With the lens of "Permaculture", we can re-imagine our need for food, water, shelter, and connection. In a world facing growing environmental and economic uncertainty, local solutions are becoming increasingly relevant. Growing food in our own backyards, neighbourhoods, and communities is more than a practical response. It is an opportunity to reconnect with the land, build resilience, strengthen local relationships, and cultivate a more sustainable future. The presentation will also highlight the importance of learning local native plants such as perennial vegetables, fruiting shrubs and trees.

Presenter Elya Justina has worked in various nature-based settings such as tree planting in Northern Ontario, seaweed harvesting in the Pacific, organic farms in Australia, and local garden centres and greenhouses. She studied Permaculture Design and Natural Building in Costa Rica while living in remote rainforest town.