CHIRON’S GARDEN by KANNABIO
A European Solidarity Corps volunteer project
Nature has been healing us since ancient times. Before humans began to cultivate the land, they had already discovered the healing properties of herbs and plants. As such, for thousands of years, Mother Earth has naturally nourished us and food has become our medicine, as Hippocrates taught us.
This relationship can only be reciprocal, with mutual respect in order to be symbiotic and what we take from the Earth must return in one way or another, for the ecosystem to be in balance.
The richness of the Greek flora can be found in the huge variety of aromatic and medicinal herbs, in their therapeutic applications, but also in the myths that accompany them. In order for future generations to have this wealth at their disposal, our engagement with the Earth, in addition to being eco-logical, must be regenerative and resilient in order to be sustainable.
Pelion has been the mountain of flowers and medicinal herbs since ancient times. The wealth of the mountain in medicinal and aromatic plants is combined with the myth and archetype of the (demigod) Centaur Chiron, son of Saturn, who taught Asclepius the healing art and undertook the education of many mythological heroes: Hercules, Perseus, Achilles, and Jason of the Argonauts.
The Centaur Chiron archetype is that of the wounded healer, of the mystic teacher. Chiron symbolizes an archetypal power that we all hide within us, that can expand our consciousness and nurture our bodies. It is the power of self-healing that pushes us to seek life solutions beyond our comfort zone and that allows us to transform the pain of the past into something useful for the future, for ourselves, for other people and for the planet.
To protect and to highlight this wealth, KANNABIO Hemp Cooperative is setting up in Volos, Greece, in a short-distance from Pelion, an exhibition farm (KannaFarm) and a training hub on non-formal, experiential learning (Chiron’s Garden) for regenerative agriculture, sustainability and resilience.
The 3.000 m2 farm will focus on organic polyculture of aromatic and medicinal herbs, edible flowers, pollinator plants and functional edible plants, found in the wider area and the Greek territory.
The main purpose is to address climate change and environmental-related challenges by integrating green practices and promoting environmentally sustainable and responsible behaviors and lifestyles. Also, the project has the concrete objective of providing open knowledge, skills and competencies for positive change regarding self-sufficiency of basic needs, entrepreneurship and employment, and to enhance engagement in sustainability activities as a response to the multi-dimensional challenges Europe (and Greece) is facing.
The design of the ecological farm will be based on the principles of permaculture in collaboration with the highly experienced biologist/botanist/trainer Fotini Georgousi (New Guinea), while various practices from Korean Natural Farming (KNF), Agro-ecology, Biodynamic and Regenerative Agriculture will be applied.
The training hub will be developed utilizing the 20-year experience of ILIOSPOROI network on non-formal education for sustainability, while the whole project will seek cooperation with the Regenerative Farming Greece Network and relevant international organizations.
With the development of this farm, KANNABIO will show in practice how organic polyculture of plants with a positive environmental impact and high added value can be profitable on a small-scale farm for those who want to get involved with the agricultural economy, with the primary and secondary sector, in terms of living decently and not just surviving.
The project is supported by the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) program, which will give the opportunity, for the next 5 years, to 26 young European volunteers to stay up to 6 months in Volos and get involved in the creation of the farm - training hub.
Desired qualifications of candidates:
- Basic knowledge of English
- Familiarity with gardening tools and agricultural work
- Communication skills
- Teamwork, consistency, commitment and work ethic
We offer:
- Organized and friendly work environment
- Continuous training and mentoring
- Networking with similar sustainability initiatives in Greece and the EU
International volunteers, aged 20-30, will be engaged in the following two main activities:
- Agroecology Design and Development of Demonstration Farm
The volunteers will work 30-34 hours per week depending the planned workload each week. The tasks that volunteers will carry out in the development of a demonstration farm will vary and will include:
1. Farm Design and planning: Conduct thorough research on agroecology principles, techniques, and best practices, and develop a plan for the demonstration farm based on these findings. Design based on permaculture, Korean Natural Farming, organic and regenerative agriculture principles. Assist in the selection of suitable companion crops. Develop a layout and blueprint for the farm that incorporates elements of regenerative, organic polyculture, such as intercropping, companion planting, and agroforestry.
