Sunseed Annual Report 2013

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Sunseeddesert technology

annual report 20

13

2

Index

I n t r o d u c t i o n t o s u n s e e d 3

F o r e w o r d p a u l - p r e s i d e n t o f t h e t r u s t 4

g e n e r a l r e s u m e 6

d e p a r t m e n t s

o a p p r o p r i a t e t e c h n o l o g y 8

o d r y l a n d s M a n a g e m e n t 1 0

o e c o - c o n s t r u c t i o n 1 2

o o r g a n i c g a r d e n i n g 1 4

0 s u s t a i n a b l e l i v i n g 1 6

0 c o m m u n i c a t i o n a n d e d u c a t i o n 1 8

0 a d m i n i s t r a t i o n 2 0

s t a f f 2 2

o n s i t e e d u c a t i o n 2 4

o u t s i d e I n t e r e s t s 2 6

l e i s u r e t i m e 2 8

V o l u n t e e r s Q u o t e s 3 0

F r i e n d s o f s u n s e e d 3 2

t r u s t e e s 3 4

3

I n t r o d u c t i o n t o s u n s e e d 3

F o r e w o r d p a u l - p r e s i d e n t o f t h e t r u s t 4

g e n e r a l r e s u m e 6


o a p p r o p r i a t e t e c h n o l o g y 8

o d r y l a n d s M a n a g e m e n t 1 0

o e c o - c o n s t r u c t i o n 1 2

o o r g a n i c g a r d e n i n g 1 4

0 s u s t a i n a b l e l i v i n g 1 6

0 c o m m u n i c a t i o n a n d e d u c a t i o n 1 8

0 a d m i n i s t r a t i o n 2 0

s t a f f 2 2

o n s i t e e d u c a t i o n 2 4

o u t s i d e I n t e r e s t s 2 6

l e i s u r e t i m e 2 8

V o l u n t e e r s Q u o t e s 3 0

F r i e n d s o f s u n s e e d 3 2

t r u s t e e s 3 4

Tucked away in the small hamlet of Los Molinos del Rio Aguas, in the middle of the Almerian desert, a sustainable future is taking place right on our doorstep. For over 30 years, the Sunseed project has been welcoming volunteers and visitors from all over the worlds to experience and learn from its mission: to demonstrate, develop and communicate low environmental impact living, and a simpler, more resource smart way of life.

It all started in the late 1980s when some British activists concerned with desertifica-tion and global environmental challenges, discovered the abandoned village of Los Molinos del Rio Aguas, next to Sorbas, Almeria and decided to repopulate the village, disconnect from the grid, and demonstrate a lifestyle more fitting with the immediate environment and attempt a more sustainable way of life.

Over the years, Sunseed has now grown into a flourishing hands-on environmental education project, where anyone who is curious about how to have a lower impact on the world and its resources can come and experience this idea in action for them-selves. It has developed its philosophy and work through its 6 departments: Eco-construction, Drylands Management, Appropriate Technologies, Organic Gardens, Sustainable Living as well as Communication and Education.

Every year, the project welcomes on average about 150 volunteers from all over the world and now has a staff of 10 who all wish to share certain knowledge and skills, as well as be part of a thriving international community, living in a simpler, more holistic way. It attracts all kinds of ages and a good mix of people find their way to Sunseed, such as young students focusing on university projects, people wishing to do practical apprenticeships, people keen to be more self sufficient or individuals and families just looking for a more adventurous holiday experience. Informal education and personal responsibility are the key ideas encouraged at Sunseed via our mantra of “learning by doing”.

Sunseed not only aims to educate people on more environmentally sound practices or methods for the planet, but also on the individual benefits to living in a simple community with others. Volunteers for example, are asked to share rooms, cook and clean communally, share experiences and time, as well as be prepared to use com-post toilets and eat a vegetarian diet. The results for volunteers are not only ecological but also personal, as visitors develop strong friendships, achieve new goals, as well as learn basic life skills and can see the world with different eyes after spending some time there. It can be a holistic learning experience on many levels.

Just when Almeria was developing the reputation as the region of “plasticos” and being the fruit bowl of Europe, the Sunseed project is providing a refreshing example to the world that things can be done differently and is reminding us that there are other ways to think about our lifestyle choices, our communities and our future.

Introduction to sunseed

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When looking back at 2013 I feel the year can be seen as one in which, after a number of years of growth and expansion, our successes were consolidated and rewarded.

Reflected in the number of visitors to the Project, the projects undertaken, expendi-ture being covered by income and the recognition by educational funding bodies of the Projects value. Working volunteers – Department Coordinators and their assis-tants who now number 12 which allows the Project to offer learning outcomes for its many visitors, 110 mostly long term volunteers in 2013, whilst continuing to improve it’s infrastructure, facilities, welfare provision and international presence via the internet and attendance at festivals and gatherings.

