Za Udrugu Arteco Pavletić sudjelovanje u projektu predstavlja važan korak u daljnjem razvoju europske suradnje kroz program Kreativna Europa, koji potiče jačanje kulturnog i kreativnog sektora, mobilnost umjetnika i očuvanje kulturne raznolikosti. Projekt CULTREK usmjeren je na oživljavanje gospodarske i kulturne vrijednosti ruralnih područja kroz umjetnost, baštinu i lokalne tradicije.

Na sastanku su sudjelovali predstavnici svih partnerskih organizacija: domaćini Jorge i Olaya iz organizacije Espacio Tormaleo iz Španjolske, Margareta iz poljske organizacije FOK, Nina iz grčke organizacije JOIST te Zoran Pavletić ispred udruge ARTECO. Tijekom dvodnevnog susreta partneri su predstavili svoje organizacije, detaljno prošli radne pakete projekta te usuglasili način njihove provedbe u nadolazećem razdoblju.

Poseban naglasak stavljen je na planiranje radnih paketa, definiranje uloga partnera i vremenskih okvira aktivnosti. ARTECO je predstavio svoj dio kroz WP6 – komunikaciju i diseminaciju, uključujući prijedlog komunikacijskog plana, vizualnog identiteta projekta, logotipa, bannera i web stranice. Time je već na prvom sastanku započeo proces zajedničkog oblikovanja prepoznatljivog identiteta projekta.

Osim radnog dijela, susret je uključivao i upoznavanje s lokalnim kontekstom Asturije. Partneri su imali priliku iz prve ruke doživjeti spoj kulture, svakodnevnog života i tradicije, koji ovu regiju čini posebnim primjerom živuće baštine. Posebno se istaknula sidra – lokalni cider koji se poslužuje na gotovo ritualan način u brojnim sidrerijama, uz tradicionalnu hranu poput sireva, iberijskog pršuta i choriza. Upravo kroz takva iskustva vidljivo je kako gastronomija i običaji postaju važan dio kulturne ekonomije.

Terenski dio programa uključivao je posjete lokalnim proizvođačima, obiteljskom muzeju, interpretacijskom centru posvećenom hórreo koševima te muzeju sidre. Partneri su također obišli planinsko područje iznad Ovieda i upoznali kulturne znamenitosti grada. Poseban dojam ostavio je i sam Oviedo, poznat po velikom broju skulptura u javnom prostoru, zbog čega grad djeluje kao otvorena galerija. To je bilo posebno zanimljivo i u kontekstu umjetničkog rada Zorana Pavletića kao kipara i eko umjetnika.

Svi ovi elementi dodatno potvrđuju temeljnu ideju projekta CULTREK – da kulturna baština, tradicijska znanja, umjetnost i lokalne prakse mogu biti snažan pokretač revitalizacije ruralnih područja. Projekt će kroz istraživanje tradicija, umjetničke rezidencije i suradnju s lokalnim zajednicama razvijati nove modele kulturne i kreativne obnove ruralnih krajeva Europe.

Važan dio projekta bit će i umjetnička rezidencija, za koju će biti raspisan javni poziv za umjetnike. Prema trenutnim planovima, jedna od rezidencija mogla bi se održati upravo u ARTECU u Malinu, što bi lokalnoj zajednici donijelo vrijedno međunarodno iskustvo i razmjenu znanja.

Prvi sastanak u Oviedu postavio je čvrste temelje za daljnji rad partnera, a nadolazeće razdoblje donosi razvoj komunikacijskih aktivnosti, jačanje vidljivosti projekta i provedbu konkretnih aktivnosti na terenu. Projekt CULTREK tako otvara prostor za povezivanje umjetnosti, baštine i ruralnog razvoja kroz suradnju četiriju europskih zemalja.

The post ARTECO dio europskog projekta CULTREK: prvi susret partnera u Asturiji first appeared on Brainstorming.

