RYAN BOTHA

My background is in horticulture and landscaping, which has provided me with a wide range of practical skills, as well as a strong interest in plants, trees, and ecology. I have worked on diverse large and small scale projects around the world, since 1998 and have experience in most climate zones. Having grown up in Cape Town, I have a sound knowledge and love of the Mediterranean biome.

I discovered permaculture in 2008 and became interested in more sustainable approaches to working with the environment and began to start incorporating whole systems thinking into my work with landscape restoration.

Since 2016 I have devoted my attention to syntropic farming and to researching and implementing viable solutions for Mediterranean and semi-arid biomes. I have been really fortunate to receive first hand education and tutelage from Ernst Gotsch and other pioneers in the syntropic farming world. These experiences have inspired me to seek solutions to our current global challenges by observing and mimicking natural processes.

I love sharing my work with others, especially when it involves practical activities on the farm (where I take pride in a very organised and systematic approach). I am a facilitator/educator and consultant in ecological landscape design and Syntropic farming. This work brings me great pleasure, both in my teaching and learning from others. I enjoy collaborating with like minded people on how we can heal the land in order to bring back abundance for future generations.

I am currently developing my digital design skills and studying with United Designs. Outside of that you may also find me surfing the very rare waves in our local area. But more likely I will be out in nature, observing plant species (like most syntropic practioners!)

QUALIFICATIONS

1998 Cape Peninsula University of Technology - National Diploma Horticulture

2010 Permaculture Design Certificate - Bill Mollison, Geoff Lawton (Istanbul)

2012 Permaculture Earthworks Course -Geoff Lawton (Morocco)

2016 Introduction to Syntropic Farming- Ernst Gostch (Olot, Barcelona)

2016 Syntropic Farming studies in Brasil- Life in Syntropy /Agenda Gostch.

2017 Regrarians Online Farm Planning Program - Darren Doherty

2017- 2019 Syntropic Farming Courses - Ernst Gotsch (@La Loma)

2019   Regrarians REXi Farm Planning Course - Darren Doherty (@La Loma)