PERMACULTURE DESIGN CERTIFICATE COURSE WITH GEOFF LAWTON AT PRI JORDAN

The Permaculture Design Certificate course is an internationally-recognized, seventy-two-hour course resulting in a Permaculture Design Certificate. It provides an introduction to permaculture design as set forth by movement founder Bill Mollison.

This PDC is hosted by Geoff Lawton on the award-winning Greening the Desert Site in the Dead Sea Valley just 10km north of the Dead Sea and 6 km east of the Jordanian-Palestinian border, directly east of the West Bank.

The course covers sustainable living systems for a wide variety of landscapes and climates. It includes the application of permaculture principles to food production, home design, construction, energy conservation and generation, and explores alternative economic structures and legal strategies supporting permaculture solutions.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The course covers sustainable living systems for a wide variety of landscapes and climates. It includes the application of permaculture principles to food production, home design, construction, energy conservation and generation, and explores alternative economic structures and legal strategies supporting permaculture solutions.

SPECIFIC TOPICS INCLUDE:

• Theory and principles of permaculture
• Eco-friendly house placement and design
• Energy conservation techniques for all climates with specific focus on arid hot regions
• Recycling and sustainable waste management
• Organic food production
• Water harvesting and management
• Ecological pest control
• Drought-proofing landscapes
• Soil rehabilitation and soil erosion control
• Livestock
• Aquaculture
• Catastrophe preparedness and prevention
• Windbreaks and fire control

The foundation for this course is the Permaculture Designer’s Manual by Bill. Students are invited to bring details of their own sites or potential sites to consider during the course.

COURSE OUTLINE

This course starts on Sunday the 3rd of September and runs for 10 days.

Day 1: Introduction & Concepts and Themes in Design.

Day 2: Methods of design & Pattern Understanding.

Day 3: Climatic Factors & Trees and their Energy Transactions.

Day 4: Water Design.

Day 5: Soils.

Friday & Saturday off.

Day 6: Earthworks and Earth resources & Design Exercise Practical introduction.

Day 7: Global Climate Design Comparisons.

Day 8: Aquaculture & Design Exercise Practical.

Day 9: Design Exercise Practical.

Day 10: The Strategies for an Alternative Nation & Design Exercise Presentation, Certification, Course Participation Party.

This course finishes on Thursday the 14th of September.

Click here to see the detailed Course Outline.

COURSE TIMES

8.30am to 5.30pm.

ABOUT THE TEACHERS

GEOFF LAWTON

Geoff Lawton is the main facilitator for this course. He a Permaculture consultant, designer and teacher. He first took his Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC) Course with Bill Mollison in 1983. He holds a Diploma in Permaculture Education, Design, Implementation, System Establishment, Administration and Community Development given by the founder of Permaculture, Bill Mollison.

ADAM AFOULLOUSS

Adam grew up in Ireland, but his roots lie also in Morocco, in his early days he completed an apprenticeship as a mechanic but later found his passion for Permaculture. First starting his work in organic vegetable and fruit production in Spain and from there going on to completing a two year degree in Sustainable Horticulture and Permaculture in Ireland.

Adam then joined the Internship Team, designing, teaching and practicing permaculture at the Permaculture Research Institute under the management of Geoff and Nadia Lawton. There he gained his International Management Certificate and gained valuable experience managing a place like Zaytuna farm and working together with Geoff Lawton on Consultancies, Designs and Implementation. Learning also from many others who are leading the way in their field, like Paul Taylor, Graham Bell and David Spicer.

Adam is proud to say that he has a wide base of connections to draw upon to offer a high quality, his experience lies within the sub tropic and cold/warm temperate climate zones, his passion is visible in all aspects of his work, it has been said by many who have learned from him that his enthusiasm is incredibly contagious. Adam is now in the process of establishing one of the first Consultancy Services based in Europe which is recognised by the Permaculture Research Institute, offering Consultation, Design and Implementation work.