Europski klimatski pakt pokrenut je kao dio Europskog zelenog plana, s ciljem uključivanja građana, organizacija, obrazovnih institucija i lokalnih zajednica u zajedničke napore za smanjenje emisija stakleničkih plinova, razvoj održivih praksi i jačanje klimatske pismenosti u Europi. Partnerske organizacije Pakta sudjeluju u razmjeni znanja, organiziranju edukativnih aktivnosti i poticanju lokalnih klimatskih inicijativa.

Status partnera predstavlja dodatno priznanje dugogodišnjem radu udruge Arteco na području održivog razvoja, klimatske edukacije, ekologije i rada s mladima. Kroz brojne nacionalne i međunarodne projekte udruga kontinuirano razvija edukativne programe i aktivnosti usmjerene na jačanje svijesti o klimatskim promjenama i održivom načinu života.

Važan dio tih aktivnosti provodi se kroz Klub mladih Arteco, čiji članovi aktivno sudjeluju u projektima i inicijativama vezanim uz održivi razvoj i klimatske teme. Mladi sudjeluju u međunarodnim projektima, izrađuju edukativne materijale, pišu članke o klimatskim promjenama te uređuju vlastiti medijski portal posvećen temama održivosti i društvenog razvoja.

Predsjednik udruge Arteco Zoran Pavletić već ranije je imenovan klimatskim veleposlanikom (Climate Pact Ambassador) Europske komisije, a njegov mandat nedavno je ponovno produžen. Time je dodatno potvrđeno dugogodišnje djelovanje udruge i njezinih članova u području klimatske edukacije i održivog razvoja.

Više informacija dostupno je na službenim stranicama Europskog klimatskog pakta.

Više o radu udruge Arteco, projektima i mogućnostima uključivanja može se pronaći na službenoj stranici.

The post Udruga Arteco postala službeni partner Europskog klimatskog pakta first appeared on Brainstorming.

Malino i mali poljski grad Nowy Żmigród povezani su novim Erasmus+ projektom koji spaja umjetnost, prirodu i mentalno zdravlje – ali ne kroz teoriju, nego kroz konkretan rad na terenu.

Riječ je o projektu „Land Art u lokalnoj zajednici – priroda, umjetnost i mentalno zdravlje“, koji se provodi u partnerstvu Zaklade Mirabilis iz Poljske i udruge Arteco Pavletić iz Malina. Projekt je vrijedan 60.000 eura i trajat će dvije godine. Za razliku od tipičnih edukacijskih projekata koji ostaju u učionicama i PowerPoint prezentacijama, ovaj projekt izlazi van – u prirodu.

Prvi koraci su već napravljeni

Projekt je započeo u studenom 2025., a već je održan prvi partnerski sastanak na kojem je dogovorena metodologija rada i struktura edukacija. Ukratko – nema lutanja. Jasno je definirano tko što radi i kako će se znanje prenositi. Središnji događaj dogodit će se u ljeto 2026. godine u Arteco parku u Malinu.

Tada će se održati sedmodnevni međunarodni trening na kojem će treneri i edukatori iz Arteca sudionicima iz Poljske prenijeti vlastito razvijen model koji povezuje:

• održivi razvoj

• društveno poduzetništvo

• klimatske promjene

• land art

• inkluziju

Ideja je jednostavna, ali ambiciozna: pokazati kako se kroz umjetnost u prirodi može razvijati lokalna zajednica, poticati mentalno zdravlje i stvarati održive ruralne inicijative.

Trening će završiti međunarodnim land art festivalom, na koji će doći dodatni sudionici iz Poljske, ali i domaći posjetitelji. Festival neće biti samo izložba – planirana je izgradnja trajnih skulptura u prostoru, praktične radionice, javni program i uključivanje lokalne zajednice.

Model koji putuje dalje

Nakon Malina, projekt se seli u Poljsku. Tijekom ljeta i jeseni 2026. treneri iz Arteca odlaze u Nowy Żmigród i okolna ruralna područja kako bi lokalne organizacije i stanovništvo educirali o modelu ruralnog razvoja temeljenom na kombinaciji umjetnosti, prirode i društvenog poduzetništva.

Drugim riječima – cilj nije samo napraviti festival, nego prenijeti znanje koje se može primijeniti i dalje razvijati.