On a local level over 200 people were given tours of the Project and 22 Interns, undertaking research, received European funding for their stay - often for 3 months or more.

Collaboration with other Projects in the village and elsewhere in Spain has been ben-eficial for both Sunseed and the organisers of courses as we can provide hosting, accommodation and publicity. The name ‘Sunseed’ being known and recognised throughout Spain and further afield as a centre for sustainable environmental prac-tices.

Despite our success in the current economic crisis in finally ensuring our expendi-ture does not exceed our income we are in urgent need of capital investment. The age,quality and poor design of our buildings mean that substantial investment is necessary to ensure we remain dry in winter (and cool in summer). The main house roof is in need of urgent repair and buildings need insulating. Space for teaching and other activities is scarce and accommodation and hygiene standards well below that that we would like to demonstrate as an example of good construction techniques.

Foreword PaulchaIr oF the sunseed trust ltd

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The ever increasing list of maintenance tasks because of the deterioration of buildings and systems will be tackled in 2014 by appointing a new volunteer to the post of Maintenance Coordinator. Whilst also looking at fundraising and grants that may be available to fund rebuilding works. In addition the Maintenance Coordinator will coor-dinate the regular maintenance work on the irrigation line that Los Molinos, by popular vote, recently gave the responsibility to Sunseed to maintain.

2014 will see the completion of Isabella’s refurbishment providing additional accom-modation, a new compost toilet and new workshop facilities. In the gardens our newly acquired terraces, after tremendous work to clear and cultivate, are beginning to provide the Project with more of its own food. Appropriate Technology will have a new coordinator at the beginning of the year to provide guidance to the many volunteers who come to Sunseed to learn and experiment with low tech and acces-sible systems. The Drylands Management team completed a GIS survey of our land in 2013 as well as creating a valuable database of flora which will provide a much needed base on which to carry out further research. Communication and Education will also have two new staff to continue the development of our education resources and more. The appointment of a new post Project Facilitator, replacing the old post of Administrator, will help with planning and reviews and facilitate the meeting the Trusts strategic aims in Spain. Courses, seminars and events are being planned to provide for both long term and short term visitors.

The Board were joined by Bernhard Hartl as Organic Gardens Trustee in the sum-mer. Bernhard brings a wealth of experience with him having successfully managed gardens in Almeria for a number of years.

Finally my thanks for the commitment and hard work and good laughs to both the current staff team, many who have now been working at the Project for years! And to those who left us in 2013, Paco, Clara, Johannes, David, Cassandra and Johan I wish you every success in your future Projects and thank you for carrying the Sun-seed torch.

May I also wish past present and future visitors friends and supporters a healthy, fun filled and rewarding 2014

Paul Freeman January 2014, Almerie

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2013 has being a year of change and improvement. A year of learning, growing, connecting to nature and each other as well as friendships being made. With four new staff members and a new structure on place much work has being done in planning and restructuring the organization.

All departments have worked hard in adapting to the new structure. With no project manager, decisions were taken horizontally, communication between departments has improved and a new mission and vision was defined. Many efforts have been done to raise our profile as an educational centre for low impact living and hands on education.

General resumea great year

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e d u c a t i o n a l h a n d s o n

I n t e r n a t i o n a l c e n t r e

Sunseed has demonstrated again in 2013 its international appeal, and it being a place of multicultural exchange and cooperaton. We have hosted volunteers from Yemen, Colombia, China, New Zealand, Pakistan and an increasing number of Span-ish. Sunseed is growing from strength to strength in gaining a reputation as a place for individuals, students and apprentices to learn and develop important skills and lifetime learning.

o b j e c t i v e s a c c o m p l i s h e d

Each Department has worked hard in accomplishing our mission and vision. In the Eco-construction Department, they have being working at improving the infrastructure of the project. Our Organic Gardens team has succeeded in increasing the produc-tion of our gardens and establishing a rotation system to improve the quality of the soil. In the Drylands Management Department, they have been researching and working hard in designing a five years management plan, experimenting with regen-erational and reforestation techniques and taking care of the Arboretum at Sunseed. The Sustainable Living Department has improved our vegetarian diet and continued to teach us how to take care of our lifestyle through low impact living. The Appropriate Technology Department has had great success in developing and communicating the use of biomass gasification stoves with guests and volunteers, as well as main-taining and encouraging low impact technologies. The Communication and Education department has welcomed many interns and appentices to the project, established Sunseed as a European Volunteer Service project and has continued to represent Sunseed positively throughout the year. The Administrative department has achieved its goal in corresponding swiftly and encouragingly to all those who wish to join us at Sunseed, and has guaranteed a warm and hospitable welcome to all those volun-teers who have decided to share in the Sunseed experience.

We hosted 120 Volunteers, 21

oF theM caMe as appetIzers and

Interns and supported us In the

dIFFerent projects. 5 courses

took place, 49 guIded tours and

80 seMInars.

