11th International Permaculture Convergence and Research Tour
Global Exchange Reality Tours has been asked by the 11th International Permaculture Convergence (International Support Group) to arrange travel for US participants to the International Permaculture Convergence in Havana, Cuba, November 24 - December 8, 2013.
In addition to the conference, convergence, and permaculture site visits in Cuba, a pre-conference Permaculture Design Course will be offered November 11 - 24. Attendance at the course will certifiy participants to attend the actual Convergence in Los Cocos, a rustic seaside campground, Nov 29 - Dec 3. (Alternative sustainable agriculture-oriented programming will be offered for those who do not have IPC certification.)
The exact costs for each portion of the IPC (see schedule below) will be available in January 2013.
Global Exchange is a licensed Cuba Travel Service Provider by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the US Treasury Department. Participants will travel under a "general license", as professionals or students, unless other arrangements have been made.
This trip is open to full time professionals/practitioners/activists in the areas of agriculture, food and nutrition, environmental protection, environmental education, appropriate technology, and other fields related to permaculture and to sustainable development in general. Professors and university students of similarly themed degree programs across the US are also eligible.
The URL for the webpage of the 11th International Permaculture Convergence (IPC) will be posted here as soon as it is available.
The URL for the webpage of US chapters of the IPC will be posted here as they become available.
For more information on Eco Cuba Network.
For articles, blogs and videos on environmental protection and sustainable development in Cuba: Cuba Resources.
If you have any question as to whether you qualify as a legal participant, please contact: Pam Montanaro, US Coordinator of Eco Cuba Network, 510-649-1052.
IPC Schedule of events:
November 11 - 24: Permaculture Design Course (pre-conference event for IPC certification)
November 24 - December 8: Conference, Convergence, Site visits
November 25 - 27: IPC Conference
November 28: Field trip to urban permaculture sites
November 29 - December 3: International Permaculture Convergence: at Los Cocos (campsite by the sea) on Jibacoa beach
Day One: Island permaculture
Day Two: Climate change
Day Three: Urban perspective
December 4 -5: Country-wide research tours
City tour of Havana with focus on sustainable development
Urban and rural permaculture site visits
Meetings with foremost Cuban practitioners of permaculture
Meetings with Cuban experts in complementary fields (renewable energy, environmental protection, sustainable development)
IPC Conference and site visits
International Permaculture Convergence (for participants with IPC certification)
Visits to Cuban Biosphere Reserves
Cultural options
Pre conference workshop (November 11 - 24)
TBD
You may pre-register for this tour online, prior to our receiving final dates, venues and fees.
We must receive your application and a non-refundable deposit of $500 three months before departure, or earlier. Payments by Mastercard, Visa and Discover are welcome.
Final payment will be due six weeks before departure.
This tour will be as diverse as possible in terms of race, age and life experiences. We strongly urge people of color to apply. In some cases, a limited number of partial scholarships are available for low-income applicants.