Što ostaje iza projekta?

Projekt predviđa izradu trojezičnog priručnika (engleski, hrvatski, poljski), razvoj metodologije integracije land arta i terapije prirodom, organizaciju radionica, studijskih posjeta i završnu konferenciju. Ali važnije od dokumentacije bit će ono što ostane u prostoru i među ljudima – nove vještine, trajne skulpture, međunarodne veze i model koji pokazuje da ruralna područja ne moraju biti pasivni promatrači razvoja, nego njegovi nositelji.

U vremenu kada se ruralne zajednice suočavaju s depopulacijom, izolacijom i problemima mentalnog zdravlja, ovaj projekt pokušava ponuditi konkretan odgovor: spoj kreativnosti, prirode i poduzetničkog razmišljanja.

The post Land art, priroda i mentalno zdravlje: Arteco iz Hrvatske i Mirabilis iz Poljske kreću u zajednički europski projekt first appeared on Brainstorming.

A planet under pressure

Reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the United Nations paint a clear picture: human activity has already altered Earth’s climate systems. Rising global temperatures, melting ice caps, biodiversity loss, and increasingly extreme weather events are no longer predictions—they are realities.

Heatwaves are becoming longer and more intense. Floods and wildfires are affecting regions previously considered safe. According to global environmental research, ecosystems that took thousands of years to develop are being disrupted within decades. Coral reefs, rainforests, and polar habitats are among the most vulnerable, threatening not only wildlife but also the millions of people who depend on them for food, water, and livelihoods.

Yet while these challenges are daunting, they are only part of the story.

Technology as a turning point

One of the most hopeful aspects of our ecological future lies in technological innovation. Renewable energy technologies—solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal—are advancing rapidly. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports that clean energy is becoming cheaper and more accessible, challenging the long-standing dominance of fossil fuels.

Beyond energy, innovation is reshaping agriculture, transportation, and urban planning. Precision farming reduces water and chemical use. Electric vehicles and improved public transport are cutting emissions in cities. Smart cities are being designed to consume less energy while offering a higher quality of life.

Technology alone, however, is not a solution. Without responsible policies and ethical decision-making, innovation risks becoming another tool for overconsumption rather than sustainability.

Nature’s comeback—if we let it

One of the most encouraging findings from ecological research is nature’s resilience. When given space and protection, ecosystems can recover faster than expected. Rewilding projects in Europe, forest restoration in Asia, and marine protection zones worldwide demonstrate that biodiversity loss is not always irreversible.

Organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund and Conservation International emphasize that protecting nature is not just about saving animals—it is about stabilizing the climate, preserving clean water, and safeguarding food systems.

The future may see a shift from exploiting nature to partnering with it, recognizing ecosystems as allies rather than obstacles to progress.

The human factor

Ultimately, the ecological future depends on human choices. Governments play a crucial role through climate policies, environmental regulations, and international cooperation. The Paris Agreement, despite its challenges, shows that global collaboration is possible.

Equally important is individual action. Changes in consumption habits—reducing waste, choosing sustainable products, eating less resource-intensive food—collectively make a significant impact. Studies in environmental psychology suggest that social norms can shift rapidly when sustainable behavior becomes visible and valued.

Education will be key. Future generations are growing up more environmentally aware than ever, driven by global youth movements and increased access to information. Their voices are reshaping political agendas and corporate strategies.

What can we expect?

Looking ahead, the ecological future will likely be defined by contrasts. We may see more climate-related disruptions, but also stronger global responses. Some regions will struggle, while others lead the way in sustainable development. The next few decades will not be about achieving perfection—but about avoiding the worst outcomes and building resilience.

The question is no longer whether change is coming, but how we choose to shape it.

The ecological future is still being written. And for the first time in history, humanity is fully aware that it holds the pen.

Author: Petra Vuleta

The post Now we know about… Part 12: The ecological future first appeared on Brainstorming.

When people talk about climate change, it often feels like something big, far away, and hard to understand. It feels like meetings in Brussels, plans until the year 2050, percentages of pollution, and graphs that not many people really get.

