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| Permaculture and Settlement Patterns |
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Click on the red text to follow link Presenters/Moderators David Holmgren : David is one of Australia's formost environmental thinkers, a teacher and visionary. In Tasmania in the late ‘70’s, David Holmgren and Bill Molliison co-originated and pioneered ‘Permaculture’ – an integrated landuse design methodology based on ecological principles, with practical application from household to eco-nation. In David’s most recent book ‘Permaculture: Principles and Pathways Beyond Sustainability, he offers new perspectives and sustainable solutions for a planet in crisis, including addressing the controversial issues of Peak Oil and Climate Change, in the context of Permaculture. He will share his insights and strategies for a way forward. Oraina Jones : Oriana has a farming, nursing, and health food industry background. She has been a keen gardener from childhood, a herbalist, seed-saver and tutor in workshops on edible/medicinal herbs and weeds as well as an anti-GE campaigner. Oraina is a leading local grassroots activist, concerned for the health and well-being of this region, both it's people, and the land. Introduction "Peak oil and climate change have the potential to generate a cascade of novel threats and opportunities for planners and policy makers. Permaculture offers a conceptual framework, design principles, practical strategies and a robust history of grass roots community activism able to contribute to the strategic planning process in a context of unfolding climate change and imminent global oil peak." David Holmgren There is growing awareness that the current high energy and resource consumption lifestyle is unsustainable and must change fairly soon. It is important that all sectors of society talk and debate the required responses to mitigate climate change and peak oil. Permaculture is a proven and 'best practice' approach to re-localise our economy, our food production and build and run our infrastructures in a sustainable way. It is a significant and functional alternative to destructive suburban developments which are liable to face severe strain in a world of energy transition. This is clearly shown in the Australia study Shocking the Suburbs: Urban Location, Housing Debt, and Oil Vulnerability in the Australian City which applies equally to New Zealands urban settlements. As James Howard Kunstler states: "Suburbia: The greatest mis-allocation of resources in our history" Our industrial food systems are not only particularly exposed to energy security risks but deliver denatured and processed food over great distances. There is a tendency to rely on pharmacology for good health rather than through eating healthy, wholesome, local food. Food production on a high yield permaculture basis offers a local economy based strategy for healthy food supplies. How local and national implementation of ideas like Permaculture can rapidly adapt to these challenges, and achieve successful energy transition is the question this workshop seeks to address. Recommended Reading Click on the red text to follow link |