HOPE: Harmony in actiOn by applying Permaculture principlEs

Since the middle of the 20th century, human activity has been responsible for changes in Earth’s climate which if it remains uncontrolled and irresponsible, the increase in annual average global temperatures could reach 5°C or more by the end of this century.

In the times where environmental degradation, climate change and resource reduction are pertinent concerns, permaculture offers a holistic and regenerative solution.

Our project ‘HOPE’ seeks to explore the principles, practices, and potential of permaculture, aiming to inspire individuals and adult communities to embrace its principles and create resilient ecosystems. The term permaculture itself derived from «permanent agriculture» and «permanent culture» and is more than just a set of gardening techniques. The Polish Government is one of a minority of EU governments which has failed to announce its long-term strategy to meet its obligations under the UN Paris climate agreement of 2015.This is also reflected in the appliance of permaculture which in Poland is mainly restricted to small initiatives of families in villages and usually in small parcels which clearly shouts the need for more awareness on implementation of permaculture.

Since the 1980s, the rate of climate warming in the Mediterranean region, which includes Spain, has exceeded the global average.The Mediterranean region is expected to reach 2°C warming within the next 20 years. It is why a considerable percentage of land has been abandoned (40%- in 2019) which has led to the decrease of interest in agricultural activities among young generations as well as adult communities.

In Iceland, data gathered from 1981–2010 shows the coastal temperatures are 8–10°C warmer. Regarding permaculture appliances, it initially started back in 1948 as an activity for children (school gardens) aged 8-12 years old to attract their interest. Nowadays, even though young generations and their families are showing interest in permaculture, adults with fewer opportunities are not aware of its existence and its benefits.

Permaculture integrates diverse knowledge to design sustainable systems, meeting human needs while preserving the environment which also mitigates the climate change effects. Furthermore, this project will offer real-world examples of successful permaculture projects, practical guidance, resources, and innovative tools to support individuals and adult communities in implementing permaculture practices on a daily basis.From designing productive food forests and regenerative gardens to adopting renewable energy solutions and fostering community engagement, we will explore feasible steps towards creating more sustainable and resilient lifestyles.

‘HOPE’ provides adult communities with an opportunity to comprehend the significance of mutual care, environmental protection,and equipping them with the necessary tools to construct resilient communities which are increasingly essential in the present circumstances of the world that we live in.

The main and specific objectives driving our project are as follows:

Objective 1: Provide adult communities with comprehensive education and training on permaculture principles and techniques, enabling them to put them in practice for a more resilient ecosystem.

1.1 To facilitate intergenerational permaculture learning opportunities and to promote the transfer of knowledge and experiences between generations while building resilience.

1.2: To transfer best practices and tools on permaculture principles to better engage adults with fewer opportunities for improving their life situations, respecting and fostering empathy for the environment.

Objective 2: To create a well structured methodology on permaculture’s principles and make it available for adult communities across Europe.

2.1 To design and create an Interactive Book that will ensure adoption of permaculture principles by adult communities.

Objective 3: To foster the transversal and intergenerational community engagement by promoting sustainable lifestyles in line with the principles of permaculture.

3.1: To amplify the impact of the new methodology in participating countries and beyond them.

This project is structured around a series of core activities divided into four main phases, each designed to fulfill specific goals related to adult education, sustainability, and community empowerment through the application of permaculture principles.

The first phase is Project Management, which ensures the smooth implementation of all activities. It involves coordination among partners, internal meetings, reporting, and quality control. This phase guarantees that the project remains aligned with its objectives, budget, and timeline.

The second phase is the Implementation of the Learning Phase, which includes two participatory visits—one in Poland and one in Iceland. These visits allow participants to experience local permaculture practices firsthand and engage in mutual learning. This phase also includes local internal workshops involving adult participants, including those with fewer opportunities, to test and adapt the educational content.

The third phase focuses on the Creation of an Interactive Book, a digital and innovative educational tool that will present a structured methodology for teaching and applying permaculture principles. The book will be developed collaboratively and validated through a consultation phase. After its completion, a training course will be held in Spain to introduce and transfer the book’s methodology to educators and multipliers.

The final phase is the Dissemination Campaign, which includes multiplier events in each partner country, the creation of a dedicated website, graphic and audiovisual materials, social media management, and various communication actions. These aim to give visibility to the project, raise awareness, and share the outcomes with broader adult communities across Europe.

Each phase not only supports educational and methodological goals but also seeks to leave a long-term impact by equipping adults with practical, sustainable knowledge and fostering community resilience and environmental awareness.

Our project intends to provide new creative tools to educate on permaculture principles, and will:

• Strengthen adult trainer’s training and education.
• Help adult trainers gain a broader understanding of ecological concepts and foster a comprehensive learning.
• Foster a deeper connection with nature that can be incorporated into training sessions to promote environmental awareness and empathy.
• Increase adult trainer’s knowledge on permaculture principle & its concrete applications.
• Boost adult trainer’s skills in transferring their knowledge to adult communities.
• Enhance adult trainer’s skills of engaging adults with fewer opportunities through permaculture concepts & to improve their lifestyle in coherence with the environment they live in.
• Promote sustainable practices and encourage adult communities to adopt eco-friendly behaviors.
• Offer innovative tools & methodology for the implementation of permaculture principles.
• Develop an intergenerational comprehension on community and environment resilience.

The HOPE project aims to generate meaningful and lasting impact on both individual and community levels, particularly within adult education and environmental awareness. Its main effects include:

A stronger capacity among adult trainers and educators, who will gain innovative tools and methodologies to teach permaculture principles effectively. These skills will help them create action plans and educational strategies that are practical and sustainable.

It will also empower adults, especially those with fewer opportunities, by increasing their knowledge of ecological practices and encouraging them to engage in community and environmental initiatives. The project promotes inclusion, participation, and personal development, particularly through intergenerational learning.

By fostering intergenerational exchange, the project strengthens social ties and promotes mutual understanding, as people of different ages work together on sustainable practices and shared community goals.

At a broader level, HOPE contributes to greater environmental and community resilience. Through its focus on permaculture, it encourages local action that is both ecologically sound and socially inclusive, ultimately helping communities to adapt to and mitigate environmental and social challenges.

Finally, through its dissemination efforts, including the interactive book and multiplier events, the project aims to reach a wider European audience, inspiring similar initiatives and expanding the conversation on sustainable living and adult education beyond the immediate partnership.