A permaculture farm is more than just a field with crops. It's a vibrant ecosystem, meticulously designed to be both productive and deeply connected to its surrounding environment. It's about mimicking nature's efficient and resilient patterns, resulting in a farm that thrives on its own strength. By harnessing natural processes like sunlight, water flow, and beneficial biodiversity, the farm becomes resistant to climate shocks, fosters healthy soil, and regenerates the land it occupies. This cycle of resilience and regeneration sustains not just the crops, but the entire community surrounding the farm. Farmers around the country can learn sustainable practices, food security increases, and local ecosystems flourish with the return of diverse flora and fauna. From combating climate change by sequestering carbon in healthy soil to preserving precious biodiversity through natural habitats, a permaculture farm isn't just a plot of land, it's a living tapestry woven with the threads of community, environment, and mindful agriculture. It's a beacon of hope for a future where human needs and nature's abundance exist in harmony.
This project will pioneer the establishment of the first-ever permaculture farm in Bhutan, where challenging geographical terrain restricts agricultural expansion. The farm will be situated within Silambi Geog, Mongar district, on a 13-acre land in Wama. The project team is confident that, upon demonstrating its effective adaptability strategies to the nation's present climate crisis, this farm will serve as a replicable model. The farm will provide direct learning and practical experience opportunities through on-site visits, workshops, and research to a diverse audience, including students, community members, farmers, scholars, and individuals with general interest. Educational content will also be made accessible virtually through social media video uploads. The total project cost is estimated at USD 61,453.02. We are seeking funding support of USD 15,725.95 from the GEF SGP small grants program, with the remaining project costs covered by co-financing from proposed organizations and relevant government agencies.

In the face of pressing environmental and development issues like climate change, biodiversity loss, and food insecurity, a quiet revolution is taking root around the globe which is a permaculture. This holistic design philosophy applied to farming offers a beacon of hope, demonstrating how establishing even small-scale permaculture farms can address some of the world's most pressing challenges. One key benefit of permaculture farms is their focus on closed-loop systems. Waste is minimized, with organic matter composted and integrated back into the soil. Water is carefully harnessed and reused, often through greywater systems and rainwater harvesting. This reduces reliance on external resources and minimizes environmental impact.

Furthermore, permaculture practices like polyculture and integrated pest management promote biodiversity. Diverse plant communities foster beneficial insect populations, reducing reliance on chemical pesticides and creating a natural balance in the ecosystem. This not only strengthens the farm's resilience but also contributes to a healthier overall environment. On the development front, Permaculture farms offer a path towards increased food security and livelihoods. By producing a wide variety of crops year-round, relying on local knowledge and resources, and promoting community involvement, these farms can provide nutritious food for local populations and empower communities through economic independence. Additionally, permaculture education equips individuals with valuable skills that can be applied across contexts, fostering sustainable development pathways.

2. How the project relates and will be contributing to the SGP Country Program Strategy?
The establishment of permaculture farms aligns perfectly with the SGP Country Program Strategy of the UNDP. Permaculture's focus on biodiversity conservation, climate-smart agriculture, and community-driven initiatives directly addresses SGP's core objectives of environmental protection, sustainable livelihoods, and civil society empowerment. Permaculture farms can:
? Reduce land degradation and promote soil health, contributing to SGP's goals of preventing land degradation and combating climate change.
? Diversify agricultural practices and promote locally adapted crops, aligning with SGP's efforts to ensure food security and resilience.
? Empower communities through knowledge sharing and capacity building, mirroring SGP's commitment to community engagement and local ownership. In essence, permaculture farms exemplify the SGP's vision of grassroots solutions for global challenges, making them a valuable partner in achieving the program's goals.