by Natalie Armitage
Permaculture is a gorgeous prism of knowledge and framework to better understand how to live regeneratively and in harmony with nature. The term was popularised by Bill Mollison and David Holmgren in the '80s, which has been taught through their modality to people all over the world since. However, as the pair are from a colonised structure now known as 'Australia' (over the 200 different Indigenous languages); there were always going to be unintentional limitations. One of these is how to integrate knowledge from communities who already have a deep connection to and knowledge of Caribbean climate, communities and environment.
Permaculture teaches us: where we see a problem there is also a clue to a solution.
From May 22nd - 27th 2024, One Regeneration hosted a Caribbean-led permaculture course + retreat in Jamaica. In the gloriously peaceful and beautiful mountains of St. Ann; a retreat setting brought together farmers, educators, community builders, homestead owners, land lovers and nature nerds who want to understand better how to engage with themselves as a part of natural processes. Some has previous permaculture education, many had never studied and this was their first time. The rich diversity of people gave way to more life energy from Jamaica, uniting on the opening of minds and creativity.
We asked some of the participants to give their point of view.
How do you define Permaculture?
"A set of design principles on how you can imagine or get creative with the resources you have. It is a mix of creativity and land management combined." - Daniel, Barbados
"Permaculture is an ideology that resonates with me as a seeker of truth and student of divinity. For me, it has become a daily practice of living life in a relationship of reverence of creation. It helps humanity to resolve a huge problem that we have right now of disconnection with nature and with the natural real world. Humanity has veered onto a negative course of social demise, species and environmental destruction. Permaculture is the antidote that can get us back on track, living in harmony with nature's blueprint." - Michelle, Jamaica
"It is the balance between human needs, using nature for our benefit - whilst also responding to the needs of the environment." - Akilah, Jamaica
How was it having a Caribbean-led permaculture space?
This is what stood out from the collective:
It enhanced solidarity building within a regional movement of restoring ancient practices
People were able to resonate with the material a lot more, share practical knowledge
There was more evidence collected to be able to see, understand and address collective challenges together
Cultural practices from within and across the Caribbean were exchanged that are of help to improve designs
It opened up knowledge to understanding what are considered "pests" from different places and how to change mindsets about them
It cultivated a shared passion around the biodiversity of the Caribbean, as well how to improve it
It was an exchange of knowledge around plants, ecosystems, creatures, species and local weather patterns to cross-pollinate ideas
It was fundamentally important in the collective ability to tie the Caribbean environment to our history of colonialism, neo-colonisalism and that still impacts Permaculture Designs today
What are we learning?
Caribbean-led Permaculture Education is a local based solution to regenerate and rejuvenate the regionally spread movements. It places value not just on production, but on the inherent reciprocity communities have with the natural world they are a part of that is absolutely essential. It fosters a more unique, deepened relationship with the environment. Caribbean-led Permaculture Education has an invaluable role in the ecosystem of global efforts towards climate justice that remember, restore, re-imagine and re-design systems to give back to, not just take from, the Earth.
Who knew it could be so fun, joyous and nourishing at the same time?
Permaculture as a modality is extremely useful; however learning from indigenous communities and with those who share similar climates, species, cultural practices is a much needed focus. As region experiencing some of the harshest realities of change in global climate this education equips people with longevity in spite of multiple changes that take place.
There was a collective understanding that whilst there is urgency to solve issues that feel pertinent - investing in longer-term mindset shifts, creative, spiritually nourishing and healing methods to practice living on, with and for the Earth is a more authentic way to address them.
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Written by Natalie Armitage. Edited by One Regeneration.
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