Permaculture Design Certificate in Lebanon - Saidoun (Jezzine - South Lebanon)
1st Edition: May 18-31, 2015
In 2014, SOILS Permaculture Association Lebanon organized the first PDC course ever in Lebanon in the village of Saidoun (Jezzine caza - South Lebanon).
10 participants earned their PDC and officially became the first locally-grown permacultivators.
Click here to read a day-by-day account of the PDC - 2014
2nd Edition: May 21 - June 5, 2015
In 2015, 14 participants earned their PDC in Lebanon.
Click here to read blog posts from the second edition of the PDC 2015.
In 2014, SOILS Permaculture Association Lebanon organized the first PDC course ever in Lebanon in the village of Saidoun (Jezzine caza - South Lebanon).
10 participants earned their PDC and officially became the first locally-grown permacultivators.
Click here to read a day-by-day account of the PDC - 2014
2nd Edition: May 21 - June 5, 2015
In 2015, 14 participants earned their PDC in Lebanon.
Click here to read blog posts from the second edition of the PDC 2015.
Testimonials from Participants in the First PDC in Lebanon (2014)
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"I joined the Permaculture Design Certificate in the aim of enriching my urban planning practice and ecological landscape understanding. The course has enabled me to deepen my understanding of ecological systems and to strengthen a layer-based approach to site design, planning and management. By addressing several methods of gardening, planting, crop rotation, soil testing and site survey, I feel I have acquired some practical knowledge that would allow me to follow projects from conception to realization. It has been a very enriching to experience the design process with non-designers. I really enjoyed learning about the human related aspect that Permaculture advocates as well. Spending two weeks in a rural village has contributed to my understanding of the Lebanese landscape heritage, and I hope that such initiatives would continue sustaining the stories of rural life before they are forever lost."
Sarah Lily Yassine |
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"[...] We discovered a little more of ourselves during these two weeks living as a community in the village of Saidoun. We (re)discovered what it means to take care of people and nature. I personally reconnected with my true nature, rediscovered the true culture of Lebanon, and came out of this experience inspired to contribute to the (r)evolution of culture in Lebanon. From a culture that's based on the so called "human nature" of individualism and competition, to a culture that is aware of its social construct. That is, a culture that becomes conscious that it is the result of our human ideas and actions, and that can therefore be challenged, reconstructed and transformed by every single one of us. [...] Thank you Soils. Thank you Saidoun for the awakening."
Joey El-Khoury |
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"The Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC) course really clarified the philosophy of permaculture for me and helped me both visualize and experience it in the big picture as well as in the field. But the course was about more than just acquiring valuable knowledge and tools for sustainable practices: It was about connecting with nature, with people and with my self and the things that really matter in my life. I feel more confident about where I am heading now and I am grateful for discovering like-minded friends whose continued support I can always count on."
Alexis Baghdadi |
Testimonials from Participants in previous PDC courses (friends of SOILS)
"I completed my permaculture training in the south of France, in a beautiful renovated farm managed by two Dutch artists. The PDC was led by Steve Read and Hoel, a French nomad and philosopher who shook our minds every day. In our group, I felt like the participants from different ages and backgrounds were seeking many answers on the life path we had chosen to take, the path of harmony with nature. "You are on holiday now, of course the weather is beautiful, it's paradise to you, but you are soon coming back to reality when the training is over", I was told on the phone by a Paris resident. Reality? There are many realities, and I left the training with a more peaceful, and eager heart: I was sure of my choices, and eager to step on the road of change."
Nathalie Tleh (France - Lebanon)
Nathalie Tleh (France - Lebanon)
"Permaculture is enabling. I did my PDC in Jordan a couple of years ago and came out of it knowing that I could do anything I wanted with my life. What I learned was how to integrate all of the knowledge, ideas, principles and other thoughts I had accumulated over the years into a lifestyle that suited me. I truly believe everyone can benefit from these 72 hours and learn a system of design that can be applied to any aspect of life."
Fouad Yammine (Lebanon)
Fouad Yammine (Lebanon)
“I completed my PDC in Jordan in October 2013 with Geoff Lawton. I chose Jordan because the Dead Sea area is very similar to the area I now live in (the UAE) and will prepare me to deal with possible climate change impacts when we move back to Lebanon. The PDC was just the beginning of the learning process - what matters is building upon what I learned. The course mainly emphasized observing how things around us interact. Keeping an open mind, listening to others and committing to the long process of learning when attempting to grow food sustainably and regenerate areas were also central concerns. In my own garden in the UAE, I encourage native species regeneration and plant drought-resistant trees to attract birds and insects. In turn, these elements support the small vegetable garden I’ve started (‘start small’ is another good permaculture principle) and my attempts at hot composting. I’m also working on a website that will bring together information about applying permaculture design principles as well as information on sourcing plants and systems (social and technical) that are specific to the UAE.”
Jodie Healy (UAE - Lebanon)
Jodie Healy (UAE - Lebanon)
