Join Jill Cloutier of Sustainable World and Margie Bushman of Santa Barbara Permaculture Network on Friday, January 18, from 9-10am for an interview with Isabela Coelho, one of the founders of OPA, the Organization of Permaculture and Art in Brazil.

While attending the 8th International Permaculture Conference in Brazil last May 2007 Santa Barbara Permaculture visited several permaculture centers in Brazil.  A shining star was OPA , created in 2004 by multicultural artists and educators of diverse backgrounds. OPA is in the process of establishing a center in the historic Pelourinho district of Salvador to demonstrate innovative urban permaculture models and function as a multi-purpose art space. They began with “Circo Agua Viva”, a project of environmental education through circus arts and educational theater with underprivileged children and at-risk youth in Salvador. Their ECO-Surfista educational program, combines Surf and Permaculture on the Bahian coast.

For more information about OPA and how to support their work, visit their website at : www.opabrasil.org .

***Of special note: A short film on OPA's work will be shown at the upcoming 5th Annual Santa Barbara Brazilian Carnaval on Feb 1,2,3, 2008.  A Film Screening is planned as a kickoff for the 3 day event, OPA's film will precede the main feature, a movie about the evolution and style of music in Rio de Janeiro (go to www.soulbrasil.com to learn more).  Come out and learn a little bit more about Brazil, a dynamic and wonderful country.


Sustainable World Radio: Friday mornings at 9:00 am PST on KCSB 91.9 FM in Santa Barbara, California and streaming live on KCSB.org.  Also can be found on www.radio4all.net later in the week. and  podcasts on www .sustainableworldradio.com.