Be inspired by these ten permaculture projects from around the world, revealing the incredible possibilities of ecological innovation and sustainable living solutions.
By adopting a holistic perspective on sustainable living, permaculture promotes the design of human settlements that align with and support the ecosystems they inhabit. This creative and adaptive design system has been embraced by communities across the globe, with inspiring projects that showcase the power and potential of permaculture.
In this tenth and the last post of our “Foundation” series, we'll explore ten such projects that demonstrate the diversity and impact of permaculture initiatives worldwide.
In case you missed the previous post in the series about the "problem is the solution" mindset, you can read it here.
To start the “Foundation” series right from the beginning, the very first post is here.
Greening the Desert Project (Jordan)
Located on the outskirts of the Dead Sea Valley, the Greening the Desert Project aims to transform the arid landscape into a thriving, productive ecosystem.
Led by permaculture expert Geoff Lawton, this project has successfully implemented water harvesting techniques, organic farming practices, and reforestation efforts to regenerate the land.
As a result, the once-barren area now supports a diverse array of plant and animal species, providing food and resources for local communities.
The Bullock Brothers Homestead (USA)
The Bullock Brothers Homestead, located on Orcas Island in Washington State, is a thriving example of permaculture in action.
For over 30 years, the Bullock brothers have transformed their 25-acre property into a diverse, productive, and self-sufficient ecosystem.
The homestead features food forests, water management systems, and sustainable energy sources, providing a model for sustainable living and land stewardship.
Chikukwa Ecological Land Trust (Zimbabwe)
In the eastern highlands of Zimbabwe, the Chikukwa Ecological Land Trust (CELUCT) has successfully implemented permaculture principles to improve food security and community resilience.
Through a combination of agroforestry, soil conservation, and water management techniques, CELUCT has transformed over 1,000 hectares of land into productive, sustainable systems that support local communities.
Finca Tierra (Costa Rica)
Finca Tierra is an eco-farm and permaculture education center located in the heart of Costa Rica's tropical rainforest.
By integrating regenerative agriculture, agroforestry, and natural building techniques, Finca Tierra demonstrates how permaculture principles can create abundant, resilient systems in diverse environments.
The farm offers workshops and educational programs to inspire and empower others to adopt permaculture practices in their own communities.
The Permaculture Research Institute (Australia)
Founded by Bill Mollison and Geoff Lawton, the Permaculture Research Institute (PRI) in Australia is dedicated to the research, development, and promotion of permaculture principles worldwide.
The PRI's flagship project, Zaytuna Farm, showcases a wide range of permaculture techniques and systems, including food forests, animal integration, and water management strategies.
The institute also offers permaculture courses and supports a global network of permaculture practitioners and educators.
Incredible Edible (United Kingdom)
Incredible Edible is a grassroots movement that started in the small town of Todmorden, UK, with the simple goal of transforming public spaces into edible landscapes.
By planting fruit trees, vegetables, and herbs in public parks, schoolyards, and along roadsides, Incredible Edible has engaged communities in local food production and fostered a sense of connection with the land.
The movement has since spread to over 100 towns and cities across the UK and inspired similar initiatives around the world.
Auroville (India)
Auroville, a unique experimental community in southern India, has embraced permaculture principles in its quest to create a sustainable, harmonious living environment.
With a focus on reforestation, organic farming, and renewable energy, Auroville demonstrates the potential for permaculture to support large-scale, diverse communities.
The town also hosts workshops and educational programs to share its knowledge and experience with visitors from around the world.
The Eden Project (United Kingdom)
The Eden Project, located in Cornwall, United Kingdom, is a groundbreaking horticultural attraction and educational center built on a reclaimed clay pit.
Showcasing the potential of permaculture on a large scale, the project features massive biomes housing diverse plant species and outdoor gardens designed with permaculture principles.
Serving as a hub for sustainability, education, and research, the Eden Project has become a world-renowned example of ecological design and innovation, transforming challenging landscapes into thriving ecosystems and learning spaces.
EcoVillage at Ithaca (USA)
The EcoVillage at Ithaca, located in upstate New York, is a pioneering intentional community that combines permaculture principles with cohousing and ecological design.
Spanning over 175 acres, the village features energy-efficient homes, organic gardens, and community spaces designed to foster connection and collaboration.
Residents work together to manage resources, grow food, and support each other in creating a vibrant, sustainable community.
The Occidental Arts & Ecology Center (USA)
The Occidental Arts & Ecology Center (OAEC) in Sonoma County, California, is an innovative permaculture project that combines ecological design, education, and community building.
Established in 1994 on 80 acres of land, OAEC focuses on the principles of sustainability, biodiversity, and regenerative agriculture.
Their permaculture gardens showcase a wide variety of plants and sustainable practices, including greywater systems, natural building techniques, and organic farming methods.
These ten inspiring permaculture projects from around the world demonstrate the incredible potential of permaculture principles to transform landscapes, communities, and lives. By integrating ecological design, sustainable practices, and a focus on community resilience, these projects showcase the power of permaculture to create abundant, regenerative systems in a diverse range of environments.
As we bid farewell to our "Foundation" series, we'd like to express our gratitude for joining us on this journey. We're eager to continue the learning experience in our new "Manual" series and invite you to join us as we examine "Permaculture: A Designers' Manual" chapter by chapter, offering a deeper understanding of permaculture and a wealth of real-life examples.
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