INFOPACK: PermaWoodlands | 11st 22nd November 2024 — Laconi, Sardinia — Italy
What to expect from this Training Course in Sardinia
Dates: 11th NOVEMBER (arrival day) — 22nd NOVEMBER (departure day)
Venue: Laconi (Centre Sardinia), Italy (map)
Organizers: Associazione Culturale Giovani Iddocca
Project Summary
The PermaWoodlands project was created with the ambitious goal of combating global warming and youth social unrest in rural areas through an innovative and sustainable approach. This training course is a unique opportunity for young workers, activists and members of youth organisations who wish to acquire skills in permaculture and reforestation using the Miyawaki method.
The Miyawaki method, developed by the Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, is known for its ability to create dense, biodiverse forests in a relatively short time by selecting potential natural vegetation and promoting natural soil regeneration. By integrating this method with permaculture principles, the project aims to create self-sufficient green spaces that improve the quality of life in local communities.
Objectives
The PermaWoodlands TC has several key objectives:
- Environmental Education: To provide participants with comprehensive training in permaculture principles and the Miyawaki methodology, in order to promote urban and rural reforestation practices and to be able to replicate them in their own communities.
- Youth Empowerment: To provide youth workers with the tools necessary to become leaders in their communities, capable of initiating and managing sustainable environmental projects.
- Community Involvement: Creating a tangible impact in the Làconi community by involving the local population in the creation of a sustainable, shared green area.
Where and When
The TC will be held in Làconi, Sardinia, from 11th to 22nd November 2024. Làconi is a small municipality located in a rural area, characterised by a strong connection with nature, but also by economic and social challenges that make environmental intervention particularly relevant.
Main Activity:
During the 10-day course, participants will be involved in a series of theoretical and practical activities:
- Theoretical Sessions: Insights into permaculture, the Miyawaki method and nursery self-production techniques.
- Practical Workshops: Creation of a green space in Làconi, with the planting of an urban forest according to the Miyawaki method.
- Group Work: Development of replicable reforestation projects that participants can implement in their home communities.
- Community Meetings: Awareness-raising activities and involvement of the local population, to promote a culture of sustainability.
Planning learning outcome
- Gain an in-depth understanding of the basic principles of permaculture and the Miyawaki methodology for creating urban forests.
- Learn how to design and implement sustainable green spaces using permaculture and reforestation techniques.
- Gain knowledge in plant production and management, with a focus on nursery gardening for reforestation.
- Develop leadership and facilitation skills to engage local communities in reforestation and sustainability projects.
- Learn to design, plan and implement projects that have a positive social and environmental impact.
- Foster the creation of an international network of young people active in the field of sustainability and reforestation.
- Raise awareness of global environmental challenges and the importance of biodiversity, adapting to the local cultural context.
Who we are looking for
PermaWoodlands targets youth workers from Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece and Bulgaria. The profile of the participants we are looking for includes:
- Age 18+
- Young people coming from rural backgrounds or disadvantaged urban areas, with a focus on those facing situations of economic, social or cultural hardship.
- People with a strong interest in environmental issues and sustainability who wish to acquire practical skills to make a difference in their communities.
- Specific previous experience is not required, but it is preferable that participants have some form of involvement in social, environmental or youth activities.
- Participants with an aptitude for teamwork, leadership and communication, willing to share their experiences and work together to achieve common goals.
Our Team
Carlo Coni | Project Manager
Carlo is an expert in European projects with a focus on territorial development and youth empowerment. Since 2011, through Giovani Iddocca, he has promoted cultural and social initiatives in Sardinia, facilitating the participation of over 200 young people in Erasmus+ programmes and other European opportunities. He co-founded Treballu Hub, the first rural coliving and coworking space in Sardinia.
Virginia Secci | Project Manager and Facilitator
Virginia Secci contributes her expertise in program development and facilitation to the project. With a background in training, communication, and marketing, Virginia is equipped to design and implement engaging programs for the project’s first phase. Her role involves shaping the content and ensuring that the project aligns with the youth sector priorities outlined by the Council of Europe.
Annalisa Zaccaria | Project Manager and Facilitator
Euro-designer, environmental educator and designer of natural green spaces. She integrates sustainability, permaculture and natural balance into her projects. From her experience in activism and as a volunteer, she takes up and applies innovative educational methods for environmental empowerment and awareness, promoting a deep connection with nature and people.
Silvia Corna | Environmental educator, agroforestry designer and facilitator
Facilitating the connection of people to themselves, the land and their communities, Silvia Corna is an environmental educator and a permaculture designer specialised in traditional agroforestry and reforestation systems, such as the Miyawaki method. With 8 years in the field of agroecology and social projects, she believes in the transformative power of intercultural and interspecies encounters.
Logistic and Accomodation
- SLEEPING: you will be accommodated to the “Oasi Francescana”, you will be guests of the Capuchin friars in shared rooms (2–3 maximum) and en-suite bathrooms. Sheets, blankets and towels will be provided (hair dryer, shampoo and shower gel not included).
- FOOD: Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) will be organised and managed by the “Oasi”. Will be mostly vegetarian. Food quality and respect for everyone’s needs will be guaranteed (if you have any and have not communicated it, now is the time).
Tap water is not drinkable there, so bring along a water bottle to fill.
- ACTIVITY ROOM: Activities will take place at the Oasi Francescana.
Coffee breaks will be served there. - OUTDOOR ACTIVITY: Weather permitting, there will be outdoor activities at Aymerich Park, a huge city park that is more like a forest, the entrance to which is in the historic centre, a 15-minute walk from the Oasi.
