Agriculture Zero
Last updated
Last updated
The Agriculture Zero class provides a place to reconnect with nature through technological and traditional ways that instigate reflections and critical observations about the climate, ecosystem, and living beings that integrate important life cycles. Differently from Biology Zero, this class approaches a bigger scale to look at biology, however, it does not disregard points mentioned in Bio Zero with Nuria considering the relations of living microorganisms like bacteria and how they relate to plants and the soil, two important agents that are the main characters of agriculture and its understanding.
During the first day of class, Johnathan introduced us to concepts, history, and theoretical knowledge surrounding agriculture, from how farms have been evolving to the distribution of different species between new layouts of arrangement and how diversity can be managed through spaces using specific terminologies such as monoculture, polyculture, aquaculture, and different others. With particular references, John showed the relations inside ecosystems and how they can be perceived and classified with an additional and specific example of Valldaura Labs, considering him as one of the founders showing the knowledge applied to reality.
Through the class, we could understand not only the methods in agriculture but also how biological systems are interconnected and how we should care for their growth in the creation and synthesis of new mediums from their properties, this relates to the idea of computation and how different system related to themselves, as the Systems Ecology example made by Howard T. Odum with parameters, resources and its consequences. In addition, looking through the future of agriculture showed how emergent technologies are implemented to help harvest different species and assist their care, such as Data Analysis and AI to predict specific behaviors and growth patterns with robots.
On the second day of class, we explored Valldaura intending to understand and locate different kinds of biomes that we passed through, what species we could find, and how they were distributed from the bottom to the top of the mountain that situates the lab, a very chill and adventurous exploration through some "wild" parts of Barcelona. However, it's important to mention that before we reach the peak and explore the structure, a particular observation intrigued our journey concerning the low amount of biodiversity of insects and animals, which, even with cold weather, appeared to be drastically low, so we stayed attached to more plants, flowers, seeds, and its relatives.
In Valldaura we had a great experience with Johnatan introducing us to the projects that have been developed in the lab with the infrastructure available for students being used to improve the environment around them and how they relate with the same, as digital fabrication labs with CNC's, Laser Cut and 3D printing machine. However, the part that most related to the contents with seem in class was introduced outside the castle, where the farm mentioned by John was being experimented on by students in different layouts and species of plants that are harvested and eaten by the students to live in the Lab as a community introduced by the host Olly.
In addition to the organized farms made by the students, we passed through a little activity to pick up some crops and free a specific terrain so they could plant further other plant species, and in sequence, we visited an incubator house located near the farms, where some specific species of plants were being harvested into a more controlled environment with a diverse amount of technologies to assist, as UV lights and solar panels collecting transforming to electricity to feed the whole space.
After the adventure outside of IAAC, Johnatan asked for the groups to present ideas for the project envisioned to the class, which demands analysis and understanding of problems of a specific type of farm that could be improved and better designed considering the knowledge we've been exposed to. At last, after presenting the proposal for the projects, our last minutes were dedicated to understanding a little more concepts related to the nature and health of the soil and how this could improve the ecosystem involved with physical examples of soils that were delivered to our class according to the different layers that surround plants growth and its composition.
The coral farm projects act as a mix of three ideas combined that envisioned the possibility of making technology accessible, learning models practical, and increasing ocean regeneration by harvesting corals at home and then delivering them to the ocean to improve the process of restoration considering the intense and complex situation that still drives the death of oceans biome. Besides the direct approach to developing an incubator, it's important to emphasize the aim to provide a learning educational model inspired by Project Kamp, a community situated in Portugal that envisions the restoration and growth of biodiversity by educating volunteer for that space.
The Summer Camp project summarizes the idea of creating a community, to stimulate the development of new practices that aim to harvest coral farms at home and replant them into the ocean, considering the delicate nature of these living beings and polluted oceans that don't allow them to grow properly and survive. With this, the group developed an educational plan where volunteer students would learn more about the ocean's conditions, how to care for them, and at last how to assemble the coral incubators with the materials provided by the camp that aim to be sustainable as possible and lasts inside of ocean conditions.