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Appropriate TechnologiesThis has been exceptionally productive year at Sunseed. In the Appropriate Technology Department we create and work with reclaimed/recycled materials and simple construction techniques. Many enthusiastic volunteers contributed hours of observation, design, experimentation, and construction assistance to the several major projects.


Best moments of the year

t e s t b a k i n g c a k e s , p i z z a s

a n d c i n n a m o n r o l l s i n t h e

g a s i f i e r

C e l e b r a t i n g M o l l y ’ s

b i r t h d a y w i t h t h e f i r s t

c a k e s m a d e i n t h e g a s i f i e r

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o b j e c t i v e s o f t h e d e p a r t m e n t

o To use renewable energy for daily activites such as cookingo To have a low environmental impact

p r o j e c t s c o m p l e t e d d u r i n g 2 0 1 3

o Replaced and redesigned the lighting system on the path to the compost toilets by installing a photo-voltaic panel, char- ger, battery and several solar-powered lights in strategic placeso Designed and built the new biomass gasification cook-stove with oven installed near Sunseed main house. o Designed and built a new solar oven for the main house roofo Refurbished and organized the Appropriate Technology workshop

p e o p l e

Coordinator Pako Ibanez

Interns and their main projects o Clemens Collisi (Germany, March-July)o Rabbiya Naveed (Pakistan, July) lighting system for compost toileto Inga Schierholz (June, July) lighting system for compost toilet and Biomass gasification stoveo Cristabel Chittick (UK, June-July) lighting system for compost toilet and Biomass gasification stoveo Alexis Tosellini (France, June-August ) Biomass gasification stoveo Antonia ( ) handle for biomass stoveo Magued Galal Mohamed Abdoul-Wahab (Yemen, May-September) Building a new solar oven o Cyril Andrez (France, June-July) Essential Oil distiller and biomass gasification stive

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To understand the process of natural plant succession and the degradation and development of soil in terms of formulating land-management policies. We attempt to incorporate GIS tools and academic research with a practical and realistic land-management strategy.

p r o j e c t s d e v e l o p e d d u r i n g 2 0 1 3

o Keeping clear records of drylands projects with methods, dates and results plus updating the with news.o Developing new areas of contact and co-operation with other relevant organisations. (“Nuevos recolectores y Red de Permacultura del Sureste”).o Creating a digital cartography of drylands. Boundaries and ecology.o Developing the educational role of the department by writing an article for “Ecohabitar”, creating an interpretation board for the Arboretum, and giving tours and educational sessionso Doing flora surveys and the creation of a 2013 data base.o Using low impact techniques such as organic barriers and biorolls in the restoration of gullies, the “Nendo-dango” technique for wild seed sowing plus planting Mediterranean shrubso Experiments with new way of hydroponic growing and making fertilizerso The succesful harvesting of olives, capers, carrobs and almonds.o Maintaining and improving the tree nursery

Drylands management


The department focuses on the conservation and regeneration of local vegetal communities with the use of drylands resources such as olive, carrob and almond trees, as well as seed collection, essential plants, etc. The department also maintains the waste water system in the project.

eugenIo: It Is great to regenerate a landscape WIth such an arId enVIronMent but rIch

bIodIVersIty at the saMe tIMe. thanks to the Volunteers!

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p e o p l e

Coordinator Eugenio Penalvo LopezAssistants Eva Georg

Students/ interns/ apprenticeso Fosca Isidori: Development of a long term management plan of semiarid areas. o Piergiorgio Ciarlantani: Research and wild seed collection and seed bank development. Assist in the running of educational projects.o Anne Bartels: Project implementation of soil conservation and vegetal regeneration. o Alicia Perera Alberto: Project implementation of soil conservation and vegetal regeneration. Support the development of the website.o Svende Benthin: Project implementation of soil conservation and vegetal regeneration.o Julia Tschersich: Project implementation of soil conservation and vegetal regeneration. Composting for vegetal regeneration.


t a s t i n g t h e p r e p a r a t i o n

o f o u r o w n o l i v e s .

s e e i n g n a t i v e p l a n t s u s e d

i n v e g e t a l r e g e n e r a t i o n

p r o j e c t s a l i v e w i t h v e r y

l o w i n p u t o f e f f o r t a n d

w a t e r .

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Eco-constructionand maintenance


The Eco-Construction and Maintenance (EC&M) Department is responsible for the upkeep and expansion of the project site and our buildings. This requires the regular repair and maintenance of the project buildings and services, including the houses. In all cases a mixture of traditional and ecological building methods and materials are used. Whenever possible we use natural/recycled/reclaimed and locally sourced materials.


t h e f i r s t c o f f e e b r e w e d i n t h e n e w k i t c h e n a t I s a b e l l a ' s ! !

