Manual of PermaWoodlands TC - Permaculture design to mitigate global warming with the Miyawaki reforestation method

Aims of the tool

The tool aims to support youth workers in designing and delivering environmental education activities; to link learning with permaculture and reforestation practices; to foster ecological awareness; and to empower young people to take local action.

Description of the tool

This tool is a comprehensive resource designed to help youth workers plan, facilitate, and evaluate environmental education activities rooted in non-formal learning. Developed from the practices tested during the PermaWoodlands training course, it combines experiential methods, creative reflection, community engagement, permaculture principles, and Miyawaki reforestation techniques.

The tool provides step-by-step activity descriptions, methodological guidance, and adaptable formats that youth workers can apply in schools, youth groups, outdoor settings, and community projects. It supports the creation of learning environments where young people can explore nature, climate awareness, teamwork, ecological responsibility, and active citizenship through meaningful experiences.

By integrating nature-based practices with structured reflection and hands-on learning, the tool helps participants connect personal growth with ecological understanding, promoting both individual empowerment and collective environmental action.

Learning Outcomes
Through using this tool, learners will be able to:

Knowledge
- Understand basic concepts of permaculture and ecological design.
- Gain awareness of climate issues, environmental regeneration, and ecosystem dynamics.
- Learn sustainable practices such as seed ball making, nursery care, and Miyawaki planting.

Skills
- Apply non-formal learning methods in outdoor and environmental contexts.
- Collaborate effectively in teams during practical ecological tasks.
- Facilitate or participate in reflective practices that connect experience with learning.
- Design and implement small-scale environmental or community activities.

Attitudes & Competences
- Develop environmental responsibility and a sense of stewardship for local ecosystems.
- Foster creativity, problem-solving, and initiative-taking in ecological actions.
- Strengthen intercultural communication and community engagement.
- Build confidence in turning learning into tangible follow-up actions at local level.