Welcome!

This is a project of Santa Cruz Permaculture focused on creating a directory that Bill Mollison envisioned in his Permaculture Designer's Manual for "assembling practical resources (people, skills, machinery, services, biological products) essential to the functioning of a small region, and assisting the conservation of resources, regional cash flow, the survival of settlement, employment and community security. (Security here means a cooperative neighborhoods and ample, sustainable resources for people.)"

The primary categories are as follows:

• A. Food and food support systems
• B. Shelter and buildings
• C. Livelihoods and support services
• D. Information, media, communication, and research
• E. Community and security
• F. Social life
• G. Health services
• H. Future trends
• L. Transport services
• M. Appendices (maps, publications of the bioregion)

All of the above sections can contain case histories of successful strategies in that area.

CATEGORY A – FOOD AND FOOD SUPPORT SYSTEMS

Criteria: Native and economic species, organic and biocide free, products of good nutritional value.

A1. Plant resources

• 1.1 Nurseries and propagation centers, tissue culture, sources of inoculants, mycorrhiza.
• 1.2 Plant collections and botanical gardens, economic plant assemblies, aquatic species.
• 1.3 Research institutes, horticultural and pastoral agencies.
• 1.4 Seed sources and seed exchanges.
• 1.5 Native species reserves and nurseries.
• 1.6 Demonstration farms and gardens, teaching centers, workshop conveners.
• 1.7 Government departments and their resources, regulations.
• 1.8 Voluntary agencies involved in plant protection, planting, and propagation.
• 1.9 Skilled people, botanists, horticulturists.
• 1.10 Publications and information leaflets of use in the region, reference books, libraries, posters.
• 1.11 Contractors and consultancy groups: implementation of plant systems, farm designs.
• 1.12 Produce: products and producers in region, growers.
• 1.13 Checklist of vegetables, fruits and nuts which can be grown in the region and species useful for other than food provision.

A2. Animal resources

• 2.1 Breeders and stud or propagation centers, artificial insemination, hatcheries.
• 2.2 Species collections, including worms and like invertebrates.
• 2.3 Fish breeders and aquatic species.
• 2.4 Useful native species collections and reserves, potential for cultivation.
• 2.5 Demonstration farms, e.g. free range, bee culture, workshop conveners, teaching centers.
• 2.6 Government departments and their resources, regulations.
• 2.7 Voluntary agencies and animal protection societies.
• 2.8 Skilled people, farriers, vets, natural historians.
• 2.9 Contractors (shearers, etc.) and consultancy groups, farm designers.
• 2.10 Publications, posters, libraries for the region
• 2.11 Produce: species and suppliers in region.

A3. Integrated pest management (IPM)

• 3.1 Insectaries and invertebrate predator breeders and suppliers of biological controls.
• 3.2 Suppliers of safe control chemicals, traps.
• 3.3 Information sources on IPM.
• 3.4 Pest management of stored grains and foods.
• 3.5 References and libraries
• 3.6 Checklist of common pests and predators, and safe pest control procedures.

A4. Processing and food preservation

• 4.1 Suppliers of processing equipment.
• 4.2 Food Processing Centers (FPCs).
• 4.3 Information sources on food processing and preservation.
• 4.4 Sources of yeasts, bacterial and algal ferment materials.
• 4.5 Processed-product producers in region.

A5. Markets and outlets

• 5.1 Local markets, farmer’s markets.
• 5.2 Delivery services.
• 5.3 Export markets and wholesalers.
• 5.4 Urban-rural co-op systems, direct marketing.
• 5.5 Retail outlets.
• 5.6 Market advisory skills and groups, contract and legal skills.
• 5.7 Roadside and self-pick sales.
• 5.8 Market packaging and package suppliers, ethical packaging systems and designs.
• 5.9 Annual barter fair, health fairs, conferences, etc.

