| |
Co-instructor: Nicolas Netien
Nicolas Netien is a waste management engineer specializing in sustainable community development and implementation. He completed his PDC in 2007 in New Zealand with Grifen Hope, Darren Doherty and Joe Polaischer and has just completed the 10-week internship with Geoff Lawton at Zaytuna Farm, Australia.
Course Content
In this 15-day course you will learn:
- Permaculture ethics, theory and principles
- eco-friendly house placement and design
- energy conservation techniques for hot and cold climates
- recycling and waste management
- organic food production in rural areas, cities, gardens and fields
- drought-proofing, water harvesting and management
- ecological pest control
- soil rehabilitation and erosion control
- livestock management and aquaculture
- catastrophe preparedness, prevention and avoidance
- windbreaks and fire control
- general natural health and wellness principles
- ethical investment and bioregions
- permaculture design for communities, suburbs and cities
At the end of this course you will have skills to:
- Analyse a rural or city landscape for food and water autonomy - and - redesign it
- Prepare a whole site design for food, water, energy and abundance
- Analyse climate and microclimates to use their elements effectively in a resilient design
- Practice and design ethical local financial systems
- Design a site to concept standard and prepare an implementation plan
Course Location
 Spetses was already inhabited in the 3rd Millennium BC, and archaeological excavations have revealed an important past on the island. Because of its many pine trees, it was called Pytiousa in ancient Hellas, and the islanders seem to have been skilled in making and repairing ships, since Spetses was a place for the ancient ships to get new stock and careening.
Spetses, along with Hydra and Psara, pioneered in the Hellenic war of Independence against the Ottoman Empire in 1821. Hellene heroine called Laskarina Bouboulina lived there and through her organization skills, warship "Agamemnon" and financial support, the island was able to hold back the Ottomans both here and on the mainland. The "Armata" festival on Spetses is the celebration of a naval battle just outside the port where the Ottomans were defeated on September 8 1822. Tradition holds that the Hellenic flag was first hoisted here.
Spetses is small enough to get around by bike in 4-5 hours and there are very few cars. The capital of Spetses is very pretty, and has many old buildings where a strong sailing tradition can be discerned. The house of Bouboulina is a private museum today which is open to visitors. There are water sports on some of the more organized beaches, and the island also has some great spots for snorkeling.
Because it is close to the mainland, there are also daytrips offered to Athens and ancient sites like Mycenae and Epidauros, as well as to the neighbouring islands. A lot of Athenians also have summer houses here since it is quite close to the capital. There are several boats between Piraeus and Spetses every day, so the easiest option is to get a flight to Athens and then take the ferry boat. Spetses is also connected with the other islands in the Saronic gulf.
Important information about this course
The course will take place at the private home of one of our founders of PRI Greece in a lovely room with beautiful views of the sea. The lessons will be taught in English, but there will be native speakers on hand to help with explanations if required after the lessons. There will be one rest day in the middle of the course (Saturday, August 27). On the free day of the course an optional trip on a private traditional “kaiki” boat around the island with stops for a swim and a picnic has been planned!
Tuition fees for this course include breakfast, lunch, tea breaks and dinner, during the days when lessons are taking place. Students have to arrange their own accommodation. Please contact us to advise you on that, depending on your intended budget.
This 15-day course runs from Saturday, August 20 through Saturday, September 3, 2011. Students are encouraged to arrive on the island by August 19.
How to get to the course
Spetses is located about a 2 1/2 hour boat ride of Athens Piraeus harbor. The island can also be reached by a bus drive until Porto Heli and then a 25 Euro crossing with a sea taxi over to Spetses.
For more information on ferry boat routes please check the following link:
http://www.hellenicseaways.gr/index.asp?a_id=209
Things students should bring
- sunscreen
- mosquito repellent
- trainers - sandals
- appropriate clothing for hot weather
- snacks
- notebook
- sense of humor
A list of further supplies helpful for the course may be provided in the future. There is no required textbook, but review of the following materials is suggested:
- Earth Users Guide to Permaculture, Rosemary Morrow
- Permaculture: A Designers' Manual, Bill Mollison
- "Introduction to Permaculture Design" DVD, Geoff Lawton
- "Establishing a Food Forest" DVD, Geoff Lawton
- "Harvesting Water the Permaculture Way" DVD, Geoff Lawton
This class is limited, so please register early to secure your spot.
Efharisto!
For further information for this course please contact: permaculturehellas(at)gmail(dot)com |
|
