'IPC' or the International Permaculture Convergence, is an epic gathering of permaculture practitioners from around the world, to share knowledge and expertise and strategize about the future of the permaculture movement. It has been active since 1985 and brings together inspiring and experienced permaculturists to deliver diverse and engaging programmes.
The event unfolds in 2 parts - the Conference which is attended by members of the public, policy makers and representatives of the Permaculture community; and the Convergence, which is attended by people who have completed their Permaculture Design Course.
In 2017, the IPC was back in South Asia after 16 years! At the 11th IPC held in Cuba, Aranya Agricultural Alternatives was chosen to host the 13th IPC in India.
Aranya Agricultural Alternatives is an environmental and developmental organization working in Natural Resources Management and Sustainable Agriculture since 1999. The organization has been empowering farming communities across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh through permaculture practices that create sustainable livelihoods.
The main theme of the IPC India 2017 was Towards Healthy Societies, supported by the following 6 sub-themes:
The two invigorating days of the Conference was packed with presentations, demonstrations and insights on permaculture design philosophy, regeneration of soils, managing water crises, climate change mitigation and sustainable living practices.
The Convergence village has been developed from scratch based on permaculture principles. It offered an opportunity for permaculture practitioners and eco-conscious individuals to collaborate, learn, share and connect deeper with the theme. It was also including a special focus on demonstrating traditional Indian agricultural and cultural practices.
As it is a fully self-financed event, donations and sponsorships are greatly appreciated! You can connect with FIPC (Friends of IPC) about it.
The next IPC will be happening in Argentina in November 2020, hosted by Ná Lu’um Institute. Here is a glimpse of what the whole permaculture community can expect:
In November 2017, IPC 13, the next International Permaculture Convergence will take place in India, followed by IPC14 in Argentina in 2020.
Would your organisation, association, or institute like to host the 15th International Permaculture Convergence?If so, please look at the IPC Application form below for more information on details about the process of hosting International Permaculture Convergences. We would love to hear from you!
To be considered as a future IPC host you need to fill in an application form and send it to the International Permaculture Convergence Council. (This application form is also available here, along with other application details).
The next IPC will be held in Argentina, in 2020. While there is no hard and fast formula for choosing hosts, the intention is to move between countries in the global north and global south.
> Where?
There has not been a very consistent pattern, but we are wanting to establish a pattern of northern hemisphere / southern hemisphere, east and west.
> When?
Timing for the convergences have been approximately every two years, but given that India’s IPC is happening in November 2017, and Argentina in 2020, we are discussing longer time gaps between the IPC events. It has been suggested that between the IPCs, active networking and content-based meetings amongst the global permaculture movement and its organizations with a strong focus on online participation could be happening. With a special sensitivity to make sure all communities, have equal access to the technology platforms needed, making sure it is affordable to all.
This will be determined at IPC India 2017, making the next possible date for IPC 15 one of these years: 2022, 2023 or 2024.
Please answer the following questions:
1. About the host organisation
2. Name of person leading the proposal / key contact
3. About the country
4. Proposal for how you will manage different elements of the IPC
Please tell us how you would manage the following aspects of the IPC:
5. Anything else you want to tell us?
You can submit the application form in advance of the next IPC – this is encouraged. You also need to attend the IPC and be prepared to attend meetings of the IPCC during the event. You will be given an opportunity to make a presentation and will be asked to answer questions about your proposal. Please bring multiple printed copies to share (10 or more).
If your proposal is accepted you will need to sign an agreement that sets out your roles and responsibilities as an IPC host. You will then be supported by the International Permaculture Convergence Council (IPPC) and the Friends of the International Permaculture Convergences (FIPC), the two official support groups of the IPC’s. Both IPCC and FIPC work closely with the IPC conveners (hosts) to create budgets, themes, and programs, and to help develop your plans and make the event a real success.
Please send the completed application form to: council [at] internationalpermacultureconvergence [dot] org
At the 7th International Permaculture Convergence in Croatia in 2005, it was determined that an IPC Support Group would be beneficial. In 2013 this was evolved into two parallel, but distinct organizations - Friends of IPC (FIPC), a non-profit based in USA with 3 board members; and the International Permaculture Convergence Council (IPCC) with members from different continents and world regions.
At the 12th IPC in UK, in 2015, FIPC and IPCC were formally approved as the international bodies of the IPC tasked to choose the next hosts as well.
FIPC's specific mission is to augment the funds needed for convening the biennial IPC event, with a special focus on scholarship funding for delegates traveling from all parts of the world to attend.
BOARD: President: Mugove Walter Nyika (Zambia), Secretary: Marcia Amidon (USA), Treasurer: Wesley Roe (USA), Advisory Board Members: Margie Bushman (USA), Tedrowe Bonner (USA)
To make donation to FIPC visit: http://www.inquiringsystems.org/portfolio/friends-international-permaculture-convergence/
The IPCC helps advise the IPC hosts, manages the process of choosing the next IPC convener, and oversees the scholarship selection.
MEMBERS & SUPPORTERS: Ayouba M Kamara (Liberia), John Nzira (Coordinator, South Africa), Nicole Caran (Austria), Keri Chiveralls (Australia), Margarethe Holzer (Coordinator, Austria), Monica Ibacache (USA), Pavlo Ardanov (Ukraine), Maria Prieto (Spain), Rodolfo Sandoval (Venezuela), Supriya Gaddam (India), Tierra Martinez (Argentina), Wesley Rowe (USA), Xavier Bruzaud-Grille (Thailand).
For more information on IPCC visit: http://internationalpermacultureconvergence.org
IPCs started back in 1984 in Australia, and has become the key global meeting point for the international permaculture network. It is a place to have discussions in person about strategy, educational standards, research, and regional and global permaculture developments, as well as a platform to build connections leading to significant projects.
Complete List of IPCs: