Design Locally – Apply it Globally (DLAG)
Design Locally – Apply it Globally is an Erasmus+ KA210 Small Partnership project developed through international collaboration between organizations working in permaculture, youth education and community development.
The project was created to strengthen the capacities of partner organizations and to support educators, youth workers and young people in developing green and sustainable skills. At its core, DLAG explores how creative processes and ethical frameworks can empower communities to design regenerative solutions to real-life challenges.
By combining innovation with values, the project promotes ecological responsibility, cooperation and long-term thinking as foundations for a sustainable future.
Design Thinking brings a human-centred, creative and action-oriented process. It begins with real needs, encourages diverse ideas, supports rapid prototyping and learning through experimentation, and develops key competences such as empathy, collaboration and critical thinking.
Social permaculture adds systemic depth and ethical grounding. It looks beyond isolated problems to patterns, relationships, power dynamics and feedback loops. Rooted in the ethics of care for the Earth, care for people and fair share, it supports regenerative solutions that are sustainable, just and long-term.
Together, Design Thinking and social permaculture create a process that is both creative and responsible. Young people are supported not only to generate ideas, but to design solutions that are innovative, ethical and regenerative.
And because learning should be alive:
If it is not fun – it is not sustainable.
DLAG brings together a practical methodology, an educational game and a digital learning space. These interconnected tools support young people and facilitators in understanding community challenges, experimenting with solutions and strengthening regenerative thinking in practice.
The methodology offers a structured process for observation, reflection and collective design. CONNECTED translates systems thinking into a cooperative learning experience. The e-platform provides open access to resources, materials and multilingual tools that make the approach accessible across contexts.
Together, they form a learning ecosystem designed to empower communities to act with creativity, responsibility and long-term vision.
ZMAG – Green Network of Activist Groups (Croatia)
ZMAG is a centre of knowledge for sustainable living and permaculture development. Its work includes agroecology, natural building, good economy, energy transition and education for sustainable life. Activities include Permaculture Design Courses (PDC), a seed bank, educational festivals and cooperation with schools.
Zeleno Doba – Centre for Sustainable Growth and Development (Serbia)
Zeleno Doba works locally, regionally and at the European level in the fields of permaculture education, facilitation and sustainable practices. The organisation works with youth, educators, women and youth workers, focusing on regenerative learning and community empowerment.
Društvo za permakulturo Slovenije – DPS (Slovenia)
Founded in 1996, DPS brings together permaculture teachers, practitioners and enthusiasts. The organisation delivers PDC courses, workshops, lectures and public events, including the first Permafest in Slovenia.