A6. Support services and products for food production

• 6.1 Residue testing services for biocides, also nutrient, mineral and vitamin content (food quality control).
• 6.2 Soil, water and leaf analysis services for micronutrients and soil additives, water analyses, pH levels.
• 6.3 Hydrological and water supply services (dams, domestic water), design and implementation.
• 6.4 Fence and trellis suppliers and services, cattle grids and gates.
• 6.5 Suppliers of natural fertilizers, mulch materials, trace elements, soil amendments.
• 6.6 Farm machinery, garden and domestic tool suppliers (see also processing), appropriate and tested equipment, fabricators and designers, repair services, hire and contract services.
• 6.7 Land planning services.
• 6.8 Greenhouse, shadehouse, food dryers, suppliers, and appropriate materials.
• 6.9 Lime quarries and sources, stone dusts, local trace mineral sources, regional geological resources.

CATEGORY B – SHELTER, BUILDINGS

Criteria: Energy efficient house design and non-toxic materials only

• B1. Construction materials
  • 1.1 Timber growers and suppliers, community timber plantations.
  • 1.2 Stone and gravel, earth materials.
  • 1.3 Plumbing and piping, drainage, roofing.
  • 1.4 Bricks and concrete products (tanks, blocks, etc.)
  • 1.5 Tiles and surfaces, paints (non-toxic)
  • 1.6 Furniture and fittings.
  • 1.7 Tools and fasteners, tool sharpening services and repairs, glues and tapes.
  • 1.8 Library and research resources.
  • 1.9 Current state of housing in the region (numbers seeking housing, rentals available).
  • 1.10 Sources of toxins and unsafe materials in buildings, appliances, furnishings, paints and glues; high voltage equipment.
• B2. Energy systems
  • 2.1 Home appliances for energy conservation and efficiency, energy saving and insulation.
  • 2.2 Hot water systems, solar systems.
  • 2.3 Space heating and house design for the region.
  • 2.4 Power generation systems for region: current and proposed.
  • 2.5 Appropriate technology groups, research centers and demonstrations.
  • 2.6 Designers of low energy home systems and buildings.
  • 2.7 Sources of information, publications, trade literature, and library resources.
  • 2.8 Reliable contractors and builders.
• B3. Wastes, recycling
  • 3.1 Sewage and greywater disposal (domestic).
  • 3.2 Compost systems and organics.
  • 3.3 Solid wastes disposal and collection (boxes, bottles, plastics).
  • 3.4 Occupations based on waste recycling.
• B4. Regulations, Fees, Permits and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)
  • 4.1 Santa Cruz County ADU - Fees and Permits
  • 4.2 Examples of green buildings
  • 4.3 Reliable contractors and builders
  • 4.4 Santa Cruz County Planning and Zoning Information

CATEGORY C – LIVELIHOODS & SUPPORT SYSTEMS

Criteria: Concept of right livelihood or socially useful work. Durable and well-made items.

• C1. Community finance and recycling
  • 1.1 Barter and exchange.
  • 1.2 Small business loans.
  • 1.3 Community banking and investment systems.
  • 1.4 Land access systems, cooperatives, leases, trusts.
  • 1.5 Legal and information services.
  • 1.6 Local currencies
• C2. Livelihood support services
  • 2.1 Small business service centers, business incubators.
  • 2.2 Skills resource bank: business, legal and financial advisory services, volunteer and retired people.
  • 2.3 Self-employment (work from fulfilling regional needs: job vacancy lists).
  • 2.4 Training courses in region.
• C3. Essential trades, and manufacturing services and skills
  • 3.1 Clothing and cloth (spinning, weaving).
  • 3.2 Footwear and accessories, leatherwork.
  • 3.3 Basketry and weaving, mats and screens.
  • 3.4 Functional pottery.
  • 3.5 Steelwork, fitting and turning, smithing and casting, welding.
  • 3.6 Functional woodwork
  • 3.7 Engines and engine repairs.
  • 3.8 Functional glasswork.
  • 3.9 Paper recycling and manufacture, book trades, printing and binding.
  • 3.10 Catering and cooking (food preparation).
  • 3.11 Drafting and illustrating services.
  • 3.12 Soaps, cleaning materials.

