From march 27 to april 2, some 43 permaulturists from various countries throughout South and Central America gathered at the Gaia Ecovillage project in Argentina to hold the First Latin American Permaculture Conference. The event rapidly turned into a celebration of information, inspiration and sharing. For me, it was inspiring to see the depth and breadth of projects that are being instigated in our continent.

In these days of internet with its virtual conferences and virtual projects, it was totally invigorating to spend a week with real people, doing real, on-the-ground practical work. Work that is both important and obviously well planned/designed.

And all of this happened at real site.In this event we did not just talk Permaculture, we lived it. How impressive to have a conference at a site that is a living, thriving example of what we all believe in. Much of the food we ate came from Gaias gardens, beautify prepared with love in stoves powered by the sun or from wood grown at Gaia. We bathed in water warmed by the sun (or locally grown wood). At night we talked and watched slide presentations powered by Giais’ small wind farm. And rested happy in the knowledge that our wastes were being recycled on-site to feed the soil that will grow the next rotation of crops and fruit.

I believe that this conference have had a beautiful blend of formal information sharing, practical demonstrations and free time for participants to share and exchange ideas/inspiration.

In the mornings we listened with enthusiasm to the various special presentations, from known people such as Marsha Hanzi. Beatrice Briggs, Roberto Perez Rivero, Gustavo Ramirez and Juan Manuel Madrigal. Later in the mornings we worked a little in practical exercises such as mulching, eco-construction or studying the reforestation areas.

In the afternoons we sat in a large circle to discuss and share information in areas of mutual interest - education, networking, design process, seed saving and appropriate technology.

A little later we settled down to hear the reports of various projects throughout our continent. At the risk of suffering information overload and virtual jet-lag, we traveled rapidly from the tall Araucaria forests of southern Brasil, to the urban ecovillages projects in Santiago de Chile, from the chinampas of Mexico to the cold deserts of Patagonia, from the "Permamess" forest in urban Havana, to the reforestation in the arid Bahia (Brasil), from recycling batteries in Uruguay to working with rural poverty near Machu Pichu in Peru, from medicinal plant production in Brasil to bamboo groves in the cold of southern Chile. Time and time again we crossed this wonderful continent, and found inspiration at the work and dedication of our permaculturists.

Late in the evenings we finally had time to rest. But we couldn’t. We were called by the warmth of the fire circle, and the warmth, enthusiasm and exhilaration of the singing and dancing of the Brasilian and Cuban contingents.

On the last night, we celebrated with circle dances, listened to the stunning harmonies of "Ellas" and then danced to the powerful music of the Andes with "Los hermanos Nieves".

On the last day, with the wonderful facilitation of Bea Briggs we decided to form a network of support, in part as a way of holding the sense of family we now all felt. A network founded on openness, trust and free interchange of ideas and information that characterized the whole event. And so, RAPEL - the Red de Apoyo de Permacultura Latinoamericana was born!

I have a concern, is simply that this Latin-American Congresses have started at such a high standard that the planners of the future conferences will have to work very hard to maintain the standard. But from what I saw of Marsha and the other Brazilians I have no doubt the second Congress will be an event not to be missed by anyone interested in or working in Permaculture in this continent

The two International Permaculture Conferences I have attended were great events. The various national conferences I have attended (Australia, England, Mexico) all had their own value and special moments. But none can compete with the powerful combination of locally grown food, solar powered showers, inspiring projects, a beautiful setting, professional organization
and the humor, excitement and occasional chaos of the Latino culture.

For me, this was more than a successful conference, it was a truly life-changing event. I for one will be in Brasil late next year when we will met again for the second congress. I will look forward to remeeting old friends, and making new ones, to further inspiration, and to again dance into the night.

Not just a conference - a celebration of what can be, of what we can design and create. A celebration of Life.

Congratulations especially to Silvia, Andrea, Gustavo, Fernando and all the support team at Gaia. Thank you again for organizing such successful and fruitful event.

Felicidades, y muchas gracias - bien hecho!!

Skye