But climate justice does not start in offices and meeting rooms. It starts where people live—in the house, the yard, the village, the neighborhood.

Sustainability in daily life is often made too simple, like just saying “turn off the light” or “use cloth bags.” These habits are not bad, but they are not the only thing that is climate justice. True sustainability is not about perfect buyers; it’s about what people can really do in their real lives.

Sustainability is not a luxury—but the system makes it feel like one

One of the biggest problems with the modern “green talk” is that sustainability is often shown as a lifestyle only for those who have money, time, and many choices. Eco-friendly food costs more. Energy-saving machines cost more. Solar panels, heat pumps, and electric cars are not for everyone.

In a system like this, it is not fair to blame the climate crisis on single people. You cannot ask people who are barely making a living to lead the green change, while at the same time, big industry, big polluters, and political leaders keep doing the same old things.

Climate justice means we have to agree that we do not all start from the same place.

Small actions, big effect

Still, daily life is the place where a community can become strong. Not perfect sustainability, but real sustainability.

In the countryside, this often means:

• using your own resources (water, wood, food)
• fixing things instead of throwing them away
• trading instead of buying
• working together instead of just buying things alone

In cities, this can mean:

• sharing a ride (carpooling)
• community gardens
• local groups that start their own plans
• using energy and space in a smarter way

These actions are not new. They are often as old as the communities themselves, but they were pushed away by a way of buying things that helps profit, not people or nature.

Sustainability without the moral police

One reason why people stay away from climate topics is the feeling of being always guilty. If you are not perfect, you are not “green” enough. If you make a mistake sometimes, you are part of the problem.

This way of thinking does not build change; it builds resistance.

Sustainability in daily life does not mean you have to be perfect. It means being aware, being responsible, and being connected to your community. It means learning, changing, and doing what is possible—in the life you have.

Why this is a question of climate justice

Climate change hurts the people who did the least to cause the problem the most. Also, the weight of “sustainable changes” is often put on these same people. This is not just bad luck—it is a system problem.

When we talk about sustainability in daily life, we are really talking about:

• having access to resources
• sharing the weight of change in a fair way
• the right of people to live with dignity without extra punishment

Without these things, sustainability just becomes another way to create inequality.

In conclusion

Climate justice does not ask for perfect people; it asks for fair systems. Daily actions can be a powerful tool for change, but only if they are supported by leaders who understand real life, not just perfect ideas.

Sustainability is not a trend. It is not just a marketing slogan. It is a question of survival, of helping each other, and of responsibility—to others and to the people who will live after us.

And that responsibility starts right where we are. As an ambassador of the European Climate Pact, I want to say that the opinions in this article are only mine and do not necessarily represent the official view of the European Commission or the European Climate Pact. – Zoran Pavletić
Author: Zoran Pavletić

The post Sustainability in daily life first appeared on Brainstorming.

Green tourism, also known as sustainable tourism, is an approach to developing tourism that aims to reduce negative environmental impacts, preserve cultural heritage, and ensure long-term benefits for local communities. This article shows the key features of green tourism and examples of sustainable tourism initiatives.

1. Sustainable Tourism

Sustainable tourism is based on a balance between economic, social, and environmental goals. According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), sustainable tourism should meet the needs of tourists and destinations while preserving natural resources for future generations.

2. Ecotourism

Ecotourism is a form of tourism focused on nature preservation and visitor education. It includes responsible behavior by tourists, protection of natural areas, and participation of local people. Weaver highlights that managing the number of visitors is crucial in reducing negative environmental impacts.

3. Green Hotels

Green hotels implement measures for energy efficiency, reduced water consumption, and responsible waste management. According to Epler Wood, hotels play an important role in the sustainability of destinations because they can positively influence the local economy and environment.

4. Community-Based Tourism

Community-based tourism allows local people to be involved in planning and earning income from tourism. This approach helps preserve cultural identity and ensures a more even distribution of economic benefits. UNWTO recommends encouraging small and medium-sized enterprises in developing green tourism.

