For decades, our food systems have been shaped by a powerful, often unseen force: the imitation of a single, dominant model—the industrial farm. We collectively desired monocultures, perfectly uniform produce, and the promise of endless growth, a desire that came at a steep cost to our environment and communities. But what if we chose to imitate a different model? What if we consciously chose to desire the resilience, abundance, and wisdom of a forest?
A Shift in Focus: From Syntropy to Permaculture
This is the core philosophy behind agroecology—a deliberate rebellion against industrial imitation and a conscious decision to mimic nature instead of a factory. The journey often begins with an introduction to syntropic agroforestry. This isn’t just about planting trees; it’s a hyper-efficient system that imitates the dynamic, successional processes of a natural forest. In a syntropic system, you combine diverse species in a way that accelerates growth, enriches the soil, and increases biodiversity. By stacking different plants in layers, much like a tropical jungle, we create an ecosystem that becomes more productive and resilient over time with minimal external inputs. It’s a powerful, hands-on lesson in how to work with nature’s dynamic energy, rather than fighting against it.
This deep understanding of syntropic systems can then lead us to the broader principles of permaculture. While syntropy focuses on the dynamic, developmental processes of a specific ecosystem, permaculture is a wider design system that seeks to create stable, self-sustaining human habitats. It takes the lessons learned from observing natural succession and applies them to the design of entire landscapes, from gardens and farms to entire communities. Permaculture teaches us how to connect different elements—not just plants, but also water, energy, and human needs—in a way that creates a cohesive, resilient whole. This shift in perspective allows us to see how individual regenerative practices can fit into a larger, more comprehensive vision for a sustainable future.
A Real-World Laboratory and the Broader Applications
These ideas are not just abstract theories; they are the foundation of my personal project, the Troppos tropical urban food forest. Located in an urban environment, Troppos is a tangible manifestation of these principles—a living laboratory where I am actively creating a dense, productive ecosystem by applying the rules of syntropy and permaculture. The goal is to grow more than just food; it is to grow a new vision of what is possible, inspiring others to embrace a different kind of desire—a desire to see abundance flourish in unexpected places.
The true power of this work lies in its intersection with social and community development. These practices extend far beyond a garden bed; they are tools for building kai resilience. “Kai,” a Māori word for food, and “kai resilience” speaks to a community’s ability to provide for itself in a sustainable and culturally appropriate way. My work with the Community Organisation Vector Group Charitable Trust shows me this connection firsthand. Our work in social and youth development is rooted in the belief that empowering people begins with meeting their most basic needs. A food forest is a tool for social work: it’s a place for education, a space for community building, and a source of nourishment that goes far beyond calories. By teaching young people how to grow their own food, we are giving them a tangible stake in their community’s well-being and a sense of self-reliance that lasts a lifetime.
Ultimately, the choice to embrace agroecology, permaculture, and syntropy is a choice to desire a more just and resilient future. It’s an act of imitation that consciously chooses the interconnected wisdom of nature over the isolated efficiency of industry, a choice that nourishes not just the body, but the very fabric of our communities.
