Permaculture Diploma Projects
My drive to lead a self-sufficient, eco-friendly, and regenerative lifestyle sparked my deep interest in Permaculture. As I explored sustainable and regenerative practices, my understanding and passion for Permaculture grew. This inspired me to pursue a Diploma in Applied Permaculture, equipping me with the skills to integrate environmentally friendly solutions into my home, Vila Pinheiro, and my business, Mă-Kè Bonsai.
Below is a list of projects I have undertaken as part of my diploma journey. This page is a work in progress, and the projects may evolve as I continue the Diploma Action Learning process. I will be adding design details in due course—if you're interested in following along, feel free to stay in touch for updates!
Design 01:
The Mă-Kè Bonsai Way - Regenerative Bonsai Culture
The Mă-Kè Bonsai Way introduces a holistic, mindful approach to bonsai cultivation, merging it with permaculture ethics and principles. It goes beyond conventional bonsai techniques, emphasising ecological regeneration and personal growth. Central to this approach are permaculture's principles of caring for the earth and people and equitable resource distribution, which are applied to all facets of bonsai care. The method promotes community participation, ongoing learning, and regenerative practices such as organic fertilisation and water conservation, aiming to align bonsai cultivation with sustainable living and a deeper bond with nature.
Design 02:
The Sustainable Bonsai Course
This Design Project aims to redevelop the current 'Beginners Bonsai Bootcamp' into an eco-friendlier program 'Beginners Bootcamp: Growing Bonsai Sustainably.' The updated course introduces bonsai aficionados to sustainable growing techniques that adhere to permaculture ethics. With regular interactions with participants, students and tutors, the aim is to develop a comprehensive strategic approach to integrating regenerative practices into all educational and training offerings at Mă-Kè Bonsai.
Design 03:
Vila Pinheiro - Regenerative Homestead
A permaculture project focused on creating a sustainable and regenerative living environment. Vila Pinheiro is committed to eco-friendly practices by emphasising regenerative agriculture, renewable energy, community engagement, and effective waste management. The project includes a comprehensive maintenance plan and offers insights for future enhancements. Vila Pinheiro's Grand Design represents a harmonious blend of human activity with nature's principles, aimed at fostering a self-sufficient ecosystem and addressing contemporary environmental challenges.
Design 04:
Vila Pinheiro – Energy Self-Sufficiency Design
A project harnessing Permaculture Design to craft a master plan for energy independence. It investigates sustainable energy resources and technologies, identifying practical and feasible solutions. The project emphasises energy-efficient systems, from LED to insulation and passive solar heating and cooling. Central to our mission is an implementation plan, ensuring the smooth integration of these eco-friendly practices into Vila Pinheiro's, a small rural holding, daily life, leading the way towards a sustainable, self-sufficient future.
Design 05:
Vila Pinheiro - Water Regeneration Design
Is a project that delves into innovative ways to achieve self-sufficiency in water and food through Permaculture Design. Our goal is not just to meet our own needs but also to produce a significant surplus to benefit our local community. This plan includes cultivating a variety of foods and meeting protein requirements for our household, utilising domestic farming methods for poultry, goats, ducks, and fish. Water self-sufficiency will be realised by restoring an old well and developing ample water storage in higher areas, along with a natural pond at the valley’s base, replenished by a rain and seasonal stream.
Design 06:
Vila Pinheiro – Food Self-Sufficiency Design
A project harnessing Permaculture Design to craft a master plan for energy independence. It investigates sustainable energy resources and technologies, identifying practical and feasible solutions. The project emphasises energy-efficient systems, from LED to insulation and passive solar heating and cooling. Central to our mission is an implementation plan, ensuring the smooth integration of these eco-friendly practices into Vila Pinheiro's, a small rural holding, daily life, leading the way towards a sustainable, self-sufficient future.
Design 07:
Vila Pinheiro - Ayurvedic Food Forest
Welcome to the Ayurvedic Food Forest, a sanctuary where ancient wisdom converges with modern ecological practices. Guided by the principles of Permaculture and Ayurveda, our mission is to cultivate a regenerative, health-enhancing environment. Here, you'll discover a rich tapestry of medicinal herbs, fruit trees, and native plants, all collaborating to create a self-sustaining ecosystem. By incorporating Vrikshayurveda’s natural soil care teachings and permaculture design ethics, we aim to enhance homestead well-being through healthy, holistic foods enriched with natural vitamins and goodness.
Design 08:
Regenerative Silviculture: Integrating Traditional and Modern Practices
Discover how Vila Pinheiro is pioneering sustainable forest management with its comprehensive Regenerative Silviculture approach. By merging traditional Vrikshayurveda wth modern permaculture techniques, this initiative creates a resilient and thriving forest ecosystem. Our framework enhances biodiversity, improves soil health, and implements adaptive strategies for long-term sustainability. Continuous monitoring and community collaboration make Vila Pinheiro a model for innovative, sustainable forestry. Join us in transforming forest management for a greener future.
Design 09:
Regenerative Husbandry: A Holistic Approach to Livestock and Soil Health
Integrating chickens, ducks, quail, goats, and bees into a paddock-based permaculture system exemplifies regenerative husbandry, shifting to a holistic approach. Each species contributes: chickens and quail control pests and fertilise, ducks and fish enhance water-soil dynamics, goats manage weeds and boost nutrient cycling, while bees support pollination and biodiversity. Paddock rotation ensures strategic movement of animals to optimise grazing, prevent overuse, and evenly distribute manure. This integrated system enriches soil, increases biodiversity, supports food self-sufficiency, and reduces reliance on external inputs, promoting long-term resilience.
Design 10:
Action Learning Pathway
My Action Learning Pathway at Vila Pinheiro is a self-directed, hands-on journey that blends regenerative permaculture, and the Mă-Kè Bonsai philosophy. Through setting clear goals, designing, implementing projects, engaging with the community, and reflecting on my progress, I deepen my skills while creating real-world outcomes. This journey allows me to grow personally, master my crafts, and share my experiences with a wider audience, all while promoting regenerative development and community involvement.