CATEGORY D – INFORMATION SYSTEMS, MEDIA SERVICES, COMMUNICATIONS AND RESEARCH.

Criteria: Essential community information, aids, and research

• D1. Communications networks
  • 1.1 Regional radio and C.B., ham radio.
  • 1.2 Regional news and newspapers, newsletters.
  • 1.3 Audio-visual services, photography, television, film
  • 1.4 Business and research communications e.g. fax, telex, modem, card files, computer, journals, libraries, graphics, telephone answering services.
  • 1.5 Computer services and training.
  • 1.6 Libraries and collections of data in region.
  • 1.7 Maps.
  • 1.8 Bioregional groups and contacts—local and overseas.
  • 1.9 Standard documents and data sheets available via the bioregional center.
  • 1.10 Community calendars

CATEGORY E – COMMUNITY AND SECURITY.

• E1. House and livestock security
• E2. Fire volunteers and reports (4 wheel drive clubs)
  • 1.1 House siting.
  • 1.2 Neighborhood watch.
  • 1.3 Cattle and livestock watch.
• E3. Flood (cleanup)
• E4. Woodland, cliff, beach rescue services
• E5. Communication systems
  • 5.1 Report center.
  • 5.2 Emergency communications.

CATEGORY F - SOCIAL LIFE.

Criteria: Assistance for isolated people to meet people of like mind

• F1. Introductory services.
• F2. Think tanks.
• F3. Expeditions.
• F4. Work groups.

CATEGORY G – HEALTH SERVICES.

Criteria: Basic preventative and common ailment treatment, necessary hospitalization, accident treatment, local resources

• G1. Medical and pharmaceutical services.
• G2. Surgical and hospitalization services.
• G3. Gynecological and midwifery services, home birth support.
• G4. Profile of morbidity in region, life expectancy, infant mortality, causes of death, ailments in order of importance, under:
  • 4.1 Accidents & injuries; infectious diseases; addictions & drugs.
  • 4.2 Genetic and birth defects; nutritional problems.
  • Note: until the above listing is made, no region can assess health priorities.

CATEGORY H – FUTURE TRENDS & POTENTIAL THREATS TO THE REGION (AS A SERIES OF RESEARCH ESSAYS).

• H1. Climate change
• H2. Ozone depletion
• H3. Water pollution and biocides: radioactives and chemical or waste pollution.
• H4. Financial collapse: recession
• H5. Implications for policy making
• H6. Deforestation
• H7. Soil erosion
• H8. Fuel shortages
• H9. Food shortages
• H10. Etc.

CATEGORY I – TRANSPORT (SEE ALSO CATEGORY H).

• I1. Barge and river systems
• I2. Draft animal systems
• I3. Joint or group delivery/ portage
• I4. Innovations: local fuels and new sorts of vehicles
• I5. Transport routes, bikeways
• I6. Air and ultralight craft, blimps

CATEGORY M – APPENDICES.

• M1. Maps-Land titles
  • 1.1 Bioregional map
  • 1.2 Geological
  • 1.3 Plant system
  • 1.4 Soils
  • 1.5 Sources and reference to maps, suppliers
  • 1.6 Regions, parishes
  • 1.7 Access and roads
  • 1.8 Conservation land and easements
  • 1.9 Rivers and water supplies
• M2. Non-Profits and NGOs
• M3. Legal cases, policies, and precedents

Note that if essential services are listed, deficiencies noted, and leaks of capital detected, then there is immediately obvious a category of “jobs vacant” if, in addition, there is a modest investment or funding organization set up (itself a job), then capital to train and equip people to fill these gaps is also available. When basic needs are supplied locally, research and skills will reveal work in producing excess for traded this excess can be as information and education to other regions.