The incubator developed by the group was designed to be easily assembled and unattached to facilitate the transportation of the coral from home to the sea, with modular parts it consists of a dome that can be filled with different kinds of water depending on the conditions necessary to the coral grow. Inside its round body made of cork, where aluminum legs can adjust the height and even add more domes above the other, a hexagon structure made of three separated precious plastic compost triangles is attached to the round body using cork clips that are assembled all in one.
Each triangle of the hexagon can be used to place a different coral, which keeps the distance acceptable between the species in the early stages but still integrates different living beings in the same space considering that corals like companions nearby. Within the triangles, an Arduino is located at the center of the hexagon, with different kinds of sensors that are necessary to observe the water conditions and coral growth if needed any change inside the space to keep the incubator working.
After home growing, the users need to take the mature corals to specific spots on the beach where professionals will deliver them into the ocean and establish specific structures under the sea that maintain all the corals grown by people in that region. To facilitate this process users can dissemble the legs from the incubator and take the dome with them to the beach, and swimmers will open the capsule near the submerged structure undock the hexagon inside the cork structure, and place them into hexagon bases below the sea to avoid corals being to much time outside the water.
Stage 1: Understanding Coral Ecosystems and Their Importance
Description:
The course begins with an in-depth exploration of coral ecosystems, emphasizing their role in maintaining marine biodiversity and their vulnerability to climate change and human activities.
Students will study the biology of corals, their symbiotic relationships, and the factors necessary for their growth and regeneration.
Activities:
Interactive lectures led by marine biologists.
Case studies on successful coral restoration projects worldwide.
Introduction to the tools and techniques used in coral cultivation.
Stage 2: Techniques for Coral Cultivation
Description:
Students are trained in the science and practice of coral propagation, including fragmenting and attaching corals to substrates for growth.
The course covers methods for selecting, caring for, and maintaining coral fragments to ensure successful regeneration.
Activities:
Hands-on workshops in coral farming techniques.
Simulating coral growth conditions in controlled environments.
Discussions on ethical and sustainable practices in coral restoration.
Stage 3: Marine Plastic Collection and Integration in Coral Restoration
Description:
Students participate in coastal clean-up activities to gather plastic waste from the ocean and beaches.
Emphasis is placed on identifying suitable plastics for recycling, such as HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) and PP (Polypropylene).
While the focus remains on coral regeneration, this stage integrates eco-friendly practices to address marine pollution.
Activities:
Beach clean-ups and plastic collection drives.
Sorting and categorization of plastics based on recycling codes.
Workshops on proper cleaning techniques for marine plastics to remove salt, sand, and organic matter.
Introduction to Precious Plastics techniques for creating sustainable coral trays.
Stage 4: Deployment of Coral Cultivation Trays
Description:
Participants deploy coral trays designed for optimal growth in real marine environments.
This stage focuses on applying learned techniques in situ and monitoring coral growth to evaluate restoration success.
Activities:
Fieldwork sessions to position and secure coral trays in the ocean.
Observing and recording coral attachment and growth over time.
Collaborating with marine experts to refine cultivation methods.
Stage 5: Monitoring and Long-Term Coral Regeneration Strategies
Description:
The final stage emphasizes the importance of ongoing monitoring and adaptive management of coral regeneration projects.
Students learn to develop strategies for long-term success and scalability of their efforts.
Activities:
Analyzing data from coral growth monitoring.
Discussing the challenges and opportunities in marine conservation.
Preparing action plans for implementing learned techniques in their local communities.
Individual Open Source DIY Kits fabrication.
Throughout the course, students will develop their DIY kit to be used in practical exercises. Once the course is completed, students will take these personal kits to their individual spaces.
