Introduction to Permaculture course – May 2013
The Introduction to Permaculture course is a great way to find out more about permaculture in Central America. This “taster” will provide an opportunity to get your hands dirty, learn some permaculture basics and get inspired. The Instituto Mesoamericano de Permacultura (IMAP) will be offering a series of 3-day Introduction to Permaculture Course throughout the year, starting on May 29, 30 and 31, 2013. 
Who can attend the course?
The intro to permaculture course is open to everyone and has been constructed in such a way that offers a level playing field to people of various backgrounds and experience. There are no pre-requisites in permaculture for this course.
Who teaches the course?
Ronaldo Lec is a permaculture teacher certified by Geoff Lawton with a diploma issued by Bill Mollison. An Indigenous Mayan anthropologist from Guatemala, Rony has been teaching and implementing permaculture systems throughout the world over the last 17 years, with a focus on food sovereignty for Indigenous communities in Mesoamerica. Co-founder of IMAP, he has delivered experiential courses and workshops on food security, the protection of biodiversity, and the establishment of seed banks at the family and community levels. He is one of the pioneers of the permaculture movement in Mesoamerica and has led the foundation of various Indigenous community organizations striving for self-determination. Rony has been an invited guest at numerous universities, including Yale University, Cornell University, Elmira College, Ithaca College, Hiram College, the College of the Menominee Nation, and the University of Colorado. He is the Coordinator of IMAP.
Where will it be offered?
The course will be held at IMAP, located in San Lucas Toliman, Lake Atitlan, one of Guatemala’s most beautiful areas. Participants will get the unique opportunity to be immersed in Mayan culture and to work with local communities while learning about permaculture in Central America. The Lake Atitlan region offers a number of eco-tourism opportunities, including kayaking, ziplines, canoeing, hiking volcanoes and shopping in thriving local markets. 
Course Curiculum
Mayan calendars Ancestral knowledge
Introduction to IMAP
Application of natural laws
Permaculture design principles
Natural patterns and design
Guided tour of the forest (Mount Iquitieu) to learn about natural and cultivated ecosystems, ecology, climate and microclimate, soils, flora, fauna and nature’s patterns Food production
Seed production
Land conservation and water management
Forest gardens
Practical Application of it all.
Intro to Permaculture Dates
April 21-23, 2013- 3 Day Intro to Permaculture Course
May 29-31, 2013- 3 Day Intro to Permaculture Course
August 1-3, 2013- 3-Day Intro to Permaculture Course
November 7-9, 2013- 3 Day Intro to Permaculture Course
Cost
$395
$250 for residents of Guatemala or early-bird participants
Cost includes facilitation, educational materials, 3 meals, internal transportation and housing (clean hotel room with hot shower, in San Lucas Toliman – 10 minutes away from IMAP).
Register
To register, please pay via our Paypal link here: http://imapermacultura.wordpress.com/collaborate/ and send us an email confirming your interest at [email protected]
Contact
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (502) 30-76-08-92 / (502) 45-49-05-78