5. Visitor Management

To prevent destinations from becoming overcrowded, sustainable tourism uses measures such as limiting the number of visitors, zoning areas, and reservation systems. These measures help preserve the environment and provide a better experience for visitors.

Conclusion

Green tourism is a long-term strategy for tourism development that combines environmental protection, social responsibility, and economic sustainability. Examples of sustainable initiatives show that it is possible to develop tourism in a way that benefits both tourists and local communities.

author: Petra Vuleta

The post Now we know about… Part 11: Green Tourism first appeared on Brainstorming.

Sustainability means keeping balance and meeting today’s needs without taking away the chance for future generations to meet their own needs. When people talk about sustainability, they often think about big companies or politicians signing global agreements. But the truth is that change starts when we decide to fix instead of throw away, to reuse instead of replace, or to plant something instead of just saying that everything is polluted.

Sustainability starts at home

At Arteco, we learned that big changes often come from small decisions. For example, when old wood becomes art, when we use rainwater to water the garden, or when we save energy with solar panels. The point is not to be perfect – but to be aware. To make small choices that have a big effect. Every reusable bottle, every compost bin, every decision to walk instead of drive – it all matters. When people act responsibly, they send a message to companies and institutions: we are ready for a new way of living.

Sustainable living is not only about nature, but also about social justice. Climate justice means that sustainable choices must be possible for everyone, not only for those who can pay for them. Real sustainability happens when your neighbor can join the change – not just watch it from the side.

Sustainability as a way of life and thinking

A sustainable lifestyle is a way of thinking, not just a short trend. Sustainability is not a hobby – it is an attitude. It means choosing simplicity instead of excess, care instead of comfort, and the future instead of habit.

At Arteco we see this every day – through our buildings made of natural materials, recycling old things, planting fruit trees, and more. In this kind of place, and also in our workshops, we teach young people that sustainability is not giving up, but creating something new.

Examples from the world

Zero Waste Japan (Japan) – shows that even small communities can change their habits. The village of Kamikatsu recycles more than 80% of its waste. People separate it into 45 categories, and almost nothing goes to the landfill.

The Humble Co. (Sweden) – makes bamboo toothbrushes and other sustainable personal care products. They started as a small idea, and now sell in more than 40 countries, showing that responsible design can become a world trend.

Repair Café (Netherlands) – volunteer spaces where people repair things instead of throwing them away. It’s not only about saving money, but also about community, knowledge, and respect for materials.

Conclusion

Sustainability starts with all of us. With every person and their decision about what to learn and how to act. When one person starts to live differently, others follow. Because sustainability is not a trend that comes and goes – it is the common sense of tomorrow.

As an ambassador of the European Climate Pact, I want to say that the opinions in this article are only mine and do not necessarily represent the official view of the European Commission or the European Climate Pact. – Zoran Pavletić

The post Sustainability in everyday life first appeared on Brainstorming.

In a time when global energy markets are unstable and the effects of climate change are increasingly visible, the idea of becoming energy independent is more relevant than ever. Energy independence means producing and using energy in a way that minimizes reliance on external sources — whether they are fossil fuels, imported electricity, or centralized power grids. It’s not just about saving money, but about gaining control over how we live and contributing to a more sustainable future.

To start, the simplest and most immediate action anyone can take is to reduce energy waste. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, households can save up to 25% of their total energy consumption simply by improving insulation, sealing leaks, and using energy-efficient appliances. Replacing old incandescent bulbs with LEDs, unplugging unused devices, and installing smart thermostats are all small steps that make a noticeable impact over time.

For those ready for bigger changes, renewable energy technologies offer an exciting opportunity. Solar panels are now more accessible than ever before. Data from the International Energy Agency (IEA) shows that the price of solar photovoltaic systems has dropped by nearly 80% in the last decade, making them a realistic investment for homeowners. Similarly, small-scale wind turbines can be an excellent option for those living in open, windy areas. These systems not only reduce dependency on the grid but also allow users to sell excess energy back to the network in some regions.

