Our conservation|permaculture project in Bahia aims to contribute towards the sustainable development of the semi-arid region of Northeast Brazil, disseminating - through politico-environmental education and the strengthening of the local ('Sertanejo') popular culture - practices and alternatives based on the principals of permaculture; aimed at living in harmony with this semi-arid climate.
You will be based in Irecê, in the central part of the State of Bahia.
We want you to help us develop and spread the use of agricultural practices most appropriate to the semi-arid climate of the region founded on the principles of Permaculture. (the creation of an ecological farm based on diversified, year-round agricultural production and the use of natural renewable resources such as solar energy and the capture of rainwater, etc), to combat the rural exodus of young people, students and farmers| agricultural labourers through enviro-political education and organisation, and to revitalise traditional regional culture through the study, recording and promotion of cultural groups and the organisation of cultural events.
Are you up for this? Apply Here…
We have 4 primary objectives; as follows:
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The ecological farm: To develop agricultural practices aimed at sustainability and to combat desertification.
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Environmental education: To motivate and educate children, teenagers and adults in using appropriate techniques. And to raise awareness of the importance of preserving local ecosystems.
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Culture: To strengthen and revitalize regional popular culture.
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Institutional development and articulation: To consolidate and encourage the local community to formulate policy and to contribute towards a more just and sustainable society.
Note: The word "permaculture" was coined in 1978 by Bill Mollison, an Australian ecologist, and one of his students, David Holmgren. It is a contraction of "permanent agriculture" or "permanent culture."
Permaculture is about designing ecological human habitats and food production systems. It is a land use and community building concept which strives for the harmonious integration of human dwellings, microclimate, annual and perennial plants, animals, soils, and water into stable, productive communities. The focus is not on these elements themselves, but rather on the relationships created among them by the way we place them in the landscape. This synergy is further enhanced by mimicking patterns found in nature.
Information about Bahia
Bahia's capital is Salvador, or more correctly, São Salvador da Bahia.
Bahia is the chief locus of the early Brazilian slave trade, and is considered to possess the greatest and most distinctive African imprint in Brazil.
Bahia is the birthplace of many noted Brazilian artists, writers and musicians. There also are indigenous tribes, such as the Pataxó and the Tuxá.