2. Agricultural practices: Assisting with the planting, cultivation, and harvesting of crops, as well as, the maintenance of the farm's soil and water systems. Implement the farm design, prepare soils and start planting and growing crops, using regenerative techniques such as cover cropping, crop rotation, and minimal tillage. Monitor soil and crop conditions.
3. Research and data collection: Assisting with research and data collection, such as monitoring soil health, plant growth, and water usage. Analysis of the characteristics of the plot.
4. Building infrastructure: Construct the necessary infrastructure for the farm, such as greenhouses, barns, sheds, fencing, water management systems, and access paths.
5. Maintenance and construction: Assisting with the maintenance and construction of farm infrastructure, such as building compost bins, trellises, and other structures.
6. Administration and management: Assisting with the administration and management of the farm, including record-keeping, and other administrative tasks.
7. Managing the agroecology system of the farm includes tasks such as pruning, cutting grass, planting new trees, mulching, etc.
8. Mulching - Covering the soil with dead plant material is an easy way to control weeds and protect the soil in annual crops.
9. Composting – Creation of Organic Compost using worms and bokashi for soil replenishment. Application of compost to the fields can have a major impact on crop growth and yields.
10. Terraces and soil bunds - Construction of terraces and soil bunds is a key measure for soil conservation.
11. Also maintaining the paths for the visitors, putting up signs for orientation and information of the visitors, as well as, updating the plans which already exist on the agroecology system.
- Development of Training Hub for Sustainability and Outreach Campaign
The tasks that volunteers will carry out include:
1. Education and outreach: Volunteers will assist in designing and delivering training sessions, workshops, and other educational activities at the Hub.
2. Research and data collection: Volunteers will assist with the collection of data and research on sustainability topics, which can help to inform and improve the Hub's training and education activities.
3. Community engagement: Engaging with the local community, through community events, open days, and other outreach activities at the Hub and in Volos town.
4. Event organization: Volunteers will assist with the organization and coordination of events, such as info days, workshops and seminars at the Hub.
5. Developing training material: Volunteers will assist with the design and develop a range of training material that cover various aspects of sustainability, regenerative agriculture, and resilience for climate change mitigation, including but not limited to posters, leaflets, info bulletins, seminar notes for trainers, seminar curriculums, etc.
6. Developing of awareness campaign: Design and implement an awareness campaign for the local society, schoolchildren, and university students on sustainability, regenerative agriculture and resilience. Development of Outreach Strategy and Campaign to promote the Hub and its topics.
7. Training and education: Establish a training program to educate people about agroecology, regenerative farming practices, and sustainable land use. Offer workshops, training of trainers, and other educational opportunities to local farmers, university students, marginalized youth and community members.
8. Marketing and outreach: Volunteers will assist with promoting the Hub's activities and resources to a wider audience, through marketing and outreach efforts. They will co-develop a marketing and outreach strategy to promote the training hub and its programs to farmers, students, community organizations, youth and other stakeholders.
9. Monitoring and evaluation: Continuously monitor and evaluate the performance of the training hub and its tasks, and make adjustments as necessary to ensure their effectiveness and relevance.
10. Networking and collaboration: Build and maintain international relationships with other organizations and individuals working in the fields of sustainability, regenerative agriculture, and climate change mitigation to share knowledge and resources, and to contribute to the advancement of these practices.
Volunteers will be supervised by experienced host staff and will receive training, guidance, mentorship and support to carry out their tasks effectively. They will also have the opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge in all aspects of regenerative agriculture and training for sustainability, and make valuable contributions to the local community and the environment.
This is a long-term and hands-on volunteer placement (6 months) and requires dedication, commitment and engagement. Travel (economy or green, lump sum up to €500 depending distance), accommodation and food expenses are fully covered, along with a small amount of pocket money (180€/ month).
Additional information and volunteer applications: Michalis Theodoropoulos, kannabiohemp@gmail.com (please indicate in subject line for ESC project) / Landline: 0030-24210-64309