Another often-overlooked step is energy storage. Solar batteries, such as Tesla Powerwall or similar systems, allow homeowners to store excess energy produced during the day and use it at night or during power outages. This technology is key for achieving full independence and reliability.

Transportation also plays a vital role in the journey toward energy independence. As reported by the European Environment Agency, transport accounts for nearly 30% of total energy consumption in the EU. Choosing to walk, cycle, or use public transportation can greatly reduce one’s carbon footprint. For longer distances, switching to an electric or hybrid car — ideally powered by renewable energy — is another powerful move toward personal energy autonomy.

Beyond technology, the most lasting change comes from awareness. Energy independence starts with understanding our habits and their impact. Simple acts, like choosing locally produced goods or supporting green community initiatives, help strengthen local energy resilience. Schools and communities can also play a major role by educating people about sustainable living and renewable solutions.

In conclusion, achieving energy independence is not a distant dream reserved for experts or wealthy homeowners. It’s a practical goal that starts with everyday choices — from turning off unused lights to installing solar panels or driving an electric car. Each step, whether big or small, contributes to a more stable, cleaner, and self-reliant future. As the old saying goes: ‘The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now.’ The same applies to energy independence — the right time to start is today.

Sources:
1. U.S. Department of Energy. (2023). ‘Energy Saver Guide: Tips on Saving Money and Energy at Home.’
2. International Energy Agency (IEA). (2022). ‘World Energy Outlook 2022.’
3. European Environment Agency. (2023). ‘Transport and Environment Report.’
4. Klein, Naomi. (2015). *This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. The Climate.* Simon & Schuster.
5. Lovins, Amory B. (2011). *Reinventing Fire: Bold Business Solutions for the New Energy Era.* Chelsea Green Publishing.

The post Now we know about… part: 10. How to become energy independent first appeared on Brainstorming.

I say: yes, it can. But only when its goal is bigger than just making money.

We at Arteco have shown for years that social business is not just a theory, it is what we do. At our YEAH Center in Malin, everything we build – from small wooden houses, sculptures from recycled stuff, to solar panels, a wind turbine, and our own water wells – has one goal: to show that being sustainable is not something fancy, but a way to live.

For us, nature (ecology), art, and including people are not together by accident. This is our work plan that mixes creating things, teaching, and being good for society.

We work not only with young people from the Youth Club, but with children, adults, and partners from other countries who want to learn from us.

The classes we run often go outside Croatia – for example, with partners from Hungary and Poland, we teach communities how to copy our plan in their village areas and start their own green business ideas.

Social business for me is when money and good values come together. You work, but not against other people – you work for your community and for nature.

And this is not a dream. In Croatia, there are other groups besides Arteco that show this works.

Good examples from Croatia

Humana Nova (Čakovec) – a social co-op that hires people with disabilities and recycles old clothes. Instead of going to waste, old clothes become new products and a new chance for people.

source

Solidarna Co-op – connects people and businesses who want to put money into projects that help society, often with a focus on nature and people.

source

Brodoto (Zagreb) – a team that used crowd-funding (asking many people for small amounts of money) to help many green and social projects start.

source

Recycled Estate Vukomerić (ZMAG) – a real-life place for building with nature and farming in a sustainable way (permaculture), where a sustainable life is really lived, not just taught.

source

Green Energy Co-op (ZEZ) – people who make their own power and show that the change to green energy can be local and for everyone.

source

Good examples from the world

Fairphone (Netherlands) – makes smart phones from recycled and ethically sourced materials. Their idea is that electronics can be fair and last a long time.

source

Patagonia (USA) – famous for saying “Earth is our only shareholder.” They give all their profit to fight the climate crisis.

source

Too Good To Go (Denmark) – an app that saves extra food from restaurants and shops, reducing food waste and CO₂ pollution.

source

Ecovative (USA) – makes packaging and building materials from mushroom roots (mycelium) that break down naturally – proof that the future can literally grow from the ground.

source

Green School Bali (Indonesia) – a school in the jungle built from bamboo, where kids learn about a sustainable life by doing, not just by looking at pictures.

source

What social business means for climate justice

Social business is not just a new trend, but a new way of thinking – a way for the economy to finally serve people and the planet, not the other way around.

