Ecology, Permaculture, and Natural Building

The course takes place in the beautiful South American country of Ecuador.

Spend a day in the UN designated eco-city of Bahia de Caraquez, visiting a recycled paper factory which provides environmental protection, environmental education, and community income production. Then tour "Heart Island" by canoe, a national wildlife refuge which has one of the best-conserved mangrove ecosystems in the coastal region. Also learn about the reforestation programs happening around the city.

Spend 5 days at the Rio Muchacho Organic Farm. Rio Muchacho demonstrates a combination of organic agriculture, permaculture, local traditional moon planting, renewable energies and recycling of almost everything. While at the farm participants will build an earthen cob oven, learn about composting and organic agriculture, and learn about and tour the methane biodigestor, bicycle powered water pump, and solar electric systems. Optional activities at the farm include milking cows, harvesting fruits and vegetables, making cups, spoons, and jewelry from local plants, swimming in the river, or making chocolate from the bean to the cup.

Then spend one day at Canoa, a beautiful quiet beach town on the Pacific coast where you can lounge, swim or even rent a surfboard.

The workshop price includes lodging, most meals, and in-country transportation from Quito. Part of the tuition helps fund the purchase of materials for the earthen cob oven for the community.

Topics Include

• Appropriate Technology Projects & Applications
• Introduction to Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Energy
• Composting and Sustainable Agriculture
• Methane Biodigestors
• Introduction to Permaculture
• Natural Construction
• Construction of an earthen bread oven

For information on SEI's Solar Professionals Certificate Program please click here.  For information on SEI's workshop and training program policies please click here.