- INTERNET: If you need an internet connection, the Oasi have WiFi, the psw it’s: santignazio2023. Otherwise, the whole town is covered by an adequate and decent internet connection. The oasis has wifi connection.
!!! It will not be possible to use the washing machine, so bring the necessary clothing for the duration of the training course.
What shops, restaurants, bars, etc. can you find in Laconi?
- 4 bar
- 2 tobacconists
- 1 newsstand
- 2 supermarkets and 1 minimarket
- 1 pharmacy
- 1 pizzeria/restaurant
- 1 pub
- 1 gym
!!! Consider that we are in a small town, so for some purchases it is better to have cash. There is an ATM where you can make withdrawals.
The shops close for lunch (about 1pm to 4/5pm) and then close around 7pm-8pm.
What you can do during your free time?
- OUTDOOR ACTIVITY: The territory of Laconi is one of the largest in the whole of Sardinia. You will be able to go on several hikes and we will be happy to show you the best ones.
- SPORT ACTIVITIES: There is a gymnasium in the village and it is possible to rent the tennis courts, gymnasium or football pitch to play sports. If you like running, the park is the best place!
The gym it’s open from 7 a.m. to 9.30 p.m., every day including Sundays. The cost is €15.00 per day, which includes insurance and use of the gym.
- LEISURE ACTIVITY: If you feel like relaxing, you can discover the village and its history, visit the local wine cellars, relax in the park, or simply enjoy the park with a good book.
What temperature to expect
The weather in recent years has been very variable, ranging from minimum temperatures of 7°C with strong gusts of cold wind, to warmer days of up to 15–20°C. Consider varied clothing and do not underestimate the cold. You will be updated before your arrival.
Well-being and health care
All the participants should bring their european health card. You can use the free european health insurance card (ehic) to allow you access to public hospital treatment.
Please be aware that the ehic is not a travel insurance policy, it will not cover private health care, non-emergency health costs, or being flown back to your home country.
Participants who cannot have the european health insurance card should have an insurance valid for the whole duration of the project.
We highly recommend you to make a health & travel insurance for the full duration of your time in Italy. If you have to isolate and make quarantine we cannot cover the cost for it.
If you need to take regular medications, please arrange it by yourself as we are unable to provide them for you. There is a pharmacy in the village, but in many cases they won’t sell you anything without a medical prescription.
Likewise, if you have any health conditions, psychological issues, disabilities or mobility issues that you feel we need to be aware of or that may affect your participation in the activities, then please let us know what they are and how we could assist you :)
How to arrive in Sardinia
You can get to Sardinia in two ways, by ferry and by plane. Keep in mind that the closest airport to Laconi, as well as the largest and most connected airport on the island, is Cagliari.
If you have special needs when booking your trip, please contact us first and we will work out together how to find a solution within the limits of our possibilities.
BY PLANE, you can choose between 3 airports:
- Cagliari (closest to Laconi)
- Olbia (7.00 h away from Laconi)
- Alghero (6.00 h away from Laconi)
BY FERRY, you can choose between 3 ports:
- Cagliari
- Olbia
- Porto Torres
We recommend you look at these links in case you want to come with the ferry:
https://moby.it
https://tirrenia.it
https://grimaldi-lines.com
An important detail is that you should buy your tickets after our confirmation. Otherwise, your tickets could be considered not reimbursable. We engage ourselves to reimburse only tickets which were confirmed by our team.
FROM CAGLIARI TO LACONI
Once in Cagliari, to reach Laconi there is a bus that leaves from the bus station, opposite the train station, piazza Matteotti, at these times:
- Departure: 14.04 — Arrival Laconi: 16.03 (this also passes through the airport at 14.22)
- Departure: 14.30 — Arrival Laconi: 16.38
- Departure: 20.00 — Arrival Laconi: 22.00
App to purchase tickets: Dropticket
If your flight arrives very late, there is the possibility of booking a transfer, at your own expense, which would be part of your travel expenses, but for this it is better to be several people and we should know and organise this in advance. In case, write to us, but consider that it could cost at least 60,00€.
FROM LACONI TO CAGLIARI
- Departure: 05.35 — Arrival Cagliari: 07.54
- Departure: 06.45 — Arrival Cagliari: 08.48 (this also passes through the airport at 08.41)
- Departure: 07.48 — Arrival Cagliari: 10.01
- Departure: 16.50 — Arrival Cagliari: 18.56
The ticket price is 6.10€.
Travel rembursment
The travel costs of the participants will be refunded, after the training course, once participants will have completed all the mandatory tasks.
Budget Limit:
ITALY — 0€/participant
BULGARIA — 275€/participant
GREECE — 275€/participant
SPAIN — 275€/participant
PORTUGAL — 275€/participant
It is possible to receive reimbursement for travel up to one day before the project start date (10 November) and one day after the end of the project (23 November).
No reimbursement is possible for any accommodation on these dates.
Dissemination and Follow-up
The training course will output a dedicated online platform, which will serve as a central hub for sharing information, resources and project updates. The platform will be publicly accessible and will include:
- Detailed project documentation, including reports, case studies and project results. A practical guide for reforestation and sustainability practices.
- Teaching materials, including curricula and syllabuses.
- Video and multimedia content showing project activities and successes.
Participants will then be asked to contribute to the dissemination of the project through:
1. contributing to the platform content;
2. organising at least one dissemination event in their city, once they return from the training, documenting it with photos and/or videos to be shared on social media and sent to the “Giovani Iddocca” by 31 January 2025.
To apply
If you are focused on the following topics:
1. Youth Participation & Empowerment
2. Environmental Regeneration
3. Rural Development
4. Community Resilience
