Climate change, peak oil, food shortages, resource depletion, degraded landscapes, rising population, apathy, and dis-empowerment... 

Do these global issues sometimes seem just too depressing, overwhelming and unsolvable? Do you feel that we are on the precipice of an ecological and social disaster and there's very little you can do about it? 

In this meet-up we will be discussing and sharing ideas about how permaculture can be used in the UAE and abroad to solve some of the world's toughest ecological and sustainability challenges.

Permaculture provides positive solutions through the conscious design of systems for sustainable living, both in urban and in rural areas. It is unique in that it combines science and ethics, and takes an inter-connected, holistic approach to providing food, energy and shelter. It aims to restore and regenerate our planet by learning from the patterns and laws of nature, as well as valuing traditional and local knowledge. It can cross over into many areas of life including architecture, finance and education, yet remains focused on the three main ethics of Earth Care, People Care and Fair Share.

Significant areas of The Middle East were once covered in agriculturally productive forests and gardens. Can Permaculture help to restore and regeneratethe desert to provide greater food security and a haven for wildlife in the future? Can reconnecting the urban population with their own and local food production lead to a healthier, happier and more sustainable society?

Geoff Lawton, one of the worlds leading Permacuturalists and founder of the Permaculture Institute in Jordan believes "all the worlds problems can be solved in a garden." If you would like to find out more about this worldwide movement, then come along to this free event at Shelter. All are welcome. 

Gaina Dunsire is one of a small group of 'Permaculturalists' in the U.A.E. Since completing a Permaculture Design Course last summer in the U.K. she has tried to implement its methods and principles into her life in Dubai. She successfully grew a range of salad crops on her 37th floor balcony and established a garden in the grounds of Dubai English Speaking College where she teaches. The garden typifies an integrated Permaculture approach by using food waste from the canteen to provide nutrients for the plants, which in turn supply the canteen with salad crops. Students have helped with the planting and also by marketing and selling the liquid plant food to parents. The proceeds are then reinvested in the garden.


Image available under CC License by PermaCultured http://www.flickr.com/photos/digika/5138869483/