The spring of 2023 will forever be etched in the history of Silveira Tech. After a long time of dreaming and planning the revitalization of the ancient village, we proudly launched our Basecamp, hosting an immersive learning experience called The Regenerative Systems Design Retreat.
Our adventure started on the new moon of April 21st, when participants from seven different countries arrived for the first day of connection and engagement in the course. The cultural diversity among us ignited a vibrant exchange of personal stories, dreams, knowledge, and even music. Despite being strangers at the outset, we were already united by a shared reverence for Nature.
The regenerative systems retreat was structured into three distinct cycles, with each cycle consisting of four days of intensive content and one day dedicated to integration, reflection, and personal application in our own life designs.
Permaculture, unfortunately, remains somewhat misunderstood in contemporary times. Some view it as a means of preserving traditional knowledge that has been lost over the centuries, while others perceive it merely as an agricultural technique.
In the initial days of the regenerative systems retreat, it became evident that these perceptions fell short of capturing the true essence of permaculture. It goes beyond the preservation of knowledge; it encompasses the active involvement of humans as integral components. At its core, permaculture is guided by three ethical principles:
Earth Care: creating conditions that support life.
People Care: ensuring access to a more abundant life for all.
Future Care: maintaining economic balance and considering the well-being of future generations.
The ultimate goal is to plan and design actions that nurture life itself. By embracing and internalizing these principles, Permaculture transforms into a guiding compass that supports decision-making across various aspects of our lives, careers, and communities.
The role of a Regenerative Systems Designer is to develop a profound understanding of nature, meticulously observing patterns at both micro and macro scales. By interconnecting these patterns, a strategy is created to enhance and improve natural cycles, creating an environment where all forms of life can flourish.
Throughout the journey, students were exposed to both theoretical and practical classes, covering essential subjects such as Water Systems, Soils, Bioconstruction, and Landform Implementations.
We also delved into the analysis of the Regenerative Masterplan of Silveira, presenting details of our implementation strategy to create a resilient and regenerative system across 220 hectares of land.
This is just the beginning! The basecamp holds a vital role in our project as it enables us to effectively organize and expand our ecological implementation.
All the structures have been meticulously designed to be easily disassembled and reassembled in different locations, adapting to the evolving needs of our project. This flexibility empowers us to efficiently organize and scale our ecological initiatives while also supporting Silveira’s community and facilitating other educational events.
As our project evolves and progresses, this provisional place serves as a living testament to our commitment to regenerative systems practices and our dedication to creating a sustainable future.
Our path ahead is long and filled with possibilities. Stay tuned for the upcoming chapters!