314 Facilitator’s Handbook for Permaculture Workshops
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Creative thinking : Design an aquaculture system (Aquaculture Ex. 1)
Method : Participatory small group designs
Tools : Large paper, markers
References : PC Book MOD 11 - Aquaculture
PC Book MOD 2 - Natural Patterns and Permaculture Design
Objective : Participants practice designing animal rotation systems
Note: This exercise is essential no matter how many other exercises in this series are
used.
Identify a few different system ideas for the participants to use as a base to create their
designs. The systems will vary depending on each location and the participants.
Step 1 - Demonstration site survey
- Take the participants to the aquaculture site to survey the land where the
demonstration aquaculture systems will be implemented.
Step 2 - Orientation and design
- Ask the participants to split up into smaller workgroups.
- Each group can create a simple plan, which should include all the elements of a
sustainable and productive aquaculture system:- Fish pond construction including water inflows and outflows.
- Pond preparation.
- Stocking the fish.
- Integration with other systems.
- The designs can be on paper or as a simple 3-D model. The design does not
need to be too detailed as the details will be implemented in the building of the
aquaculture system. - The designs will need to last the duration of the aquaculture system creation
process so 3-D models will need to be protected from the rain. - Refer to the creative thinking exercise “Design and build an integrated
aquaculture 3-D model” for more information and ideas.
Step 3 - Presentation for feedback and inputs
- After each workgroup has completed their aquaculture system, they can present
it to the entire group for feedback and other suggestions.