AWARD Finalists 2010
The Permaculture Research Institute (PRI):
Greening the Desert – Jordan
(2010 Award Winner)
PRI applied successful nature-based solutions to support agriculture in the Jordan River Valley, beset by drought, salinity, deforestation, and desertification. The project introduced rain harvesting and tree-based microclimates. Soil-regeneration techniques included organic compost, mulching, planting soil-regenerating plants, worm farming, compost tea, and animal husbandry. Demonstration and training sites have benefited thousands of farmers and other people across Jordan, including the National Centre for Agricultural Research and Extension. PRI used the €10,000 prize to construct a classroom, living quarters, and office at its demonstration site.
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How PRI utilized the Prize Money of Euro 10,000:
Central building construction (classroom, office, living quarters)
1. Cobbing,
2. Hauling bricks,
3. Wall facing Jericho (before and after),
4. Central Building & Demonstration House
Solvatten • 2nd prize
Water Purification (Uganda, Africa)
Solvattten is working in Uganda to improve the water supply of 200 rural families. Waterborne diseases afflict families and health services. Gathering firewood to boil water takes time from other essential tasks and accelerates deforestation.
The Swedish company produces a patented solar water purifier that also produces warm water. The purifier is gaining acceptance. Villagers report saving up to 21 hours a week with the device, and they are using 30-50% less firewood.
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SADHANA FOREST • 3rd prize
Wasteland Reclamation (Auroville, India)
Sadhana Forest is creating a replicable model of wasteland reclamation and sustainable living in degraded land around Auroville, India. The water table was 26 feet below the surface and dropping every year. Rainwater-run-off washed away the topsoil. Farming was threatened.
The strategy curtailed water run-off and soil erosion with embankments and dams. Indigenous plantings created a sustainable ecosystem raised the water table and increased soil fertility.
40 acres now produce a wide variety of tropical fruit. Dozens of families are now increasingly food and cash crop production.