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leo: reuse, recycle, reduce,

repaIr, retroFIt, reclaIM,

re-eVerythIngo b j e c t i v e s o f t h e d e p a r t m e n t

o To demonstrate a mixture of traditional and ecological building techniqueso To maintain and refurbish Sunseed buildings with as low impact as possible


o Refurbished a ruin to create Isabella’s kitcheno Refurbished two rooms up at Isabella’so Started construction of a new compost toilet at Isabella’so Used stones from the river to restore three massive stone walls damaged by wild boars o Assisted the Organic Gardens Department by building fences to keep the wild boars out of the gardenso Completion of the Sunseed mini yurt to use in festivals and events

p e o p l e

Coordinator Leonardo Alvarez Assistant Johann Martens Students/interns/apprentices o Ryder Cuddington (USA,May-June): Isabella’s kitchen, carving wooden seats, plastering and masonry o Andre Brando (Angola,July-Nov) Isabella’s kitchen, plastering, masonry shelves, tiling drystone walls, fitting recycled doorso Sebastian Guess (UK, June-July)Isabellas kitchen, carving wooden seats plastering,masonry o Christopher Wejchert (Belgium, September-December) refurbished a room in Geoff’s house, plastering, compost toilet construction,tilingo James Hunter (USA, October-December) refurbished a room in Geoff’s house, plastering, compost toilet construction,tiling roof

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Organic gardening


The Organic Gardening Department produces food for Sunseed residents and is a learning environment for volunteers interested in small-scale organic food production.

o

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We use only organic methods - no synthetic pesticides or fertilizers - in ten terraced gardens to produce a variety of fruit and vegetables. The gardens are irrigated using both tradi-tional flood irrigation and drip-irrigation systems. An ancient irrigation line from the Rio de Aguas, the only river in Andalucia to have water all year round, provides water for Sunseed and its neighbours in Los Molinos del Rio Aguas.This has been a busy and productive year. Many improve-ments were made which will continue to increase the har-vest from the gardens in years to come. We could not have achieved this without the help and energy of an eclectic mix of volunteers.


o To increase the food production, and optimize use of scare resources (ie water)o To provide a meaningful educational experience for staff and volunteers


o Cleared newly acquired land and brought it into cultivationo Installed drip-irrigation systems to save water, labour and to improve soil quality o Saved seed from crops to reduce dependency on external suppliers and increase crop varietieso Improved protection from wild boar by building fenceso Improved propagation facilities

p e o p l e

Coordinator Fred Groom (November 2012 – present)

Assistants o Rosi Bacon (2012 – present)o David Sainero Priego (Sept 2012 - May 2013 )o Emma Stopford (May 2013 – present)

Interns o Lucia Foresi (Italy; 6 months) Installing drip irrigation systemso Patricia Martinez Yugueros (Spain; 4 months) Researching organic liquid fertilizerso Salla Holopainen (Finland; 3 months) Biochar


c o m p l e t i n g t h e

i n s t a l l a t i o n o f

d r i p - i r r i g a t i o n

s y s t e m s i n v a r i o u s

g a r d e n s - t h i s l o n g -

l a s t i n g c h a n g e w i l l

i m p r o v e t h e q u a l i t y

a n d f e r t i l i t y o f o u r

g a r d e n s

h a r v e s t i n g 1 6 0 k g ! ! o f

p u m p k i n s t o f e e d t h e

s u n s e e d c o m m u n i t y

o v e r t h e w i n t e r

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Sustainable living


The Sustainable Living Department plays an essential role in making Sunseed a welcoming, comfortable, creative, and functional living environment. We provide the opportunity for everyone at Sunseed - staff, interns, volunteers and visitors to learn about and to practice incorporating the resources available in our valley into our daily lives.

For example we harvest wild wormwood to make the disinfecting agent used for routine cleaning. Some wonderful edible plants grow wild on the hillside: carob, thyme and capers are readily incorpo-rated into our cooking. Other plants grown by the Organic Gardens and Drylands Departments, such as almonds, olives, and oranges are processed by drying, and preserving using traditional and/or low energy means.


o To encourage all Sunseed residents to be more aware of and incorporate the resources of our immediate environment into their daily liveso To ensure a balanced diet and adequate food supply for all Sunseed residents with a combination of food harvested from our own land, homemade bread, purchased seasonal produce and staples, as well as fresh drinking watero To buy local and organic products,such as, locally grown organic vegetables and free range eggso To maintain a comfortable and clean living environment and familiarize all volunteers with Sunseed routines/work expectations and the use of the solar oven, and gasifier etc

