Practical Solutions Research and Development

Practical Solutions Research and Development

Research, document and develop practical solutions to major challenges of our time including water shortages, loss of biodiversity, food production and strengthening local economies.

Research & document a case study over three years producing an annual report of solutions trials and results.

Team

Aimee Fenech, Anton Oussik

Reporting Officer: Anton Oussik

Area

Prototyping, Grassroots Permaculture Project, Next Steps Project

objectives 2023

Split budget across our four main themes following the seasons:

1. water shortages (spring/summer)

– optimizing irrigation practices
– maintenance/repairs to irrigation system
– documenting & optimizing water catchment systems already in place

2. strengthening local economy (all year)

– document, participate and promote local exchange practices
– collaborate with local initiatives including the seed-bank, permaculture initiatives

3. food production (spring to autumn)

– optimizing and document farm harvests from main crop, foraging and wild foods

4. biodiversity (quarterly)

– put in place scientific survey practices to document changing levels in biodiversity
– document creation and effects of micro climates through changes in water management

OUTCOMEs 2023

See the attached reports in Resources Created below.

objectives 2024

1. water shortages (spring/summer)

– optimizing irrigation practices
– maintenance/repairs to irrigation system
– documenting & optimizing water catchment systems already in place

2. strengthening local economy (all year)

– document participate and promote local exchange practices
– collaborate with local initiatives including the seed-bank, permaculture initiatives

3. food production (spring to autumn)

– optimizing and document farm harvests from main crop, foraging and wild foods

4. biodiversity (quarterly)

– document creation and effects of micro climates through changes in water management

– increase plant diversity by planting perennials in different parts of the land

Outcomes 2024

During the summer months we have repaired irrigation pipes across the olivar in collaboration with our neigbour this optimizes the watering during the dry months.

The water butts used for storing rain water from the spring was used for the bee friendly garden behind the house and was thriving all summer despite record temperatures.

We helped out a neighbor populate his new water deposit with fish because our non-human fed population is high.

We have opened our fig harvest to neighbors as are compost fed and rain watered tree produced a lot of surplus produce.

We have started a collaboration agreement with our neighbour to run an olive pruning course in Q4 and offer it to residents at a discounted price – more on this in the next quarter.

We have renovated a store room installing electricity and laying tiles which can now be used as extra accommodation for students or volunteer who visit the farm. It still needs to be painted and new doors and windows which hopefully will be completed in Q4.

We have spent all our budget for this year and will be billing now are releasing the yearly report in the next quarter.

 

December 2024 update: 

We have completed the cutting down of overgrowth weeds to create a layer of organic matter to keep the soil moist and covered but without competing for water.

In Q4 we had meetings with the neighbour about hosting an olive pruning course, this will likely be delivered next year. We have started work on the olive tree pruning and maintenance which is done by hand saws and a rechargable hand held eleectric saw. This exercise is likely to continue until end of January. The cut off prunings (young shoots) will be given to the neighbour to feed his goats. The bigger wood will be dried for firewood.

Unfortunately the olive harvest failed, this triggered a collaboration with a friend who has an olive grove in Italy mirroring our methods of cultivation and we have managed to supply our clients through this agreement. We also started the orange harvest and finished the fig harvest which was a long one this year.

On the land we have seen some boar damage but luckily not on the irrigation pipes.

The solar panels grant has been approved but we are still waiting for the Ayuntamiento (Local Council) to release the permits for the work in order to proceed with the installation.

objectives 2025

Split budget across our four main themes following the seasons:

Water shortages (spring/summer) • optimizing irrigation practices
• maintenance/repairs to irrigation system
• documenting & optimizing water catchment systems already in place

Strengthening local economy (all year)
• document participate and promote local exchange practices
• collaborate with local initiatives including the seed-bank, permaculture initiatives

Food production (spring to autumn)
• optimizing and document farm harvests from main crop, foraging and wild foods

Biodiversity (quarterly)
• document creation and effects of micro climates through changes in water management
• increase plant diversity by planting perennials in different parts of the land

Outcomes 2025

September Update

Attended beekeeping and culture and legacy of olives courses. Established relations with International University of Andalucia, University of Jaen, University of Cordoba, Olivares Vivos.

