The three basic principles of permaculture are Earth Care, People Care and Fair Share. I strive for comprehensive peace in these areas. This allows nature and all living creatures to flourish in harmony. I’m a small link in this grand philosophy. The more small links there are, the greater the result.
Eco Esprit is a permaculture project founded by Sonja van Driel
In March 2022 I have acquired a neglected orchard in Burgundy. My goal was to turn it into a foodforest. With the help of family, friends and volunteers I started the renovation of the wilderness. That meant clearing the land from the rampant blackberry bushes, saving existing fruit and nut trees and planting new ones in order to establish my dream.
Meanwhile, there is plenty to harvest. The surplus fruit, nuts and vegetables is donated to social projects.
In addition to all this work, I want the forest to be a source of inspiration for everyone who visits it. Therefore, strong trees are assigned to people or projects that are committed to making the world a better place.
So now the project embraces the three basic principles of permaculture, Earth Care, People Care and Fair Share.
Earth care
The guideline is to take care for soil, water, air, and all living species, in order not to bring damage to the ecosystem. Some examples of how Eco Esprit contributes to this ideal:
- Recycling the garden waste. It is full of organic material and serves as compost for the soil. Moreover, there are fewer CO2 emissions because the garden waste does not have to be processed by the waste disposal centre.
- Using second-hand items and materials when available and possible (o.a. the green house, see photo below). No new materials need to be used or transported which reduces CO2 emissions.
- Using a compost toilet. Purified water is saved and organic material is provided for the soil.
- Collecting rainwater. Purified water is saved which reduces CO2 emissions.
- No use of chemical pesticides or herbicides. To keep the soil in balance, pests are controlled in a natural way whenever possible.
- Growing vegetables, fruit and nuts organically.
People care
The guideline is to meet human needs and respect all people, regardless of gender, colour, religion or belief. Some examples of how Eco Esprit contributes to this ideal:
- Donate the surplus food from the land to social projects.
- Draw attention to the beautiful people who put effort in fighting polarisation, misunderstanding, discrimination, injustice and destruction of nature. We link their story to a strong tree in the food forest.
Fair share
The natural resources on the planet provide us with things necessary for life such as shelter, food, clothing, water, energy and all sorts of daily used products. When resources are distributed fairly, there will be enough available for the current generation and future generations. But when technology and trade ignore limits, this can result in inequality, injustice and unfair distribution, both locally and globally.
Some examples of how Eco Esprit contributes to this ideal:
- Sharing surplus food with others.
- Recycling our garden waste.
- Using second-hand items and materials when available and possible.
- Reuse of soil from the land and enrich it with natural fertilizer
Above mentioned ethic is not unique to permaculture. Many cultures and communities live according to similar values. With this positive, social and ecological approach, abundance is generated without anyone having to go without.