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o Conducted several workshops: making natural tooth-paste with local clay, flavoured with herbs from our garden; prepared ointment with comfrey and chillies; recognized medicinal plants, their preparation and uses (marigold, rosemarie, sage, etc) o Food preservation - Preserved capers,olives, and other vegetables - Prepared jams and marmalades from oranges, grapes and figs - Made carob powder for baking and carob spread - Prepared almond milk as a dairy substitute - Dried herbs and plants for teas and medicinal useso Prepared medicinal lotions/oils with aloe vera, camomile,calendula,marigold etc.o Collaborated with the Organic Gardening Department to plant a medicinal herb gardeno Hosted two schools from Almeria, and co-organized work shops with the Communication and Education Departmeno Participated in the Spanish Eco-village gathering (RIE) held at Sunseed


A v o l u n t e e r b a k e d b r e a d i n t h e n e w s o l a r c o o k e r c a l l e d ’ T h e

M o n s t e r ’ . T h e b r e a d w e n t i n t o t h e s o l a r c o o k e r i n t h e m o r n i n g

a t 1 1 a n d a t 5 i n t h e a f t e r n o o n , t h e t a s t y l o a f e m e r g e d

t h e n e w b i o m a s s g a s f i f i e r a l s o w o r k e d w e l l f o r b a k i n g c a k e s a n d

b r e a d s i n a n h o u r a n d a h a l f .

p e o p l e

Coordinator Ana Isabel Sanchez Barriuso (2012– present)

Volunteer ProjectsHéloïse Brahier (France, July-September) Making natural soap and pita lampshades

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Specifically, we organise special courses/workshops, regular guided tours and weekly seminars and represent Sunseed at eco-events/fairs. We network and collaborate with other eco-groups and organizations, including universities (local, national and international) both as teachers and learners. Theses events and visits to and from other eco-projects provide op-portunties to learn about and debate a wide range of environ-mental issues such as: biofuels, population control, carbon footprint, ethical consumption..


o To provide a consistant and attractive image of Sunseed to the publico To attract volunteers, visitors and interns to Sunseedo To ensure that Sunseed is a place of learning, growth and environmental education


o Submitted articles for publication in Ecohabitaron: our waste water system, the rampump, biomass cookers, Key Line technologieso Joined the European Volunteer Service o Accepted to host a Grundtvig adult education courseo Participated in the following festivals and events: Etnosur, Rotottom, Red Iberica Ecologica, Ecoaltea. o Improved our e-communications: regular website updates, a new Facebook page, on-line feed-back forms, use Google Analyticso Improved on-site signage, including a new welcoming panelo Created new promotional flyers and a promotional videoo Organized 40 in-house seminars for staff and volunteerso Networked with other residents of Los Molinos del Rio Aguas and other eco-projects in Andalucia

Communication and Education


The Communication and Education Department is the public face of Sunseed. We produce educational material, oversee the website and communicate with the media, visitors and other eco-organisations as well as coordinate educational activities for on-site staff and volunteers.

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s e e i n g t h e f r u i t o f o u r l a b o u r :

s o m a n y b r i l l i a n t v o l u n t e e r s

f i n d i n g u s a n d f e e l i n g i n s p i r e d

t o c o m e t o s u n s e e d !

p e o p l e

Co-ordinator Clara Ruiz de Gauna

Assistantso Cassandra Caroline (January- February)o Martin Hyams (March- June)o Emma Stewart (September- December)

Students/ interns/ apprenticeso Roberto Bortolett (Italy, April-June) Communications strategieso Anna Tramarin (Italy, June-September) History of Sunseed

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Adminstration


The administration department is responsible for the smooth running of Sunseed in all its correspondence, paperwork and finances. It plays an essential role in making sure that all enquiries are dealt with swiftly and informatively, helping prepare volunteers for their arrival to Sunseed regarding travel information, reserving their place and answering questions. We meet and greet all volunteers to ensure a welcoming and enjoyable experience throughout their stay.

jyotI: I loVe receIVIng eMaIl InQuIrIes about

VolunteerIng and ansWerIng all and any QuestIon.

oFFerIng support For all to be able to FolloW theIr

curIosIty to try soMethIng neW and out oF theIr

coMFort zone gIVes Me a real buzz.

21


o To improve administrative procedures to provide transparency and efficiencyo To respond to all inquiries in a friendly and swift mannero To ensure that all volunteers receive an informed introduction to Sunseed and their health and well being is prioritisedo To improve budgeting transparency and decision making processes


This year each department received the highest yearly budget ever and this has been wisely spent on, for in-stance, new and better tools, drip irrigation systems, shelving for storage, an industrial food mixer and improved publicity pamphlets. This was the first year of complete transparency concerning finances, income and expen-diture and all staff have been part of the responsibility of decision making around how money is spent for the improvement of the project. We end the year with money to spare to reinvest back into the project.

