Urban Permacultural Garden 5

Project: The Natate Permacultural Space is an area where volunteers put into practice principles of
restoration, re-organization, and maintenance of a natural environment using, as much as possible, the
elements that exist in on site, including wood, organic matter, traditional and worm composts, etc.
Furthermore, this space will become a demonstration site and meeting place for other volunteers and
community members in reference to knowledge and training in the areas of urban agriculture, recycling
and re-use, and sustainable culture and practices in San Cristobal de las Casas. Towards these goals,
volunteers will work in four principle areas.
Activities:
· RECYCLING . We are creating an urban garden and permaculture demonstration site by re-using
diverse materials that are already on hand. By being attentive to both the available materials and
the proposed works, we can investigate and utilize techniques that will implement a thoughtful and
effective transformation of this space.
· RESPECT FOR THE LOCAL CULTURE. The traditional knowledge of the region, especially in the area
of medicinal and agricultural plant species, will be consulted in the design of this space. In Chiapas
there is plentiful and available knowledge on this topic, which is used to treat and feed many. As
such, this project includes an investigation into agricultural and forestry practices in the region. This
will entail excursions to different parts of Chiapas to meet and consult with local persons with
experience in the identification, harvest, processing, and application of medicinal plants. Also,
knowledge in the area of organic pest-control, systems of cultivation, seed production, and recycling
of organic materials will be sought.
· DEMONSTRATION SPACE . We hope this space will serve as an educational meeting place for
those interested in the richness of Chiapas in terms of biodiversity, ethnobotany, and culture. It is
important that the natural resources of this region are considered not only in economical terms, but
as invaluable cultural components that... are tangible in their use and estimation. As we look for
alternative and sustainable ways of living, we have found that their realization implies our careful
attention, sharing of knowledge and resources, collaboration of efforts, and appropriate
applications within contexts of culture and place.
· PERMACULTURE . We will endeavor to create a space, which may act as a point of reference with
regards to permaculture practices.
Accommodation: Volunteers will stay in shared rooms in a convivial youth hostel in San Cristobal de las
Casas, located five minutes walking distance from the Natate office and ten minutes from the historic city
centre. They will have access to all basic facilities, including eco-kitchen and eco-bathrooms. Be prepared
for hand washing your own clothes (or send them to a laundry). Try to be environmentally friendly as
possible and use resources with care and modesty, especially because your behaviour is part of the
project ;)
Location: The beautiful city of San Cristobal de las Casas is the capital of the municipality of the same
name in the Mexican state of Chiapas. Located in the Maya Highlands at an altitude of 2,100 meters, San
Cristobal is a distinctly charming town that has maintained its colonial architecture and Mexican flavour,
while welcoming many contemporary influences. This “pueblo magico” (magical town) has an engaging
character that results from the meeting and blending of indigenous, Mexican, and international bohemian
cultures. The surrounding region exhibits incredible biodiversity and natural areas can be reached from
the city within a half day’s travel or less. Points of interest nearby include natural parks, lakes, Mayan
archeological sites, coastal mangroves, waterfalls, canyons, and the beaches of the Pacific.
Language: English is the most common language used in workcamps, however, being able to
communicate in Spanish can be very useful. Taking the opportunity to learn or improve your Spanish while
here, will greatly enrich your experience!
Comment: You are invited to join the Intensive Spanish Week Program for Volunteers, or also a Mayan
Language Week Program if you are a Spanish speaker and you would like to discover the richness of the
Mayan living culture. The courses take place a week before your workcamp.
Terminal: The closest international airport: Angel Albino Corzo, Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas (TGZ). Bus
Terminal: OCC San Cristobal de las Casas.
Extra-fee: Since we do not receive funds to support your participation in the camp, you are asked to
contribute 2,950 Mexican pesos (170 euros aprox.). It includes accommodation, food, administrative
costs, transportation within the project, and some extra activities. The fee has to be paid by volunteers to
campleader or to Natate’s Workcamps Coordinator upon arrival to the meeting point.