A Celebration of Community & Earth at Arenal Volcano

Held near Costa Rica’s iconic Arenal Volcano, the 2023 International Permaculture Day, organized by the Gavilana Permaculture Network, brought together local and global advocates for a day of learning, sharing, and collaboration. Hosted at the vibrant AWU Maki restaurant, the event embodied permaculture principles through workshops, artisan showcases, and communal feasts, all set against a backdrop of ecological inspiration.

Community Feast & Seed Exchange

Participants transformed homegrown produce into a vibrant communal meal: soups, stir-fries, herbal infusions, and moonshine infused with *nancite* fruit. Seed swaps and plant sales buzzed alongside, fostering resilience through shared abundance.

Folklore Carved in Reclaimed Wood

Fredy Acuña’s sculptures, crafted from salvaged wood, blurred myth and imagination. His internationally acclaimed work breathed new life into Costa Rican folklore, proving art and sustainability are inseparable.

Black Soldier Flies: Permaculture’s Tiny Titans

Walter of El Castillo demystified Black Soldier Fly (BSF) cultivation, showcasing their role in waste-to-feed systems. Visitors marveled at live larvae destined to nourish chickens, tilapia, and even dogs.

Hive Insights: Bees as Ecosystem Allies

Beekeeper Victor Hugo unveiled a live hive behind glass, highlighting bees’ irreplaceable role. His award-winning expertise shone through discussions on honey, propolis, and queen-rearing.

From Vine to Table: The Art of Black Pepper

Francisco from Boca Tapada charmed crowds with black pepper plants, products, and serenades. His small-scale farm educates visitors on pepper’s journey from vine to spice rack.

Handwoven Heritage: Hammocks & Jewelry

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Daniel and Lena’s intricate hammocks and jewelry, rooted in La Fortuna’s traditions, merged utility and artistry—a testament to slow, intentional craftsmanship.

Kimchi & Culture: Fermentation at AWU Maki

Restaurateur Sun bridged Korea and Costa Rica with organic kimchi, showcasing fermentation’s power to preserve flavor and community ties.

Celebrating Community & Resilience

The day culminated in laughter, music, and exchanges—seeds, skills, and stories. A testament to decentralized action, the event wove a tapestry of global and local resilience.

This reportage offers a snapshot of the 2023 International Permaculture Day and is not an exhaustive account. We extend sincere apologies to participants and contributors not featured here, as selections were made in the spirit of showcasing the event’s diverse energy.

Learn more about Gavilana Permaculture Network: www.gavilana.com/about