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Applied Permaculture in Communities

Applied Permaculture in Communities

Self-Organizing is the natural way that cells have made it through evolution to become the magic that we see all around us everyday.  Many animal formations are great examples of this today, such as colonies of ants or geese flying in formation over long distances. It doesn’t seem to come as naturally however to many of modern society’s organizations and groups of people. Which tools and technology do we have available to us as a movement to become better, and more inclusive, at organizing ourselves?

 

Project Aims

Development & research into inclusive organization modes (technology and tools) within self-organised bodies / communities to be developed and revised by teams / circles.

Research, testing and prototyping into inclusive ways that is documented and shared widely within the community.

Team

Research: Aimee Fenech, Jyo Mann, Vida Ashmole,  Aline VaMo

Previously: Andy Goldring, Mayi Lekuona

Reporting: Vida Ashmole

Area

Prototyping, Next Steps Project

objectives 2023

Objective 1: Review and update the aims of the CoLab as an exercise in simplification.

Objective 2: Simple review of available tools (S3 etc).

Objective 3: Description of current situation (working / not working / gaps).

Objective 4: Development of simple new ‘User Guide/Handbook’.

Objective 5: Documenting the process of how the above is done to be shared as a case study.

OUTCOMEs 2023

Objective 1: Simplified Mission, Vision and Aims consented by the CoLab community: https://perma.earth/vision/

Objective 2: Review of available tools:

Form sent out to all CoLab members, explaining what our research is about:
https://cloud.perma.earth/s/bHxeKjNkZqzST7Z

Results gathered in NextCloud sheet:
https://cloud.perma.earth/s/BkbxFzeAFpQoT3J

Futher tools researched and added to the following baserow database:
(link to come)

Objective 3: Description of working – not working – gaps

Survey was included in the form sent out to all CoLab members under Objective 2, results were harvested here:
https://cloud.perma.earth/s/rXgCDccSSN4k77r

Observe by Mapping, for ease of Analysis – Miroboard
https://miro.com/app/board/uXjVM_VWswI=/#tpicker-content

PDF for ease of sharing visuals
https://cloud.perma.earth/s/C5E5RQjjGtJxSEQ

Objective 4: Development of Simple New User Guide
https://wiki.app.perma.earth/books/international-permaculture-colab-user-guide

More translations underway

Objective 5: Document the above process as a case study:
https://cloud.perma.earth/s/RA4Yb47WpAScBqz (edited) 

objectives 2024

Objective 1: Research and document the term INCLUSIVE

Objective 2: Research how others do it

Objective 3: Train on the optimal use of and document the use of open source digital Tools for collaboration

Objective 4: Research and share an article (in English, French, Spanish) on the topic: Simple English and Gender Inclusive Writing

Outcomes 2024

In the “Applied Permaculture in Communities” (APiC) project, we explore online collaboration tools for self-organized organizations, reflecting CoLab’s role as a digital and permaculture laboratory. Our goal is to develop or capacitate in ethical, inclusive technology that cares for people, the planet, and future generations by sharing knowledge fairly.

We began by defining key terms like “inclusive” and “organizational technology,” analyzing tools for self-organization inspired by nature. Insights are summarized in the outputs below.

Next, we studied four organizations—Transition Network, Eureka Idea Co., REPESEI, and Eixarcolant—to identify successful self-organizing practices. These include digital tools (e.g., WhatsApp, Telegram, Google Suite, Drupal) and social technologies (e.g., sociocracy, consensus decision-making).

In our third workpackage we explored more ethical, open-source alternatives that provide similar functionality. We produced video tutorials on six open-source tools, now available on the CoLab YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@permacolab. We’re considering a transition to an open-source video platform for greater alignment with our principles.

Lastly, we developed two practical guides on creating inclusive digital content and writing. These resources aim to enhance future permaculture communications by making them accessible to diverse audiences.