p e o p l e

Coordinator Jyoti Tyler


t h e a d m i n i s t r a t i o n d e p a r t m e n t e n j o y e d 7 0 b e s t

m o m e n t s i n 2 0 1 3 w e l c o m i n g e a c h a n d e v e r y w o n d e r -

f u l , e n t h u s i a s t i c v o l u n t e e r h e r e . W e a n s w e r e d

o v e r 2 5 0 e m a i l s f r o m p r o s p e c t i v e s h o r t t e r m V o l -

u n t e e r s a n d v i s i t o r s a n d s u b s e q u e n t l y , 6 5 s h o r t

t e r m v o l u n t e e r s w i t h v i s i t s o f 1 t o 4 w e e k s a n d

5 l o n g t e r m v o l u n t e e r s , 5 w e e k s o r m o r e , j o i n e d

u s .

o n e v e r y s p e c i a l m e m b e r o f t h e t e a m w a s p e l a y o ,

p i c t u r e d b e l o w . h e w a s r e s c u e d , w h e n j u s t b o r n ,

b y 2 v o l u n t e e r s a f t e r b e i n g r e j e c t e d b y h i s

m o t h e r . p e l a y o e n t h r a l l e d u s f o r 2 m o n t h s w i t h

h i s j o i e d e v i v r e a n d i n t e l l i g e n c e . h e n o w l i v e s

h a p p i l y o n a n e a r b y f a r m .

22

Staff of 2013

c l a r a r u i z d e g a u n a

e u g e n i o p e n a l v o l o p e z

p a k o I b a n e z

c a s s a n d r a c a r o l i n e

M a r t i n h y a m s

j o s e t o r r e s g o m e z

e v a g e o r g

e m m a s t e w a r t

approprIate

technology

coMMunIcatIon

and educatIon

adMInIstratIon

drylands

ManageMent

c o o r d i n a t o r s

a s s i s t a n t s

23

d a v i d s a i n e r o p r i e g o

p a k o I b a n e z

j y o t i t y l e r

F r e d g r o o m

a n a I s a b e l s a n c h e z b a r r i u s o

j o h a n n e s b e n j a m i n d o n n e r

l e o n a r d o a l v a r e z

e m m a s t o p f o r d

j o h a n n M a r t e n s

r o s i b a c o n

organIc

gardenIng

ecoconstructIon

general

assIstant

sustaInable lIVIng

adMInIstratIon

24

Onsite educationLearning onsite at Sunseed is a key part of our goals as an environmental education project. As well as the daily activities of each department and living in the community of Sunseed, we also aim to provide other ways for volunteers, staff and visitors to learn and gain knowledge here.

25

F r e e g u i d e d t o u r sEvery Tuesday at Sunseed we offer free guided tours of our project and departments. This is a great opportunity to not only show our volunteers our project, but also to wel-come external visitors who are curious and interested in what we do here at Sunseed. Guests can also join us for lunch or dinner. The tours of 2013 have been a great suc-cess, an an opportunity for Sunseed to communicate and demonstrate low impact living here in Spain.

s e m i n a r sSeminars at Sunseed are an important opportunity for both volunteers, neighbours and staff to share something that they are passionate about and to debate and discuss ideas. During 2013 there has being 47 seminars. Everyone is welcome to organise any kind of seminar. In order to monitor them they have been categorized: low impact lifestyle, environmental awareness and politics, education and culture and community living. An average of 10 volunteers participated in the seminars.

c o u r s e sDuring 2013, Sunseed has organized various onsite courses such as: pruning tech-niques, waste water treatment systems, seed saving, and the construction of biomass gasification stoves.In total 37 people participated in the courses, including some of our volunteers.

W o r k s h o p sAndres and Bea from Aloe Vera de Sorbas held a morning workshop at Sunseed on the properties and uses of Aloe Vera, as well as the preparation of a natural gel. Many volunteers and some neighbours participated! It was a great morning where we learned not only some of the uses of the Aloe, but also some practical skills to cut it and prepare natural gel.

s c h o o l V i s i t s Since 2009, Sunseed has being hosting visits by local primary and secondary schools. During 2013, we hosted two groups of local students aged 12 to 15, from the Instituto Las Norias and the Instituto Carlos III.The students were divided into groups each named after one of the many plants adapted to the arid environment of the South-East of Spain: Pita, Chumba, Olivo and Retama. Volunteers also guided them around the valley, and explained the functions of each of the four main departments: Appropriate Technology, Sustainable Living, Drylands Manage-ment and Organic Gardens. The school visits are a great example of how Sunseed can connect to our local commu-nity and communicatethe importance of environmental education. It is also really enjoy-able!

