Report from Sri Lanka: Ancient water harvesting system continues to demonstrate its value

by admin on August 9th, 2009

Okay, the elephant has nothing to do with the story below (except that it’s also large in scale), but it is an appropriate way to let you all know of my whereabouts, and to explain my lack of posting of late (and it’s a great way to get your attention…). I’m currently in Sri Lanka working on the Sustainable (R)evolution book project.

by Craig Mackintosh

Let not even a drop of rain water go to the sea without benefiting man – Parakrama Bahu the Great, King of Sri Lanka, 1153–1186 AD

Much of Sri Lanka’s ancient water harvesting system is still in use right now – helping make it the largely food-self-sufficient country it is today, on land that would otherwise be predominantly bone dry.

Read the full article from Sustainable [R]evolution contributing writer Craig Mackintosh here.

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What is the culture of permaculture?

It's becoming painfully clear that the culture of consumption created by the global market economy cannot sustain itself on a finite planet. Ecological and social crises are at hand, and loom larger as populations continue to grow and resources shrink. Scientists may disagree about the number of years we have to make this shift before we reach an ecological "point of no return," but it is clear that the current dominant system is leading us down the wrong path. Another way forward is being called for, and that means a fundamental shift in our beliefs and practices— a cultural shift.

Permaculture,a re-evolutionary design system evoking permanent agriculture as well as permanent culture, is about observing nature and working with its flow. It uses ecological principles to design systems of food production, housing, appropriate technology, and community development. Over the past quarter century it has grown into an international movement for sustainable land use practices-- a code of ethics based in the wisdom of many traditional and indigenous cultures.

What could the future look like if we make this shift toward sustainability? We believe that the culture of permaculture is pioneering a path toward a positive future, while honoring the wisdom of our ancestors. It is a growing, international group who are "changing the dream" of the dominant culture, in the shamanic sense-- shifting the cultural imagination toward an alternative way of living. They actively choose to live in a way that respects the Earth, recognizing that this change is inevitable in the face of global warming, peaking resources, and growing population.

In a modern world irrevocably shifted by human impact, what does a more sustainable culture actually look like? We decided to take our skills as anthropologist/writer (Juliana) and visual artist/activist (Louis) on the road and document this emerging culture in a book called Sustainable (R)evolution and this blog. Along the way we've connected with permaculture experts, photojournalists and activists who are also contributing to the project. Please contact us at julianapeartree@gmail.com if you'd like to get involved too.
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Support the ‘Sustainable (R)evolution’ Book Project

Have you ever wished, when explaining to someone about sustainable alternatives to our destructive global system, you had a visual, easily accessible book that demonstrated what it is all about, and what the world could look like if permaculture design systems became mainstream thinking?

We’ll – we’re making that book.

The Permaculture Research Institute is getting behind a project that would see the creation of a large format book that profiles, with creative writing and quality photographs, some of the many successful Permaculture projects underway around the world.

The final version is unlikely to look like this, but it gives you an idea….

The purpose of the book is to create a resource tool to help drive Permaculture thinking into the mainstream, by spotlighting in the most aesthetic and readable way the potential of Permaculture to solve all of the world’s current problems, by means of inspirational examples of practical, working solutions. We’re documenting a sustainable revolution that spans every corner of the globe – painting an accessible, exciting picture of the positive future that’s already here.

Blogging as We Go

Juliana, Louis, Craig and our other journalists will be blogging about inspiring sites that are demonstrating sustainability around the world, and posting them here!

Ready to Help?

If you can help with either direct support from an airline, or with frequent flyer miles, please contact Juliana on julianapeartree (at) gmail.com with the details.

Or, if you just want to donate funds directly, please click on the donate button below. All support gratefully received.

Note: All funding for the Sustainable (R)evolution book goes through our PRI USA site, as it is the fiscal sponsor for this project (and has tax deductible status for U.S. residents). Please ensure you put "For Sustainable (R)evolution book project" in Paypal’s "Add special instructions to the seller" field.

Other Payment Options: If you’d rather pay by check, see our other payment options. Please ensure that the purpose of the donation is made clear (i.e. Sustainable (R)evolution book).

The book will map some of the most noteworthy Permaculture projects worldwide

Report from Sri Lanka: Ancient water harvesting system continues to demonstrate its value

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What is the culture of permaculture?

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About

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Report from Sri Lanka: Ancient water harvesting system continues to demonstrate its value

Leave a Reply

What is the culture of permaculture?

Pages

Archives

Blogroll

This blog covers:

About

Support the ‘Sustainable (R)evolution’ Book Project

Categories

Search