The APiC project offers tools and insights for inclusive, self-organized organizations. Year 2 has been a productive experiment, laying a solid foundation for future CoLab initiatives.

objectives 2025

1. Round off the case studies work with a conclusion chapter – noticing patterns, best practices.

2. Inclusive writing implementation, update core webpages (home, about, onboarding -journey); and encourage other teams to update their own pages using inclusive language.

3. Review year 1 & 2 output and rebrand with a new name: Applied Permaculture in Communities (APIC) and reference Greg’s work where relevant.

4. A community conversation about applied permaculture in community.

5. Toolkit for decision making in inclusive organisation.

6. Action guide for organisations wanting to become more inclusive i.e. steps to take, types of adaptions, impact on engagement findings, design practices to try. – based on research into the most effective inclusivity/ accessibility adaptions and the impact they have on engagement.

Outcomes 2025

September Update

This quarter, the Applied Permaculture in Communities (APIC) team completed the Inclusive Web Review. Six of the highest-traffic pages on the CoLab website were reviewed using Mayi’s guide on inclusive writing, and detailed suggestions were made for both writing and visual improvements. These recommendations have been sent to the relevant teams or, in the case of community-wide pages, shared through community consent.

The rebranding work is progressing steadily and is currently 75% with completion expected by end of October. In addition, preparations have begun for a Community Round Table on Applied Permaculture in Communities, which will be hosted in Q4. This session will orient Colab in reflecting on how we are becoming more inclusive and explore the principles and practices in the ways that matter most within the CoLab.

The Action Guide for Inclusivity is also moving ahead. This guide aims to help organisations with lean resources define a practical path to more inclusive ways of being. The initial scoping and design are complete, the introduction is drafted, a visual assessment tool has been created, and the overall frame of the guide is now in place. Research into different types of interventions is underway, with the material being refined and organised for clarity and impact.

Finally, the team has been making use of the Diversity Stipend to support translations of the user guide into French, German, and Spanish, ensuring broader accessibility and participation across the community.

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Digital Products Research and Development

Digital Products Research and Development

Research and development of digital products for the colab and allied networks.

Team

Aimee Fenech, Anton Oussik, Dominik Jais

Reporting Officer: Aimee Fenech

Area

Prototyping, Next Steps Project

objectives 2023

1. Identify CoLab / wider needs using information already available in the network, convergences report, previous meetings etc.

2. Document & Publish research already available & additional findings in the research phase.

3. Prototype new offerings, including installation, training and onboarding.

OUTCOMEs 2023

Some Digital products R&D happens in and around other work tasks, as and when small pieces of research into tools (eg best choices, alternatives etc) comes up.  As such it can be tricky to track time accurately. Future larger pieces of more focused research will be simpler to track and log.

objectives 2024

1. Grow the open-source tools database through research and documentation.

2. Record and release demos for tools used within the CoLab.

3. Support exploration into ethical digital tools for self-organised teams.

Outcomes 2024

We have been working on increasing the data in our opensource tools database which can be found here: https://baserow.app.perma.earth/public/grid/rZ9jGD4PZEPpZHc5pBd3txQRbZ3XVA7is3iHqnTwdRM

People can contribute to the opensource tools database here: https://baserow.app.perma.earth/form/GAfk4jdzSjmEmO7NRoszF7PPhQ\\\_-5mDskj_EpXGO9aQ

We made a start at the research project for this year you can read about it here: https://cloud.perma.earth/f/715264

objectives 2025

• Maintain the open source tools database through research and documentation- https://baserow.app.perma.earth/public/grid/rZ9jGD4PZEPpZHc5pBd3txQRbZ3XVA7is3 iHqnTwdRM (cap to 20% of the budget – 674 GBP)

• Complete research into slack alternative for the CoLab, facilitation of community consent process and implementation – 2696 GBP

• Team reporting, admin etc. (630 GBP)

Outcomes 2025

September Update

The Digital Circle Research Team has nearly completed the Slack alternative report for the International Permaculture CoLab with two alternatives deployed for community testing. We will be looking to implement the solution in the coming months. You can read the report here: https://cloud.perma.earth/s/AZiwRxTaMJssfyf

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Learn Team

Learn Team

The Learn team is attempting to create both free and paid educational permaculture resources that can be accessed by anybody.