ABOUT THE LOCATION

This is a truly eye-opening location to earn your PDC. You will be studying on the lowest point of the earth in one of the most testing climates’ to practice Permaculture. With arid soil and very little rainfall, you will be viewing Permaculture practices at their maximum potential.

The local population is made up of traditional Bedouin tribes and long-term refugees stemming from displacement of local populations from within Palestine. The project site is typical of the area – a marginal arid land low-income settlement. It is currently still under development and upon completion it will demonstrate energy-efficient appropriate housing with natural cooling systems and a plant nursery attachment, solar electricity, solar hot water, biological waste water treatment recycling, dry compost toilets, rain water harvesting earthworks and diverse interactive plant, animal and tree systems for local food production and processing. The demonstration house will function as a classroom and administration office for the project and local Permaculture group. Once established, the project will serve as a model that can be replicated within the village, throughout Jordan and other countries in the region.

The project, started in 2008, has already seen significant progress. The first trees were planted and are growing well and the first garden is producing some vegetables. Now, the water tank needs to be expanded, the fence and gate improved and the rest of the project started. The current focus is to set up basic living accommodations for volunteers coming to work on the project. PRI has the people power in place to move on this project, but is in great need of funds to purchase supplies. Any financial support is greatly appreciated. In this heightened time of great tragedy for the Palestinian people, this is something positive we can all do to directly affect their survival.

CULTURAL SENSITIVITY

The Jordan Valley is home to an ancient and classical civilization that has had many cultures, traditions, and peoples cross through its land and also settle within. International students are requested to be culturally sensitive to the Islamic traditions and Muslim social protocol. A full orientation will be provided.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

• Open and receptive attitude toward cross cultural communication
• Willingness to ask questions whenever necessary
• Conservative attire is recommended
• Respecting cultural gender relations
• Sobriety at all times during the PDC course
• Respect for elders, religious traditions and practice, and community leaders
• Not photographing locals without permission, with cautionary emphasis on photographing local women and children

FOR MEN THIS WOULD INCLUDE:

• Respecting Muslim gender relation etiquette
• Wearing long shorts at least to the knee
• Wearing shirts at all times
• Not touching or shaking hands of Muslim women without explicit permission
• Not displaying overly intimate affection in public with wife or partner

FOR LADIES THIS WOULD INCLUDE:

• Showing respect for oneself
• Respecting Muslim gender relation etiquette
• Long skits or pants (Shorts considered offensive)
• Wearing shirts at all times
• Not displaying overly intimate affection in public with husband or partner

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO BRING WITH YOU?

The climate during the course will be dry and warm although the extreme heat of the summer will have passed.

RECOMMENDED TO BRING:

• Sun Hat and sunglasses
• Good walking or working shoes
• Casual and comfortable clothing – natural fabrics recommended for coolness
• Sunscreen
• Water bottle
• Flashlight/headlamp
• Your own bedding (sheets etc.)
• Ample supply of any needed medications
• Tent if needed (depending on accommodation option)
• Sleeping bag and hiking mattress if needed
• Sandals
• Personal toiletries

FUTURE STUDIES AND OPPORTUNITIES

The PDC serves as foundation for further permaculture work and study and is a prerequisite for the Diploma in Permaculture Design, offered through The Permaculture Institute. Credit for this course is now accepted by a growing number of universities around the world. To date, thousands of permaculture designers worldwide have been certified through this course, and now comprise a global network of educators, ecological activists who influence major corporations, individuals creating new business alternatives and groups of committed people working together to change the way we view and design into our landscapes.

HOW TO ENROL

You can pay for your course now via Paypal or credit card by purchasing a ticket below, or you can contact us at [email protected]. All prices are in Australian dollars, including GST. An early bird discount is available if the course fee is paid 21 days prior to the course start date.

Prior to booking please read our refunds policy.

NEED HELP?

If you have any questions about this course please contact us.