GRP6 - Global Permaculture Movement Map

 

The aim of this project is to create an online map of strategic permaculture associations and networks worldwide.

We want the map to be accessible, and able to be updated and maintained by the community.  In future phases of work, we hope to include local groups and projects on the map.

This project will allow greater self-organisation across the network and better ’self-knowledge’, leading to improved funding proposals, events and effective organising. It will also facilitate growth of the movement by enabling interested individuals to connect with their local networks, groups and projects.

Strategic and scalable.  Initially our map will mainly be a strategic network building tool. We have put considerable effort into to understanding current permaculture organisations/networks worldwide. Thinking from patterns to details, we will map strategic organisations first, and intend to add local groups (and eventually projects) as the map evolves and people (users) respond and share feedback on it. 

 Up-to-date information.  Our data will be checked and confirmed annually, so will always be up-to-date.  Good processes for who/when/how the map will be updated are essential for providing a positive experience for diverse users at any time. This is one of our key design aims.

  ‘Ownership’ of the map database will be federated – meaning regional datasets can be stewarded by regional representatives.  This could be at continental level but potentially national too.  A distributed network is more resilient than a centralised one.  In the meantime, the International CoLab will steward on behalf of regions until they are ready.   

 Datasets will be available to, and usable by, strategic permaculture organisations.  We will also be exploring with the team at Murmurations the possibility to integrate with organisations’ CRM / contact databases.  

Accessibility – we aim to make our map visible and accessible on any device and any browser, and usable even with limited internet bandwidth.

 Data will be open source and distributed – meaning the data will be available to other mappers. This means mapped entities could be featured on other relevant 3rd party  maps in future, without needing to collect data again. This will be via the pioneering Murmurations protocol.  Murmurations is a protocol designed for data interoperability, meaning data can be easily mixed and matched for use cases beyond simple mapping. 

Functionality. The map design is considering a comprehensive list of actors and potential users. Their main needs have been identified, and while the initial version might not include an extensive range of functions, there is a commitment to continue developing the map and add more functions over time. We’re hoping the map will help users to identify and contact potential partners to develop future projects.  Our data profiles will be ‘rich’ both in terms of searchability, and also potentially integrate with other rich content elsewhere in e.g.  stories, impact, funding collaborations. 


 

1. Develop and launch a pilot map prototype.
2. Design feedback approaches and implement updates and suggested improvements based on the feedback received.
3. Establish a clear database and data input strategy.
4. Define, test and implement a system/process to work with map stewards.
5. Create and implement a strategy to increase map visibility and visitor engagement.
6. Scope future requirements and secure funding for continued map development and maintenance.
7. Create and implement strategy to acquire more organisations listed on the map. 


 

Kate Swatridge, Andy Goldring, Maria Paez

Reporting Officer: Kate Swatridge