CAP-OP2: Implementation & Evaluation: UA project

Following the training in Feb 22^nd, I had a meetings with Fadi in which we discussed on permaculture, and methods for spreading permaculture techniques indirectly through his series of urban agriculture training courses. Afterwards I introduced him to two of my old permaculture allies: Hounada, and Dima.

- Dima Sabboura: She’s doing a  Masters program at the faculty of Agriculture in Damascus University. she is highly interested in permaculture and has so far provided me with great support on my urban gardening project. She is currently contributing to the Organic Agriculture  Facebook page.  

Hounada Al Sadat: has long been an ally on permaculture activities. She is a an environment activist and botanic expert. Although she is around 20 years older however our friendship goes back to 4 years already.

Dima, Hounada, Fadi and I agreed to work together on expanding the  work that Fadi had started by  offering more training courses and improving the training material. Since all members of the group have a rough idea about permaculture, we agreed that this type of training is an excellent entry point which will lead to introducing some of the permaculture techniques and ways of work under a more familiar name.

Additionally, I made contact with another NGO named Environment Protection and Sustainable Development Society. They had previously showed great interest in my permaculture activities. One of the NGO members, Mr. Riad Kabikli was a good resource for me while doing my compost research. I  recently briefed him and the head of the NGO on our idea of initiating a training on urban agriculture, and they were so supportive that they offered to link us with the Ministry of environment and Agriculture extensions for any needed support.

I am currently working on putting a concept note and a detailed project  plan to be shared and agreed upon with the project team as a first step, then with potential project partners including the Environment Protection and Sustainable Development Society, the United Nations Development Programme (the organization I work with currently, though unofficially) who had showed interest in this work, ministries, and any other potential partner.

This project will be the theme of my next OP which will be produced after the programme pause by October this year.