Formed in 2000, at the start of Timor-Leste’s independence, Permatil (Permaculture Timor-Lorosae) has steadily grown, both in size, in influence and in the scope of its work. With a dedicated team of Timorese staff and volunteers, supported by international volunteers and supporters, Permatil are leaders in rebuilding and regenerating the country in a sustainable, culturally appropriate way.
With 80% of Timorese families reliant on subsistence farming and 50% of Timorese children malnourished, Permatil is addressing these challenges through techniques that use local resources, appropriate technology and low-cost solutions. Permatil continues to influence policy and practice of NGOs, education institutions and Timorese Government departments. It trains hundreds of future trainers each year – ranging from NGO and government representatives to community leaders, cooperative representatives and local farmers – in areas including water and soil restoration and conservation, sustainable land management and organic farming – working directly with communities across Timor-Leste on water shed management, natural spring repair, reforestation, agro-forestry, aquaculture, compost toilets, cook stoves, plant nurseries and much more.
Permatil's water restoration programs in over 700 communities have stabilised and increased water supplies, brought over 500 natural springs back to year-round flows, reduced erosion, rehabilitated local ecosystems and improved coastal and marine environments. Communities have also benefitted from multiple livelihood opportunities including multi-species agroforestry, agro-ecology, aquaculture and animal husbandry.
In recognition of the role of young people in ensuring the long-term sustainability of Timor-Leste and our planet, Permatil has focused particularly on initiatives to help youth lead the way for a sustainable future. As a result, Timor-Leste was the first country to incorporate a permaculture school gardens program in the national primary curriculum. Through the program, 254 schools so far have planted the seed for sustainable practices in younger generations, with more than 41,500 students and their families directly impacted.
Permatil established the PermaYouth and PermaKids movements in Timor-Leste – bringing together young people to learn about sustainable agriculture, local food, caring for the environment, water conservation, leadership and working as a team. Since 2008, over 5,500 young people have participated in PermaYouth camps, equipping them with skills that can be taken back and shared directly with their communities.
Over the years, Permatil has developed comprehensive education resources, helping share environmental sustainability knowledge and tools in a relevant and culturally appropriate way. In 2018, Permatil published the updated and expanded international edition of the guidebook. A gift from Timor-Leste to the world. To date The Tropical Permaculture Guidebook, published in English and Tetum languages, has been accessed in over 160 countries and 30 Territories, with over 141,000 resources downloaded.