I n v i s i b l e l e a r n i n gThese are experiences that may not be tangible or that you can put your finger on ex-actly. But they are examples of things that you can learn and grow from whilst at Sun-seed, and that also enforce our value and ethos of personal responsibility towards other people and the environment. Examples are sharing rooms, being part of the cleaning and cooking rota, cultural awareness, connecting to limited resources, following a vegetarian diet and contributing to community life . “Invisible Learning” is one of the strongest experi-ences that our volunteers take away with them

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p l a t a f o r m a s o l a r d e a l m e r i aThe Appropriate Technology Department set up a visit to the Plataforma Solar de Almería. Near Tabernas, it is the biggest concentrated solar energy application research centre in Eu-rope. It was placed in Almería in the 70s because of its 3000 hours of sun per year.We could see in person some experi-ments of research going on, as well as the outdoors installa-tions of companies developing their research programs there.

j a c k i e s F a r m a n d f a r m v i s i t i n

M a l a g aThe gardens team as well as some volunteers visited our neighbour Jackie´s organic farm. Sunseed´s gardens are very productive and provide a positive contribution to our diet. But we do not have the land or resources to meet all our food needs. We buy weekly veg boxes from Jackie, so we went to see her farm and get some grwoing tips It was very impres-sive and her farm is a great success story on how to produce a wide variety of organic and seasonal produce. Sunseed volunteers also went on a recent fact finding and inspiration finding visit to an organic farm in Malaga province too.

a d o b e b r i c k c o u r s eOur neighbours Andres and Bea at Aloe de Sorbas organised an adobe brick making course which some of our eco-con-struction apprentices participated in and found really inspiring. Adobe is a natural building material made from sand, clay, water, and some kind of fibrous or organic material (sticks, straw, and/or manure), which the builders shape into bricks (using frames) and dry in the sun. It is a popular low impact eco construction material all over the world.

Outside interests

Visiting other projects and educational places outside of Sunseed is an important way for us a group to have fun and connect to our local community. It also a way to learn about other low impact tools that are happening and get inspiration from other people.Read about some examples of outside interests in 2013 have been

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M u s i c a n d t h e a t r e e l s a l t a d o rEl Cortijo El Saltador often invites us to share beautiful and artistic evenings with them. Cortijo El Saltador is a large tradi-tional Andalucian farmhouse close to the picturesque village of Lucainena de las Torres. El Saltador (the jumper), with 55 hectares of land, lies in the foothills of the Sierra Alhamilla - a spectacular and magical desert landscape and Sunseed vol-unteers always enjoy cultural evenings with them.

V i s i t s t o p i t a e s c u e l a a n d j a m

s e s s i o nEvery Tuesday Pita Escuela, our neighbouring project opens it doors to visitors. Sunseed volunteers participated in an Ethiopian coffee ceremony plus every Tuesday there is a Jam Session where neighbours and friends of Los Molinos meet and play music.

c o u r s e o n r e f o r e s t a t i o n i n l o s

B a ’ o sAviram creator of Sadhana Forest in Auroville (India) visited Almeria this year. Some volunteers and staff of Sunseed at-tended the course on water catchments and reforestation techniques and invited Aviram to visit Sunseed. It was incred-ibly inspiring and both staff and volunteers at Sunseed learnt more about practical, low impact and accessible tools for regenerating areas.

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Leisure time

One of the best things about Sunseed is not just the learning and sharing of knowledge but also how we choose to have fun and spend leisure time with each other.

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The communal and social aspect of Sunseed is something that most of our volunteers treasure and remember fondly of their time at Sunseed. Many great friendships, laughs and experiences have been shared whilst here.

Throughout 2013, both volunteers and staff have organised some great activities for us as a community to enjoy. For example, we have had the chance to try some Scottish danc-ing and Highland games, all dress up and play at a Murder Mystery night and guess who done it, as well as evenings of party games, cards, movies, cooking, chatting and spending time together.

There are also lots of places to see and visit around Sunseed which can mean a really good day out for everyone. We are very lucky as around Sunseed there iare many beautiful walks, caves and of course beaches for us all to enjoy and explore. Our neighbours too help keep us entertained as an artisan project in the village, Pita Escuela, hosts a jam session every Tuesday for everyone to share and enjoy music.

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Here everything is quite different from what I am

used to have – the food, working process, people,

culture, attitude to life. I have been here for 3

months, and I don’t want to come back to my previ-

ous life anymore. Here I get all I need – experience,

knowledge, freedom, friends, lots of emotions, an

amazing mentor… I have done things that I thought I

would never do. I am glad I have.

Irina from Russia

I have confirmed that one of my favourite

quotes is till true:‘Never doubt that a small group of thought-

ful, committed citizens can change the

world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever

has.’Margaret Mead. Jona Al ( Ex AT Coordinator

from England)

I feel really good to work in a community village.

We co-orperate, help and share our burfen with

each other. We just like a family. We establish

community spirit easily because it is not a huge

group of people. We work, play and have our

meals together everyday. Apart from work, we

also spend our leisure time together, I am really

fond of the seminar every week. May be we come

from different places and have different cultural

background. However, I feel very warm here. Tif-

fany from China

VolunteersQuotes and storIes

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I learned how to be effectively low impact

and how to live in and cater for a large

community. I learned new languages and

about different cultures. Altogether, I found

it a really enjoyable educational experience!

