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Some of the most impactful regeneration work we can do is to protect even a single species that belongs to that ecosystem, as amply illustrated by all the examples above. This one about whales is a particularly moving one...

When whales were at their historic populations, before their numbers were reduced, it seems that whales might have been responsible for removing tens of millions of tonnes of carbon from the atmosphere every year. Whales change the climate. The return of the great whales, if they are allowed to recover, could be seen as a benign form of geo-engineering. It could undo some of the damage we have done, both to the living systems of the sea, and to the atmosphere.

'No one leaves any more'

Ethiopia's restored drylands offer new hope

“Ninety percent of our youth are here. Compared to nearby villages, the main difference is that ours has become full of water. Because of that they are earning a lot of money from vegetables, livestock fattening and dairy.”

In 2012 the UN recognised the achievements of this village and awarded it the Equator prize: “Abrha We Atsbha has reclaimed over 224,000 hectares of land,” reads the citation. “Tree planting [has] resulted in improved soil quality, higher crop yields, greater biomass production, groundwater functioning, and flood prevention.”

“We worked day and night for the whole community to do two things,” says Abahawi. “Protect the landscape from any free grazing by cattle and treat the whole catchment with trees. We held on to the water and improved water flow and underground water recharge.”

....

Communities do turn around. Across the world, drylands are the leading source of environmental refugees. Although Ethiopia’s restoration movement may need more scale, the country’s accomplishments give global hope for populations forced to move on by worn-down land.

In Abreha We Atsibha, a tall tree called Faidherbia albida grows amid crops. Grass is lush. Asked about migration, two men cutting grass for stall-fed cows say: “No one leaves this place any more.”

Read full article here in the Guardian

Sustainable Living through Permaculture Systems

Warren Brush (Exec. Dir., Quail Springs Permaculture Gardens) guides us through the various interdependent sustainable living & food production systems at Quail Spring Permaculture Gardens & Sustainable Living Facilities (Maricopa, Ca.). Produced for public television by Barrett Productions, Ventura, Ca. More info www.quailsprings.org

"Permaculture Trio"

Forest Gardening, Edible Landscapes & Urban Permaculture

United Kingdom examples

This video consists of three mini-documentaries:

1. (0:12) FOREST GARDENING with Robert Hart

Find out loads about what forest gardening is, and how to make your own!

2. (15:55) PLANTS FOR A FUTURE with Ken Fern

Second is an amazing case study about Rural Permaculture in Britain, showcasing loads of amazing edible plants, aquaculture and flowers, as well as fantastic medicinal plants. Look out for a cure for female infertility that's dropped in here!

3. (32:08) URBAN PERMACULTURE with Mike & Julia Guerra

This is a brilliant and inspiring documentary of permaculture techniques used effectively in an urban back garden. WIth little more than 2 hours of work a week, this couple produce about a fifth of their food intake!