We at Arteco live this every day.

When we work with young people, students, volunteers, or local families, everyone learns the same thing – that every idea can be good for society and for nature, and that you can build the future from recycled material, not just art.

Even though it seems like real social business people are a small number, they are showing the way.

Because if business can pollute, it can also fix things.

And if change can happen in Malin, it can happen anywhere.

Climate justice without social business is like nature protection without action – just a nice speech.

And we choose to act.

As an Ambassador of the European Climate Pact, I want to state that the opinions shared in this article are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Commission or the European Climate Pact. – Zoran Pavletić

Author: Zoran Pavletić

The post Social business as a tool for green change – good examples first appeared on Brainstorming.

Origins and core principles

Permaculture was developed by Bill Mollison and David Holmgren, and is based on three core ethics: care for the Earth, care for people, and fair share. Holmgren systematized a set of twelve design principles (e.g., “Observe and interact,” “Catch and store energy,” “Use and value diversity”) which serve as a practical guide for designing permaculture systems. These principles help designers map relationships between elements (trees, water, livestock, people) so that the system becomes self-sustaining and multifunctional.

Main practices and techniques

Permaculture systems often use the following practices: polycultures and forest gardens (food forests), zoning and sector planning (placing elements according to frequency of use and natural influences), energy capture and storage (e.g., water retention, composting), integrated animal systems, perennial crops, and minimal soil disturbance (no-dig/no-till). The goal is to reduce inputs (fertilizers, pesticides, fuel) and enhance natural processes that maintain soil fertility and biodiversity.

Applications in Europe and Croatia

Permaculture projects in Europe are becoming increasingly visible: networks such as the European Permaculture Network map hundreds of locations, while local initiatives in Croatia (e.g., permaculture farms and educational centers) show growing interest in practical courses and the implementation of forest garden systems and small-scale self-sufficient farms. These projects often serve as educational hubs, sources of local food, and models for rural development.

Advantages of permaculture as an alternative model

• Resilience: diversified systems better withstand droughts, pests, and market fluctuations.
• Soil ecology: increased organic matter and microbial diversity.
• Reduced inputs: lower need for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
• Social impact: strengthening of local communities, education, and food security.

Limitations and criticisms

Permaculture is not a universal solution. Criticisms include a lack of robust, long-term scientific data in some regions, potential scalability limits for large-scale food production, and the initial costs and expertise required for design. Many experts propose combining permaculture methods with the research framework of agroecology to better measure results and create guidelines for broader application.

How to apply permaculture — practical steps for farmers and communities

1. Observation and analysis: spend 1–2 seasons observing microclimates, water flow, and sunlight patterns.
2. Start small: create a food forest, mixed vegetable garden, or integrate livestock into orchards.
3. Build biomass and humus: composting, green manure, and cover crops.
4. Learn and collaborate: join a Permaculture Design Course (PDC), local networks, or research projects.
5. Measure outcomes: record yields, soil quality, and economics to refine your design and provide evidence.

Permaculture offers a powerful framework for designing sustainable, multifunctional agricultural and living systems. As an alternative model, it works best when applied contextually combining traditional knowledge, local practices, and scientific evaluation. Its strength lies in creating more resilient local food systems and restoring ecosystems; the challenge remains in expanding research and evidence to support wider and informed adoption.

Sources:

1. Holmgren, D. (2020). What is Permaculture. Permaculture Principles.
2. FAO (2021). Permaculture for agroecology: design, movement, practice. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
3. Yadav, S. P. S. et al. (2023). A systematic case study of permaculture in Nepal. PubMed Central (PMC).
4. Peer Community Journal (2025). Crop productivity of Central European Permaculture farms.
5. European Permaculture Network (2024). Projects and Places.
6. Mollison, B. & Holmgren, D. (1978). Permaculture One: A Perennial Agriculture for Human Settlements.

Author: Petra Vuleta

The post Now we know about… Part 9: Permaculture and its application first appeared on Brainstorming.