The Learn team receives a small amount of funding from the Next Steps Project that is for LMS digital licenses, plugins, and web hosting.

They have also received funding from the Emergent Festival.

Find the Learn website here

Project Aims

The aim of the project is to create a pool of resources that align with permaculture values. This will provide value, it will give a platform for teachers and facilitators to offer their work,  and it will help to bring people into the CoLab space.

Team

Aimee Fenech, Charlie Wilson, Daniel Atwell

Reporting Officer: Charlie Wilson

Area

Training and eLearning, Next Steps project, Capacity+ project

objectives

February 2023

We have already built a course that shows users how to navigate the LMS. This means that they can easily build their own online courses and host them on the Learn website.

Our focus now is on building out more resources. When we have a website with a number of resources, we believe that it will be easier to attract other teachers who want to add their own courses to the Learn website.

OUTCOME

 September 2023 Update

We have created an online course – Designing Work Spaces For All. It is now being reviewed and tested.

We have created the CoLab Podcast. One new episode will be released per month.

We are hosting a Transition Facilitators Training course from September- November 2023. Recordings will be available for those who cannot make it live. 

resources created

contact links

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Minimum Viable Academy (CoLab Training)

Minimum Viable Academy (CoLab Training)

A training program to cover:

  • Governance training

  • Change & Evaluation training

  • Digital Collaboration training

  • Economic practice training

  • Facilitation training

Delivered by the MVA team in collaboration with other facilitators by the beginning of October 2022.

With particular attention to Permaculture CoLab’s needs as identified through the Permaculture Design work carried out in 2021, also by surveying the current active landscape and anticipating what is emergent in the ecosystem.

Please note that from 2024 the MVA Project also encompasses the Re-evaluation Counselling Scholarship Fund Project. 

Team

Aimee Fenech, Jyo Maan, Andrew Langford, Vida Ashmole

Reporting Officer: Jyo Maan

 

Area

Training and eLearning, Next Steps project, Capacity+ project

objectives 2022

1. Demonstration of different trainings and facilitation methods and tools

2. Practical applications for active members in the different circles and working groups to try out

3. Artifacts in various formats that can be used in a variety of ways eg eLearning courses, podcasts, social media teasers, eResource database

4. We will use training and courses created as offers to other networks including GRC, DAF and others from within the Digital Circle enterprise model (including income sharing)

5. We will share our findings from followups of the trainings within the colab, including outcome harvesting and outcome mapping designs

6. We will create spaces enabling cross community collaboration & networking

OUTCOMEs 2022

  • Permaculture CoLab Ecocycle Planning 4 hour workshop + artifacts delivered in 2 sessions

  • Hosting an Inclusive space – 3 part series workshops of 1.5 hours each + artifacts

  • Remote collaboration 101 1.5 hour webinar + artifacts + recording + personal consultation time for each circle / group for real life application if needed

  • Wise crowds for self-generative business practices – delivered in 2 sessions of 3 hours

  • Happy Money Story Fishbowl exp + artifacts + recording 3 sessions of 1 to 2 hours

objectives 2023

1. Understand the needs of the CoLab wider membership.

2. Set out the program in service of general CoLab needs before the end of April 2023.

3. Deliver the program by the End of the third quarter, October 2023, with associated artifacts and recordings.

OUTCOMEs 2023

Cross Network Collaboration Completed.

Conflict Transformaiton for Self-Organized Teams Completed.

Ethical Business Practices using Permaculture Principles is scheduled for Oct 11, 2023.

objectives 2024

1. Deliver a training programe for the CoLab which is self-elective.

2. Create associated artifacts and recordings from training to enable CoLab members to take the training on an adhoc basis.

3. Promote the existing OMBRA course open for CoLab members.

4. Fill the allocated scholarship slots for the RC trio of courses according to standard rates. Re-evaluation counseling / liberation from oppression, using RC tools for co-creation/conflict navigation scholarship slots 20; 10 for Reclaiming discharge – openings limited.

