The Permaculture Research Institute of Australia

Background education and work:
I have a technical education. I worked a few years as a Draftsman/engineer In machines en building installations. After that I worked for 8 years as a recruiter of technical staff (first as a sales representative and later as manager). In 1999 I started my own company in stock exchange data and analystics software. I sold the company in 2010.

Interested/involved in permaculture:
In 2006 I first heard about peak oil. I realised that growth was finite and that we're heading for big global troubles. I wanted to be more self sufficient. On my search to the ways to become more self sufficient I got interested in permaculture. In 2007, i started a five year plan to become self sufficient and to get rid of non sustainable habits.

Present permaculture activities:
I'm currently preparing a eco-house / permaculture project in Germany (to live in). The buildings are going to be build from natural materials and need to be self sufficient in energy (electrical and heating) and water. The surroundings of the buildings are going to be designed to provide food (incl food forest). The possibility of participation and transfer of knowledge is incorporated in the plan (classroom / guesthouse / etc.).

In January 2012 I have started the 2 year "training" for the Diploma in Applied Permaculture Design at the Permakultur Akademie in Germany.

My blog: http://www.mikannika.com
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mikannika