Students will actively participate in the development and improvement of the kits, which will later be sold on a global scale, making them accessible to everyone.
Educational Outcomes:
Mastery of coral cultivation and restoration techniques to support marine biodiversity.
Understanding of sustainable practices and their application to marine conservation.
The ability to implement and replicate coral restoration projects locally and globally.
This course prioritizes ecological restoration and offers participants the tools to actively contribute to regenerating marine life. By combining innovative techniques with hands-on action, it empowers individuals to become stewards of the oceans, ensuring a healthier future for our planet.
In an era of escalating climate emergencies, mass biodiversity loss, and the widespread destruction of ecosystems caused by human activity, the Educational Camp for Planet Regeneration stands as a beacon of hope and action. This innovative initiative goes beyond traditional environmental awareness campaigns, offering a tangible, hands-on approach to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge required to reverse ecological damage and foster a harmonious relationship with the planet.
The camp is a transformative space where participants not only learn to live sustainably but also gain the tools to become active agents of change in their own communities. It combines the principles of ecological self-sufficiency with a global mission: to spread regenerative practices and empower communities to take ownership of their environmental impact.
The Educational Camp for Planet Regeneration is not just a physical place but a movement, a dynamic and collaborative network of knowledge exchange. Throughout a 6 to 8-month immersive experience, participants engage in a dynamic program that combines theoretical learning with practical, solution-oriented activities. The camp focuses on regenerative and sustainable techniques designed to repair damaged ecosystems, combat climate change, and promote biodiversity, emphasizing the importance of global and local action.
Participants leave the camp as knowledgeable stewards of the environment, equipped with actionable skills and a toolkit of resources to implement in their local communities. These efforts are amplified by an open-source philosophy, ensuring the lessons learned extend far beyond the boundaries of the camp. Every technique, method, and project developed is documented and freely shared, ensuring that anyone, anywhere, can access and apply these regenerative practices. The initiative also provides DIY kits that spread the camp's impact beyond its grounds while helping fund its operations.
1. Practical and Collaborative Learning
The curriculum emphasizes real-world and hands-on applications of sustainable and regenerative practices:
Land-Based Activities: Reforestation, permaculture gardening, soil regeneration, and sustainable construction.
Marine Projects: Coral farming, ocean clean-ups, and coastal habitat restoration.
Renewable Energy Solutions: Installation of solar panels, wind turbines, and other off-grid energy systems.
Community Engagement: Techniques for mobilizing local communities to adopt regenerative practices.
Building sustainable infrastructures such as greenhouses, composting toilets, and rainwater harvesting systems.
Designing and maintaining permaculture gardens that integrate food production with ecological balance.
Conducting biodiversity assessments and creating conservation plans for local species.
2. Dynamic and Expert-Driven Education
The camp boasts a flexible teaching model, with a rotating roster of experts from diverse fields. These professionals bring specialized knowledge and practical skills tailored to the camp’s ongoing projects and the unique needs of participants. This fluid network of teachers and mentors ensures that the program remains innovative, adaptive, and relevant to emerging challenges and solutions in environmental restoration.
Participants benefit not only from world-class instruction but also from networking opportunities within a global community of environmental professionals, fostering collaboration and ongoing mentorship.
3. Comprehensive Land and Sea Focus
The camp goes beyond terrestrial ecosystems to embrace the importance of marine environments. Recognizing the interconnectedness of all ecosystems, the program integrates ocean-focused education as a core component:
Coral Restoration and Farming: Participants learn cutting-edge techniques in coral cultivation, with the goal of repopulating marine species and supporting underwater biodiversity. Practical sessions include creating coral nurseries and transplanting corals to damaged reefs.
Marine Ecosystem Restoration: The curriculum covers topics like seagrass restoration, sustainable fishing practices, and reducing human impact on coastal areas.
Ocean Conservation Advocacy: Participants develop skills to raise awareness and drive action in their communities to protect marine environments.