 

Outcomes 2024

September Update:

Colab Training Programme is hosting the Journey of Colab-Oration on Monday Sept 23, 2024 3pm – 4:30pm UTC and Wednesday Sept 25, 2024 3pm – 4:30pm UTC, a storytelling and story sharing space for the old and the new navigators of the ecosystem we love, our International Permaculture Colab. We realize that it is not a one way for all, therefore we are creating this space for the old and the new to come together and share, mentor, guide by learning from our stories made here in the Colab. We would like as many stories be voiced on this space.

This Quarter, the Reevaluation & Counseling (RC) Cohort project has made significant progress by adopting and expanding the one-on-one teaching method introduced in the Q2 2024 report. This approach provides greater flexibility for both learners and teachers while promoting consistent mutual practice sessions. Additionally, it allows us to connect new learners within the Colab environment to established RC communities, both geographically and through the pre-Colab Gaia U network.

Currently, three to four learners are actively participating, ensuring at least three reciprocal teaching and session exchanges weekly. These sessions total six teacher-led events per week, with one learner also engaging with advanced RC practitioners and communities in Sacramento and the Foothills, further enhancing their experience. Peer learning and session-swapping between participants is becoming a regular practice, which strengthens the cohort’s skill development.

 

December Update:

Three sessions were delivered this year successfully and the recordings were published within Colab. The sessions are Creating & Maintaining a Sociocratic Ecosystem, Active & Responsible Participation in Open Governance and A Journey in CoLab Oration, the recording of which is published on Colab’s youtube channel at https://youtu.be/vQ3sBcEAAng?si=fvPjlK8ECdUS_X0X

If you feel inspired to further this conversation relevant to your environment and teams, please contact us at learn@perma.earth

An article outlining OMBRA training, what it entails and how to participate was published. More information about this can be found here: https://gaiauniversity.org/rc-pathway/

There was an intention for CoLab Members attending 1-on-1 mentorship  with Andrew to give them the experiential and theoretical skills, around 4 people took up this opportunity. Towards the end of the year there was a change of objective to produce an article about what Re-Evaluation Counseling is and how it is being offered.

The team is intending recenter its objectives around maximising impact through the CoLab training program for Y3.

objectives 2025

1. Explore what tailormade means in this CoLab context

2. From the identified needs, make a proposal to the community for offerings

Design & Deliver Offering 1
Marketing strategy for permaculture projects – 28th May – 16:00 CET – 17:30 CET (part 1)

Design & Deliver Offering 2
How to be a community member of a thriving, resilient, online space – 15th July – 16:00 – 17:30 CET

Design & Deliver Offering 3
Network weaving practices and processes for colab members – mid-October (with Andrew) – Wed 15th October
16:00 – 17:30 CET

Design & Deliver Offering 4
Introduction to Permaculture – mid-November 3 – 2x hours sessions, 4th, 7th, 10th November 2025 – 18:00 – 20:00 CET

Outcomes 2025

September Update

In this quarter, we ran the session “How to Be an Effective Member of a Thriving Online Community” – a highly engaging event where participants shared and reflected on their experiences of being in community. We also created an artifact capturing both the theory and practice of community: how to be a good community member, and what it takes to build and sustain community online.

The design for Network Weaving Processes and Practices has been completed, and the session will run on the 15th of October using a fishbowl format. Invitations have been sent to a number of experienced network weavers to share their expertise. Registration is open here: https://learn.perma.earth/product/network-weaving-practices-and-processes-for-international-permaculture-colab-members/

We are also finalising the design of a 3-part series planned for the end of the year: “Introduction to Permaculture”. This course will provide a practical orientation to permaculture design, explore its history, and offer opportunities for mentorship and feedback on participants’ design activities. Registration is available here: https://learn.perma.earth/product/introduction-to-permaculture-course/

Finally, we are collaborating with the iCAAFS team to create badges for the Introduction to Permaculture course. Permaculture teachers in the CoLab have been invited to peer review this course as part of a wider effort to develop peer-reviewed courses within the CoLab.

To Register for the future events please use:

https://learn.perma.earth/minimum-viable-academy/

 

The team is intending to recenter its objectives around maximising impact through the CoLab training program for Y3.

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