PermaWoodlands - Permaculture design to combat global warming with the Miyawaki reforestation method

The PermaWoodlands project was created with the ambitious goal of combating global warming and youth social unrest in rural areas through an innovative and sustainable approach. This training course is a unique opportunity for young workers, activists and members of youth organisations who wish to acquire skills in permaculture and reforestation using the Miyawaki method.

The Miyawaki method, developed by the Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, is known for its ability to create dense, biodiverse forests in a relatively short time by selecting potential natural vegetation and promoting natural soil regeneration. By integrating this method with permaculture principles, the project aims to create self-sufficient green spaces that improve the quality of life in local communities.

Objectives

The PermaWoodlands TC has several key objectives:

• Environmental Education: To provide participants with comprehensive training in permaculture principles and the Miyawaki methodology, in order to promote urban and rural reforestation practices and to be able to replicate them in their own communities.
• Youth Empowerment: To provide youth workers with the tools necessary to become leaders in their communities, capable of initiating and managing sustainable environmental projects.
• Community Involvement: Creating a tangible impact in the Làconi community by involving the local population in the creation of a sustainable, shared green area.
• View of the castle ruins in the Aymerich Park

The TC will be held in Làconi, Sardinia, from 11th to 22nd November 2024. Làconi is a small municipality located in a rural area, characterised by a strong connection with nature, but also by economic and social challenges that make environmental intervention particularly relevant.

Main Activity

During the 10-day course, participants will be involved in a series of theoretical and practical activities:

• Theoretical Sessions: Insights into permaculture, the Miyawaki method and nursery self-production techniques.
• Practical Workshops: Creation of a green space in Làconi, with the planting of an urban forest according to the Miyawaki method.
• Group Work: Development of replicable reforestation projects that participants can implement in their home communities.
• Community Meetings: Awareness-raising activities and involvement of the local population, to promote a culture of sustainability.

Planning learning outcome

• Gain an in-depth understanding of the basic principles of permaculture and the Miyawaki methodology for creating urban forests.
• Learn how to design and implement sustainable green spaces using permaculture and reforestation techniques.
• Gain knowledge in plant production and management, with a focus on nursery gardening for reforestation.
• Develop leadership and facilitation skills to engage local communities in reforestation and sustainability projects.
• Learn to design, plan and implement projects that have a positive social and environmental impact.
• Foster the creation of an international network of young people active in the field of sustainability and reforestation.
• Raise awareness of global environmental challenges and the importance of biodiversity, adapting to the local cultural context.

Who we are looking for

PermaWoodlands targets youth workers from Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece and Bulgaria. The profile of the participants we are looking for includes:

• Age 18+
• Young people coming from rural backgrounds or disadvantaged urban areas, with a focus on those facing situations of economic, social or cultural hardship.
• People with a strong interest in environmental issues and sustainability who wish to acquire practical skills to make a difference in their communities.
• Specific previous experience is not required, but it is preferable that participants have some form of involvement in social, environmental or youth activities.
• Participants with an aptitude for teamwork, leadership and communication, willing to share their experiences and work together to achieve common goals.

Dissemination and Follow-up

The training course will output a dedicated online platform, which will serve as a central hub for sharing information, resources and project updates. The platform will be publicly accessible and will include:
- Detailed project documentation, including reports, case studies and project results. A practical guide for reforestation and sustainability practices.
- Teaching materials, including curricula and syllabuses.
- Video and multimedia content showing project activities and successes.
Participants will then be asked to contribute to the dissemination of the project through:
1. contributing to the platform content;
2. organising at least one dissemination event in their city, once they return from the training, documenting it with photos and/or videos to be shared on social media and sent to the “Giovani Iddocca” by 31 January 2025.

To apply

If you are focused on the following topics:

1. Youth Participation & Empowerment

2. Environmental Regeneration

3. Rural Development

4. Community Resilience

Apply in the form in the infopack