Problems to solve
I am mainly interested in intervening in the educational system, for the purpose of participating in an emerging paradigm shift and investing energy at a point of maximum leverage. I wish to create experiential educational experiences for myself, my community and particularly my future children that address many of the shortcoming of the system now.
The problems with the current education system include the lack of flexibility to change learning processes with rapidly changing technologies, no focus on identity formation and relationship to nature, no inclusion of spiral dynamics and a tier-II integral worldview, and an underdevelopment of the skills and knowledge that create independence and well-being.
The evidence for these problems has been shown to me through my own experiences and observation of their results. I certainly wouldn't be alone in this endeavor, as evidenced with GaiaU and the Permaculture movement in general, but would be adding my energies and unique perspective.
Solutions
To develop the family farm using Permaculture Principles as a place where others can have a profound experience that will challenge their current worldview and further their knowledge. To build a community of like-minded individuals who can support each other on the cutting edge. To get involved with online/distance/homeschool (hackschool) learning and create content that will assist others in their un/learning journeys (specifically my own children and perhaps others at the same time). To be able to travel and explore/teach/write/participate for part of every year. To run a consultancy that assists other in the design and implementation process.
Value proposition
The principle value proposition at the moment is the piece of land where I live. I believe this to not be only an opportunity for myself and my family, but the permaculture community as a whole to create something special. It is 185 acres of very high quality agricultural land that we have been given the green light to 'take back'. We have access to significant resources if a sensible plan can be created.
With other aspects of the project such as the educational side, I bring added value through my experience teaching and creating courses at the University and professional development levels. I also have a range of experiences that will be of great help with this project.
Replicability
While the project as a whole may be difficult to replicate, the goal is to have many smaller projects within that will be easily replicable. We want our clients to leave with specific, achievable next steps in mind and the motivation to take action. It could be seen as projects nested inside projects nested inside projects, hopefully being relevant to those working at any scale.
Boundary partners
1) Clients (visitors, tourists and locals). Must see: enhanced sense of connection to nature, new knowledge acquisition related to self-reliance. Like to see: questioning of current worldviews, opening of mind to alternatives. Love to see: evidence of paradigm-shift, articulation of new goals.
2) Local community members. Must see: increased interest in sustainability and eco-tourism, opening of communication lines. Like to see: increased community collaboration, greater trust and reliability. Love to see: local adaptation of sustainable farming practices, elimination of garbage dumping, reformation of local education.
Existing alternatives
There is an emerging trend of eco-tourism in Chile as well as a few well-known organic vineyards not too far away. That being said, there is nothing we have seen that combines all of the elements that we are looking to combine. The blend of organic wine tourism, eco tourism and permaculture education as well as an interesting historical element (a famous botanist/naturalist was born and raised here in 1740) make for a product that is unique.
On the educational side, I am very interested in further exploring models similar to Gaia for children if any exist as well as contribute to GaiaU and other existing models for adults. I am very interested in content creation and curriculum design on the cutting edge of education.
Key metrics
For our visitors, initial reactions to their experiences could be documented with post-visit surveys and follow-up correspondence. For local community members, the key metrics would be number of collaborative partnerships, number of local farmers converting to organic practices, and number of new sustainability initiatives adopted.
Channels
In: Gaia U advisors and associates, local/global Permaculture network, local professionals, internet resources, literature.
Out: Gaia U network/forums, website/blog, tourism marketing channels, online communities/forums, social media, local media, tourism conferences, local council meetings.
Early adopters
This is not necessarily a project starting from scratch – it is currently a functioning farm with a 1 million liter winery (currently rented out). There are 5-7 full time employees working here, with temporary fluxes during planting and harvesting seasons.
The proposed project will require early adopters from within the Permaculture community, as the current staff are unfamiliar with many of the concepts (and are older/more stuck in their ways). Also many of the current employees are nearing retirement age and younger replacements will be needed soon.
Cost structure
Current costs on the farm: new house materials, employee wages, taxes, electricity, gas, animal feed/healthcare, phone, internet, cable, maintenance (septic, pool, buildings, cars, tractors), insurance
Proposed Stage 1 (year 1): vineyard planting stage 1, stage 1 hackschooling curriculum design, small pond construction, quincho construction, gardens, trail building, stage 1 reforestation stage 1, winery repairs/remodeling, entrance gate, historical display, cleanup
Proposed Stage 2 (year 2): vineyard planting stage 2, organic crop planting stage 1, reforestation stage 2, large pond construction, stage 2 hackschooling curriculum design
Revenue streams
Current revenue streams come from our current day jobs, mine as a university professor and academic adviser, my wife's as the commercial manager for a large organic fruit exporter and her father's as a business consultant and real estate investor. There is additional current revenue from renting many of the fields for agriculture and renting the winery for wine storage.
The idea is to create a transition from these jobs to making a living from the farm and our projects there. Most realistically this will happen in stages, so we are currently working on ways to make our work mobile and increasingly part time as revenue streams are created at home to eventually replace them.
Stage 1 farm revenue: tours, courses/education, wine sales
Stage 2 farm revenue: tours, courses/education, wine sales, organic crop/product sales
This may be complimented by a portion of freelance work in exporting, consulting, education and writing.