Conference Proceedings Chapter Ten - Convergence Proceedings
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Conclusion

When over 200 permaculture activists from all over the globe converge in one place to discuss issues of interest and need, there is a great deal of energy and enthusiasm, many differing points of view, and some potential for conflict.

The convergence was designed to facilitate the process of communication between and across cultures, to encourage open discussion of issues relevant to participants, and to help formulate strategies and action plans in a number of key areas.

There were a number of recurring issues arising from the discussion groups. These included a need for access to information, open communication, and education processes. The need for seed banks across the globe was raised by many different groups.

The convergence was successful in a number of areas. Valuable networking occurred both formally and informally, within interest groups and across biomes. Many strategies for action were suggested and motivation levels seemed high, especially considering how tired many delegates were.

Another successful component of the whole conference and convergence is that it was sustainable in its funding. The excess money will be used by PAWA to fund bursary delegates to future conferences and convergences.

Feedback after the convergence is crucial to ensure that we all learn from the process and look ahead to planning even more effective convergences in the future. This convergence was quite structured in response to the feedback from the last convergence which was very unstructured. A balance that enables identified issues to be discussed in a focussed and constructive way, whilst allowing participants the opportunity to speak of issues of importance to them is essential. Informal networking groups could also be of value.

A feedback meeting after the convergence raised some issues for consideration. The convergence is a forum for discussion of issues within the permaculture movement: a meeting of permaculture educators and designers for the purpose of dealing with issues that permaculture at a global level needs to address. It needs to be stated that people should opt for the issue they have most experience in or knowledge about - that this is not a workshop situation, otherwise the process tends to be slowed down and the outcomes less effective for the permaculture movement.

One way of achieving this is to have concurrent sessions within the convergence; identified issues of concern could be discussed by people who have experience in working in the movement (ie. designers, teachers, diploma holders, activists with related experience) and networking sessions and workshops could be conducted for and by Permaculture Design Certificate holders interested in furthering their knowledge in particular areas.

A lot of energy is spent in organising and attending international gatherings. Methods of ensuring that this energy is used to its best potential need to be considered in planning these events, especially in 2/3 world countries so that rather than draining resources of a country we actually leave something of benefit behind us.

Evaluation forms take time and effort, but they are the design tools that help to organise effective gatherings, so please fill your form in when you receive it and let us know your thoughts on both the successes and the areas for improvement. These will be passed on to the IPC7 team.

As we were reminded in the closing ceremony, it is really up to us, as activists, to try to visualise achieving the goals we have set for ourselves, and to work towards our nominated goals. This action can be at a very local level; starting at your back door and working on areas of immediate need. The true measure of success of the convergence is in the projects that arise from the discussions we have had.

Looking forward to sharing these with you at IPC7.