Staring into the eyes of the future of Jordan, one wonders how things could be.... All Photographs © Craig Mackintosh https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYk21PLKGgg Al Jazeera's very recent feature of the new 'Greening the Desert' site Introduction Why did the photojournalist cross the road? It sounds like the beginning of a joke, and, in a way, it was. I was standing at a busy road in Amman, Jordan, contemplating crossing. I say 'contemplating' as there were three lanes in each … [Read more...]
Letters from Jordan – IPC10 and the Permaculture Princess
Princess Basma bint Ali of Jordan opens IPC10 Photographs © Craig Mackintosh The opening of the Tenth International Permaculture Conference (IPC10) already saw Permaculture getting the attention it deserves. Over 100 people from around the world were seated to 'break bread' at the conference's opening gala dinner on the evening of Friday September 16. Aside from permaculturists from every continent, the event also drew (by our own 'subversive' design) people of influence from within … [Read more...]
Jordan Valley Permaculture Project – August 2011 Photo Update
Latifa inspects project development from a unique vantage point It's been just over a year since I've visited the Jordan Valley Permaculture Project (aka 'Greening the Desert - the Sequel') site, and I'm keen to check out progress when I visit next month (September 2011). In the meantime, Geoff, who is in Jordan now to help organise the upcoming Tenth International Permaculture Conference & Convergence (IPC10), has sent through a few pictures I can share today. … [Read more...]
Letters from the West Bank – Seeds of Hope Scattered from the West Bank’s First PDC
Editor's caution: I trust our objective, peace-loving permaculture readers will resist the temptation to comment such, but just in case, please know that non-productive, antagonistic comments against any of the players involved in the Israeli/Palestinian Middle-East conflict will not be moderated through. Keep them civil, well-intentioned and constructive and you'll pass muster though. The view at sunset, westwards from Marda, Palestine All photographs © copyright Craig Mackintosh This is … [Read more...]
Letters from Jordan – a PDC at the Bottom of the World
Profuse apologies for being remiss on the posting front of late. I have more than a dozen posts queued in my head, but finding a minute to breathe and get 'em down onto the keyboard has proven difficult. A few people have been pressing me for Part III of the Sarvodaya series, but never fear, it'll come as soon as I can. In the meantime I have a little video mission in Jordan to fulfil. For now, here's a teeny glimpse at the latest: Geoff, Nadia and I are currently stationed a stone's throw … [Read more...]
Jordan PDC Course Announcement
Permaculture Research Institute Australia and the newly established Permaculture Research Institute Jordan are please to announce PRI Jordan's first Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC) course to be taught in the Dead Sea Valley, Jordan October 10 to the 23rd. This is near the site of the legendary Greening the Desert project. Your attendance at this course will help subsidise the education of local Jordanians, and also go towards the sending of a local representative body to the International … [Read more...]