Ecological farming. We are pioneering research into ecological farming techniques, trialling species and designs to maximise yields whilst protecting the soil. We concentrate on perennial food crops and dry land farming techniques. We are exploring local species and ecosystem services to facilitate the regeneration of the farm into a resource abundant polyculture. 
Ecological architecture The Bayt Igzaz lies at the heart of the farm providing kitchen, shower, laundry, sauna, and greenhouse facilities. The structure is built from 100% local recycled and natural materials and collects rainwater and reuses the water for cleaning, climate control and growing tropical food. The kitchen contains a constructed wetland, aquaculture and tropical fruit forest using only greywater. |
Environmental eduction. The Bustan Qaraaqa Farm offers excellent teaching facilities. The site is a working example of a sustainable living system demonstrating alternative technologies and innovations for the home and the land. Students have the chance to get their hands dirty and learn practical skills for the future. We teach school groups, community groups and certificated permaculture design courses. Workshops can be tailored to the cater for specific areas of interest. 
Rainwater Harvesting is the most sustainable way to access plentiful, clean and free water in this thirsting land. The farm system is designed to maximise rain water storage in the trees, soils and cisterns. We demonstrate elegantly simple technologies to prevent soil erosion and increase water availability in the landscape, rejuvenating dry farms like Bustan Qaraaqa.
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Tree nursery produces 2000 trees a year of 40 different species. The trees are given or bought for use in food forests, landscape restoration projects, food and fuel security, and resisting land appropriation. We offer a great diversity of "native tree" species and can grow to order provenanced stock from local wild seed to conserve disappearing wild tree populations. We also offer a wide range of useful agroforestry species. Each winter we plant 1000's of trees in communities from the mountains to the desert with the Farmers and the Bedouin. 
The Foodforest on the farm is a living collection of wild and cultivated trees and herbs mimmicing the ecosystems of the diverse ancient woodlands of the eastern Mediterranean and the Rift valley savanna lands. In addition to clothing the landscape, the woodland protects and builds the soil, cools and humidifies the microclimate and provides food, fuel, construction materials for daily life on the farm. |
