Starting 12 or 19 July 2026 | Ermitaj Malin, Romania
The Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC) follows an internationally recognised 72-hour curriculum and offers an immersive journey into ecological design.
In 2026, we are introducing two possible formats:
• 100% On-site residential format
• 50% Online + 50% On-site hybrid format
The final format will depend on participants’ preferences, collected through the registration form and discussed in a dedicated WhatsApp group before the course begins.
Depending on the chosen format, the course may:
• Start on 12 July and end on 19 July (hybrid format)
• Start on 19 July and end on 26 July (full on-site format)
The pricing reflects these two formats.
This will be the fourth PDC taught by Cristina at Ermitaj and continues our long-term commitment to high-quality permaculture education in Romania.
What Will You Learn?
The PDC curriculum covers the core foundations of permaculture design:
• Natural patterns and ecosystems
• Water management and topography
• Soil formation and regeneration
• Forests and productive systems
• Energy and construction
• Waste systems and composting
• Economic and social permaculture
• Urban permaculture
• Design methodology
Participants will work in groups on a real design project presented at the end of the course.
Certification requires a minimum of 90% attendance.
The first PDC's, organized by Philippe
Hybrid or Fully On-site?
100% On-site Format
• Full immersion at Ermitaj Malin
• Workshops and practical exercises
• Group processes and design work
• Community life and shared responsibilities
50% Online + 50% On-site Format
• Theoretical sessions delivered online before the residential week
• Online sessions will likely take place between April and June
• Approximately one full day every two weeks
• The on-site week focuses on applied design, practical workshops, integration, and project presentations
The final decision will be made collectively based on participants’ responses in the registration form and discussions in the WhatsApp group.
The Trainer
Cristina Colis is one of the few certified PDC teachers in Romania and has trained hundreds of participants in permaculture design, forest gardening, and regenerative systems.
She combines clarity, depth, and structured pedagogy with real-life experience in ecological projects.
Cristina will be supported by the Ermitaj team during workshops and practical sessions.
What Is a PDC Like?
A PDC is primarily a theoretical course grounded in systems thinking, but the residential format adds:
• Hands-on workshops
• Design exercises
• Community-building practices
• Collective site care (15–20 minutes per day)
• Evening discussions and activities
A PDC is serious and demanding, but also transformative and deeply human.
A Typical On-site Day
• 07:15 – Breakfast
• 08:15 – Morning circle
• 08:30 – Session 1
• 10:00 – Break
• 10:30 – Session 2
• 12:00 – Lunch
• 14:30 – Session 3
• 16:00 – Break
• 16:30 – Session 4
• 18:00 – End of classes
• 19:00 – Dinner
Practical Information
The course fee covers:
• Organisation
• Accommodation (camping access)
• Meals from the first morning until lunch on the final day
• Trainer and kitchen team fees
The pricing follows a solidarity-based income system.
Early Bird applies for registrations at least two months before the start date.
Pricing Grid
| Monthly Household Income | 50/50 Hybrid | 100% On-site |
|---|---|---|
| 1st category | 2300 RON | 3500 RON |
| 2nd category | 2700 RON | 4000 RON |
| 3rd category | 3100 RON | 4500 RON |
| 4th category | 3500 RON | 5000 RON |
| Early Bird 1 | 2100 RON | 3150 RON |
| Early Bird 2 | 2430 RON | 3600 RON |
| Early Bird 3 | 2790 RON | 4050 RON |
| Early Bird 4 | 3150 RON | 4500 RON |
Participants choose the income category that best reflects their situation.
The course requires a minimum of 11 participants. If this number is not reached one month before the start, the course will be cancelled and fully refunded.
Registration
Please read the General Conditions and Internal Rules carefully before registering.
Spots are limited.
For more details and registration, fill out the registration form.