efficient irrigation systems and renewable energy technologies, permaculture provides a toolkit for addressing the challenges of the Anthropocene. By harnessing the power of regenerative agriculture, sustainable architecture, and community-based initiatives, permaculture offers a pathway to a future where human impact on the Earth is not only neutral but actively beneficial, nurturing life and restoring balance to ecosystems.
Ultimately, permaculture embodies a vision of ecological harmony and abundance, where humans live in symbiosis with the natural world, co-creating thriving ecosystems that support all life. Through education, innovation, and collective action, permaculture holds the promise of guiding us to the other side of the Anthropocene, where our presence on Earth is a force for regeneration and renewal.