At Gaia Ashram we are practicing holistic sustainable living for almost 7 years. In May 2021, we will host a Permaculture Design Certificate Course.
We strongly believe that there never was a bigger need for spreading knowledge on how to interact in harmony with nature than now after the COVID-19 pandemic. In these times people’s empowerment and community experience is the right response to change. Let us use the magical tools of permaculture to creatively respond to change in unity!
This 17-days Permaculture Design Course will take place from May 16 to June 1, 2021; of course under the assumption that free movement throughout countries is possible and that we already reached a post-COVID-19 reality. We will use the PDC as a celebration and starting point for entering a new normal.
WHAT IS PERMACULTURE?
Permaculture is a holistic design system that reconciles human communities with the ecological imperatives of a living planet. Permaculture is a way of organizing knowledge, a connecting system that integrates science, art, politics, anthropology, sociology, psychology, and the diverse experiences and resources available in any community.
WHAT IS A PERMACULTURE DESIGN CERTIFICATE COURSE?
A Permaculture Design Certificate Course, short PDC, is an internationally known and accepted 72-hour theory course resulting in a Permaculture Design Certificate. It provides an introduction to permaculture design according to the movement’s founder Bill Mollison and it is designed on his international course curriculum. The PDC serves as a foundation for further permaculture work and studies.
To date, thousands of permaculture designers worldwide have been certified through this course, and now comprise a global network of educators, ecological activists, consultants and practitioners who are influencing the decisions of major corporations, small businesses, and people from all walks of life to change the way we view and design our landscape, our surroundings, our relationships, and our daily lives so we can grow the revolution that our planet needs.
What will be covered during the 17-days PDC?
The course provides you with knowledge, practical skills, and experience. The curriculum covers a lot of information in 72 hours; this is why we decided to space the course out in 17-days instead of the usual 12 – 14 days. This gives us more time to incorporate hands-on activities to make sure you experience the knowledge not only with your mind but also though heart and hands.
Here are just a few things you’ll learn:
- Philosophies, ethics, and principles of permaculture
Patterns in nature
Methods of design; how to apply permaculture design tools and methodology
- Climatic factors and strategies for all major climates and how to work with them
- Trees, forests, and forest gardening
Agroforestry and propagation
Gardening techniques for self-sufficiency, plant guilds
Water management
Properties of soil
Natural building techniques
Urban permaculture strategies and approaches
- Community living and alternative lifestyles that harmonize people and the planet
The Facilitator Team
Ben Murray
Ben is an Ecological designer, consultant, and teacher with a background in organic and biodynamic gardening/agriculture, natural building, horticulture & landscape architecture. Ben is the founder of Holistic Regeneration, has 20 years experience in the realm of Horticulture and has been consulting, practicing and teaching permaculture, organic gardening and natural building for almost 10 years in England, Malaysia, Thailand, China, Kenya and India and is currently working as an itinerant trainer of transformational and empowering workshops and courses.
… more facilitators will be announced soon!
What are the fees?
The fee for this course is 20,000 THB.
The fee includes 3 vegetarian/vegan meals, accommodation in our dormitory or your own tent, course materials, and teacher fees. We ask all participants to make a deposit of 5,000 THB to secure your spot and pay the remaining amount in THB in cash on arrival or electronic payment before arrival.
Please be aware that in case you have to cancel the course due to personal reasons the deposit cannot be refunded.
The organizers reserve the right to cancel the course, even at short notice, if there is a danger to the well-being of the visitors and organizers, such as viral infections (COVID-19 pandemic), storms, or natural disasters (fire, hurricanes, floods). In this case, the organizer cannot be held liable for personal losses. Deposits will be refunded at 100%. To prevent the further personal loss, we recommend to take out a travel cancellation insurance.
Food and Accommodation
Included in the course fee is accommodation in our dormitory and 3 vegetarian/vegan meals per day. Nevertheless, we also have private accommodation available.
Our facilities are basic but functional, comfy, and most importantly, out of natural and recycled material!
Facilities:
- Accommodation: Dormitory, shared rooms, and single rooms available. Mosquito nets, cushions, bedding, and blankets are provided.
- Private rooms are available for an extra fee. Please choose your preferred accommodation during the registration process.
- Common space for sessions: Indoor sessions will be held in our natural built sala or our mini sala out of bamboo. Practical sessions will be happening on the land.
- Toilets and showers: We provide compost toilets and showers for men and women.
General:
- Internet: We don’t provide Wi-Fi but you usually get good reception with AIS. There is an internet shop in the next village that is usually open every day.
- Food: Healthy local vegetarian food will be served by local cooks. Participants will team up to cook breakfast in turns.
Who are we?
Gaia Ashram is a community-based education center on Permaculture, Deep Ecology, Ecovillage Design Education and other sustainable living practices. We are a learning center that provides workshops and courses for both international and national participants. Feeling the urge to regenerate Mother Earth, Gaia Ashram was founded in 2013 by Tom and Om.
Where to find us
We are located in the Northeast of Thailand, in between Nong Khai and Udon Thani. Where exactly we are and how you can get to us can be found here.
How to apply?
Fill in the registration form, choose your preferred payment method and we’ll send you all details for you to secure your spot! Once your down payment of 5,000 THB is paid (through Eventbrite, or bank transfer (for Thai accounts only)), you are booked! We will contact you shortly after your registration.
***Please be aware of our policy on drugs & alcohol***
We don’t allow alcohol or drugs on our property. We ask people to smoke at the smoking corner only to provide a healthy environment for learning and living together. We encourage people to take this course as an opportunity to have a break from smoking or drinking.