Permaculture Samoa – Part III
Aid Projects, Community Projects, Courses/Workshops, Demonstration Sites, Education Centers — by Tamlyn Magee March 5, 2010
Editor’s Note: This is the latest update on the Samoa Matuaileoo Environment Trust Inc. (METI) premaculture project. Previous updates here, here and here. Way to go Tamlyn and all involved!!
Information is the critical potential resource. It becomes a resource only when obtained and acted upon. - Bill Mollison
There is a moment, according at least to Geoff Lawton, when a permaculture student becomes ‘terminal’; forever destined, perhaps, to spout interesting (to some, anyway) facts/theories about ducks and lofty (but totally do-able) plans for future garden designs and/or the ‘edible meadow’, all the while flicking off light-switches everywhere and drying seaweed on the clothesline in between those telltale permaculture dreams….
Well, I can’t say for sure at this stage that we have any new terminals among the 18 students who just completed the first ever Permaculture course in Samoa, (and I dare say the Samoan incarnation of a permaculture addict might differ on specifics) but I definitely saw familiar sparks in a few eyes over the last 2 weeks, which means at least – they are infected!
Comments (0)Post-Tsunami Bamboo Housing Solutions
Aid Projects, Building — by Tamlyn Magee November 5, 2009
Village of Lepa following the tsunami
Photo: Skye Turner
 The water is usually that light aqua colour all the way to the shore. Photo: Durnford Dart |
A full two weeks after the tsunami, the ocean and the sky still retained a turbulent quality reminiscent of an unimaginably intense energy phenomenon.
I write this article about a month after a severe earthquake/tsunami struck southern Upolu (the main island of Western Samoa). With respectful remembrance of all those who lost their lives, and with prayers for the strength of survivors, I will make no attempt to report about the actual event, or the emotive aspects of disaster aftermath, or the political issues related to disaster aid. I will describe only a small contribution to what is now being practically done in response to this phenomenon.
Comments (0)Permaculture Samoa – Part II
Aid Projects, Community Projects, Demonstration Sites, Education Centers — by Tamlyn Magee September 4, 2009
by Tamlyn Magee (Tamlyn is living and working in Samoa on a Permaculture education and demonstration project with local NGO, METI). For Part I, click here.
This month has been a month of before photos. The extended hard work of many people (and pigs) is paying off, as we watch the Demonstration Farm and Permaculture/Life Skills Course come into being. The building of our own knowledge, skills and relationships are all also converging, to give us a glimpse of the potential of our system to be productive and fulfilling as it evolves. Obstacles are plentiful, positivity more so!
Permaculture found its way on to the Samoan Islands by the wisdom and perseverance of an extremely motivated couple – Walter (Executive Director) and Matatumua Vermuelen (Project Coordinator). It has gained momentum by the strength of METI staff who fearlessly support a logical and ethical basis for development, in the face of all skepticism. We continue to endeavor to share knowledge and resources with our 16 (and growing) village farming co-operatives. We are training Life Skills Coaches in preparation for their roles as Permaculture promoters in their villages. And now, the time is rapidly approaching to really ‘walk the talk’ – and turn these states of before into something functional and inspiring.
Measuring a tropical compost pile using our arms and our noses
Permaculture Samoa
Aid Projects, Demonstration Sites, Education Centers, Food Forests, Plant Systems, Trees — by Tamlyn Magee May 23, 2009
by Tamlyn Magee (Tamlyn is living and working in Samoa on a Permaculture education and demonstration project with local NGO, METI)
Ualesi and Tavita are satisfied to be using waste as a resource
– building the first earth-tyre construction in Samoa
Coconut trees are possibly the first thing you think of when you hear the words tropical island. Right? Well, there are good reasons for that. The coconut, along with taro, breadfruit, papaya and banana has always played a vital role in shaping the lifestyles and cultures of islanders, dutifully producing incredibly versatile, nutritious and prolific fruit, as well as many other important resources. Coconuts are rich in healthy fats, Vitamin C, iron and lauric acid, which is known for its antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and immune boosting properties. Some species will produce a fruit yield in as little as 3 years from germination. Juice from the young coconut, nui, is one of the highest known sources of electrolytes and is officially reputed, at least by me, to be the most refreshing drink in the world. Samoans process their daily coconut milk at home (and almost every traditional meal contains coconut in some form), and there are local facilities for extracting oil (the healthiest oil you can eat) and making soaps and balms. The husks and shells are burnt for fuel and used for cooking. The shell is decorated in many ways and makes beautiful jewellery, as well as cups and bowls. The trunks of the trees can be used as supports in building, not to mention great trellis supports in the garden, and the fronds are weaved for multiple uses. You can use the sterile juice of the young coconut as an intravenous drip for goodness’ sake! For the tropical designer, the coconut is an invaluable element in any sustainable system.
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