The addition of marine-focused courses ensures that participants leave the camp with a holistic understanding of ecosystem restoration, addressing the urgent need to care for both land and sea.
4. Open-Source Philosophy
The camp believes in democratizing knowledge. To this end, every technique, project, and system developed during the program is documented and shared in an open-source format. This allows anyone, anywhere, to access and replicate the methods, regardless of whether they can attend the camp.
To extend its impact beyond the camp, the initiative offers DIY kits designed to empower individuals and communities worldwide to adopt regenerative practices. These kits are available for purchase online, with all proceeds reinvested into the camp’s mission and its knowledge.
Available Kits
Reforestation Starter Kit: Includes native seeds, biodegradable seed balls, soil testing tools, and instructions for tree planting.
Coral Farming Kit: A comprehensive guide to setting up small-scale coral nurseries, with starter materials such as coral fragments, frames, and water quality testing tools.
Composting and Soil Health Kit: Features live worms for composting, biochar, and materials to build a DIY compost bin.
Rainwater Harvesting Kit: Modular components for creating rainwater collection systems, including filters and purification guides.
Permaculture Garden Kit: Seeds, templates, and tools for designing self-sustaining gardens.
Solar Energy Kit: Basic solar panels and battery systems, along with instructions for off-grid power solutions.
The sale of these kits serves two purposes:
Funding the Camp: The sale of these DIY kits not only extends the camp's reach but also serves as a critical funding mechanism. The revenue supports:
-The camp's operational costs, including sustainable infrastructure and expert-led workshops.
-Scholarships for underprivileged participants who might not otherwise afford the program.
-Development of new kits and resources to address emerging environmental challenges.
-Outreach campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of ecological regeneration.
Spreading the Mission: By making regenerative practices accessible to a global audience, the kits enable individuals to take meaningful action in their local environments.
All resources, guides, and techniques are also available in open-source formats, ensuring that knowledge can reach as many people as possible, regardless of financial capacity.
The Educational Camp for Planet Regeneration offers more than education—it provides a pathway to personal and collective transformation. By equipping individuals with the skills to restore ecosystems on land and sea, the camp empowers participants to be part of the solution to the planet’s most pressing challenges.
Together, we can regenerate the Earth—one tree, one reef, and one community at a time.
Each kit is priced affordably, with profits reinvested into the camp's mission. Detailed online tutorials and community forums accompany the kits, fostering a global network of learners and changemakers. By equipping people with these resources, the camp empowers a worldwide audience to take meaningful action, regardless of their location or socioeconomic background.
The Educational Camp for Planet Regeneration is more than a camp—it’s the seed of a movement. Its ripple effects are designed to touch every corner of the globe:
Participants leave the camp with the skills, confidence, and resources to lead regenerative projects in their local areas.
DIY kits bring knowledge and tools to thousands more, amplifying the camp’s reach.
Community networks foster collaboration, allowing individuals to share successes, challenges, and innovations.
By teaching practical techniques for healing the planet, the camp redefines education as a tool for empowerment and restoration. Its mission is clear: to nurture a new generation of environmental leaders committed to regenerating the Earth and inspiring others to do the same.
Through its unique blend of education, action, and accessibility, the camp transforms hope into tangible progress—one tree, one kit, and one community at a time.
This class made me think and reflect on how much the parameters of an ecosystem relate to each other and how their interaction results in different outputs, mainly considering the integration of different living beings and their exchange. As the example of the goose that only eats insects to preserve the life of plants from invaders, I wonder how many other living beings and their ecological relations are participating in a mutualistic relationship that closes the biome cycle, such as bees on flowers.
How much are we isolating the growth of certain species to be automatized by artificial machines? And by applying these technologies, how much are we losing by disconnecting them to a richer cycle that involves different interactions with other living beings? As a direction for future projects, it's important to think about how biodesign solutions are grown in a context and how they relate to it with thee aim of understanding and designing the exchanges between a new being and its new home.
