120. Central American Permaculture Tour with Permaculture Canada

In episode 120, Cormac chats with Lindsay Brandon and Hue Man form Permaculture Canada about their recent Central American Permaculture Tour.Starting a Permaculture Project in MexicoThe journey begins in Puerto Vallarta where land was secured near hot springs. The goal is to create a community-focused space centred on growing food and shared living.Plans include multiple lots with different purposes:* A communal building for gathering and storage* A shaded living area using existing trees* A showcase build designed to inspire othersThe intention is to create a long-term hub while using other plots for future development and potential sale.Designing for Community and Long-Term UseThe project is structured to support ongoing use rather than quick turnover.There is a focus on:* Shared infrastructure* On-site management* Spaces for friends and collaborators to stayThe idea is to ensure someone is always present to maintain the land and gardens.Challenges with Land and WaterAcross Mexico, a recurring issue is poor water management.Key observations include:* Limited interest in water catchment systems* Lack of storage for dry seasons* Failed planting efforts due to no water accessSimple solutions like cisterns and seasonal storage become essential for any viable project.Common Mistakes in Land InvestmentMany buyers are drawn to cheap land but overlook practical realities.Issues observed:* No road access or degraded access routes* Lack of tools, materials, and workforce* Long delays waiting for infrastructureSome projects are abandoned while owners wait years for development to catch up.Building with Limited ResourcesThe approach shifts toward simplicity:* Using local materials* Building basic structures* Working within existing conditionsThis reduces reliance on external systems and makes projects more achievable.Learning and Teaching in GuatemalaAt Lake Atitlán, the focus moves to education and hands-on design.Activities included:* Teaching permaculture design courses* Mapping land using physical markers and drones* Applying design concepts directly on-siteThe model blends learning with real implementation rather than theory alone.Community Networks and CollaborationMultiple groups operate in close proximity but remain loosely connected.Observations:* Independent projects sharing knowledge* Visitors moving between sites* No unified system linking opportunitiesThere is potential for more coordinated collaboration across projects.Living Systems in NicaraguaOn Ometepe Island, the environment supports continuous growth.Key features:* Year-round food production* Strong microclimates* Established permaculture farmsThe abundance of fruit and water creates a stable and productive system.Community Culture and SimplicityAt a local gathering, systems were intentionally simple:* No phones or digital devices* Shared meals from local production* Daily schedules created in personThis created a strong sense of presence and participation.Larger System ChallengesIn Panama, discussions highlight broader issues:* Pressure from corporations* Displacement of local communities* Water risks and environmental damageThere is a gap between permaculture solutions and large-scale systemic problems.Returning to Canada: A ContrastReturning home brings a sharp comparison.Challenges include:* Increased regulation* Higher building costs* Limited material choicesA project that could cost tens of thousands abroad may cost hundreds of thousands in Canada.Final ReflectionThe journey reinforces a clear direction:* Simpler systems are more achievable* Smaller-scale projects are more resilient* Practical, hands-on solutions are neededThere is a strong pull toward environments where building, growing, and living can happen with fewer barriers.Buy a design from Permaculture Canada: Get full access to Cormac Harkin at cormacharkin.substack.com/subscribe