( Freyja from England)

As your mission says, it was really learning

through living. I am so happy I came and am

inspired to share my experience and contrib-

ute on different levels (Mok, Netherlands)

Sunseed has taught me that every individual has his own niche in the environment and something unique

to contribute to the world. It has taught me that writing and speaking about sustainability and environmen-

tal conservation is one thing, but taking a step to bring a real change is a completely different ball game. It

has taught me to value nature and it’s products and has reinforced the tranquillity of the natural world in my

mind. (Rabbiya Pakistan)

My two weeks in Sunseed were incredibly special

and I ended my holiday with more knowledge,

laughs and great experiences than I could have

wished for. The two weeks just flew by and I left

feeling refreshed and ready to look at the world

with different eyes all over again (Emma, Scotland)

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Friends of Sunseed

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Sunseed Desert Technology creates the new Sunseed’s Do-nors and Activists Network: Friends of SunseedYou can choose to join it as a donor or as an activistDonors can choose how to use their money: for a fund to sup-port volunteers or for a specific departmentActivists can organize fundraising events, lectures, presenta-tions and participate in festivals to publicize Sunseed’s activityDuring 2013, Sunseed Desert Technology has relaunched Sunseed’s Donors and Activists Net: Friends of Sunseed (FoS). The Communication and Education Department worked for more than two months on its design, planning and imple-mentation.Some of the aims of this relaunch are to strengthen the relationship with all the people that visit us every year, to keep a constant and active contact with them and to make them part of the organization even from a distance. In addition, we would like to consolidate a stable and durable net of social and economic support that could allow us to continue developing our vision.

People who would like to join can do it as activists raising Sunseed’s voice in their neighbourhoods or among their friends, or as donors through monthly contributions that would permit Sunseed to continue demonstrating and communicat-ing low-impact lifestyles, as well as increasing the number of volunteers. Both figures have a fundamental role in Sunseed. Obviously, one thing does not rule out the other: one can be an Activist and Donor at the same time, or can switch from Activist to Donor (or vice versa) at any time.On July 25th, there was a presentation of Friends of Sunseed for the volunteers, coordinators and assistants that are current-ly living at Sunseed. After the presentation of the network and the different ways to take part in it, the volunteers were invited to think about the initiatives they can develop to communicate Sunseed’s activity in their countries.

We are sure that this project will help us to continue develop-ing, demonstrating, investigating and communicating forms of low-impact lifestyles thanks to the wide community of volun-teers/visitors/activists/donors that visit us every year.If you want to know more about Friends of Sunseed, visit our new website and contact us at any time in case of doubts or suggestions.More information at Friends of Sunseed Website: http://sun-seed.wix.com/friendsofsunseedIf you are interested in supporting or helping us even without being part of the net Friends of Sunseed, contact us at any time.

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email [email protected]

phone (spain) 00 34 950 525 770

post address

Apartado de correos 9. CP 04270,

Los Molinos del Rio Aguas,Sorbas, Almeria, Spain

Trustees

o u r t r u s t e e sA board of six trustees has ultimate legal responsibility for the project. The trustees visit the project and meet in the UK three to four times a year together with the Project Manager . Trust-ees oversee the work of the project and ensure that our aims and objectives are being adhered to, that all financial arrangements are being carried out properly, and that a certain standard of health and safety is being maintained. In addition to the Trustees we also have a group of Advi-sors who provide support and help to their department of interest, or to the project in general. Most of the Trustees have a specific responsibility to one department at the project which entails the following:o Maintaining continuity of oversight. o Encouraging and implementing agreed plans and objectives. o Supporting the staff member by written contact and discussion. o Receiving, reading and acknowledging monthly reports. o Receiving, reading and acknowledging periodic summaries, and checking that these appear on the web site. o Looking at the viability of new projects. o Checking on staff availability. o Assisting in the appointment of new staff where applicable. o Facilitating the paperwork for contracts, travel details etc for new staff.

In addition the trustees are also responsible for the Project Manager who in turn is responsible to them.

c u r r e n t t r u s t e e so Paul Freeman – Chair o Jan Cliff – Secretary o James Curry – Appropriate Technology o Steve Lance – Dryland Management o Mick Floss – Communication & Education o Paul Freeman – Eco-Construction & Maintenance o Almudena Gill Marti – Sustainable Living o Bernhard Hartl – Organic Gardening

a d v i s o r so Zelda Levy (Bookkeeper) o Arnold Pease (Mycorrhizal Project) o Patricia Cañas Rios (Communication & Education) o In Memory of Sunseed Trustee Tim Eiloart.

Sunseed Annual Report 2013

Documents

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t r u s t e e s

e i s u r e t i

t e t e c h n o

g e n e r

o n s i t e e d u c

n i s t ra t i o n

o e c o c o n