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The 4PM Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC) is an immersive, regenerative learning journey rooted in the ethics of Earth Care, People Care, and Fair Share. We have named it 4PM as a wish to build a For Permaculture network of enthusiasts in Hong Kong and across the border and also as a reference to an ideal time for after school or end of work activities to learn about permaculture. “It’s 4PM!”
This course is the fruit of the collaboration between Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (KFBG), Green Hub and Ark Eden Foundation, which are all coincidentally celebrating their 70th , 10th and 20th anniversaries of existence this year!
Through this programme, we hope to seed a growing, connected permaculture community across the city. Participants are encouraged not only to learn design principles, but to apply them — by transforming their own homes, workplaces, schools, rooftops, farms, or community spaces, or by initiating collaborative projects with fellow participants. By empowering graduates to design and steward regenerative spaces, we aim to increase the number of permaculture-inspired sites in Hong Kong and over the border to strengthen a visible, supportive network of practitioners who can learn from and uplift one another.
About the course:
Co-created by a team of permaculture educators, this multi-site programme is delivered in alignment with internationally recognised Permaculture Design Course (PDC) frameworks. Set across diverse learning environments in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, the course enables participants to explore how permaculture principles are applied in real-world contexts.
Through site-based learning in urban, rural, coastal, and community settings, participants engage with permaculture ethics, principles, and design methodology. From forests and farms to dense cityscapes and marine ecosystems, the programme emphasises active enquiry and hands-on experience.
By the end of the programme, participants will be equipped to design and transform public or private spaces into resilient, regenerative systems, supporting ecological health and community wellbeing through practical, nature-based solutions.
More than a course, 4PM is a learning journey—connecting participants with local permaculture resources, supportive networks, and an ongoing regenerative practice.
Teaching team:
This course is co-created by an interdisciplinary group of practitioners and educators, including :
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Jenny Quinton, Founder and Project Designer of Ark Eden Foundation Jenny grew up in the countryside in England. She arrived in Hong Kong in 1989 and never left because she fell in love with Lantau Island. Alongside her many years of experience being a Primary School teacher at English Schools Foundation and 20 years at the helm of Ark Eden, Jenny has completed three Permaculture Design Certificates and the Permaculture Teachers Training Course, done her Forest School Level 3 Training, a Diploma in Experiential Education, Play for Peace certification, and is a Yoga Teacher and Conscious Dance Facilitator. She is always working to save Lantau and the planet. |
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Paule de La Poype, Freelance Project Manager & Permaculture Teacher Paule is a Franco-New Zealander working at the intersection of regenerative agriculture, public affairs and ecosystem restoration. Formally trained in international affairs and agriculture in France and in China, Paule gained hands-on experience by working on a small permaculture farm for two years. Passionate about food systems and ecosystem restoration, she is committed to bridging the gap between policy and practice. Paule has completed her PDC with Geoff Lawton and her PTT with Rosemary Morrow at KFBG. She holds active experience from her land in France, where she is leading a multistakeholder water restoration project. Paule is also a registered Yoga Teacher and writes on Substack. |
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Idy Wong, Head of Sustainable Living of Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden Idy leads the development of KFBG Green Hub, which receives both local and international recognition for sustainable design and management. She holds a degree in Biochemistry, post-graduate certificate on environmental education, and master’s degrees in Buddhist Studies, Sustainable Agriculture and Community Development. She also acquired professional training on organic certification, permaculture design and ecovillage design education along the path to navigate global challenges in connection with regeneration and transformation. |
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Stella Chong, Manager of Green Hub Stella is a certified permaculture teacher of KFBG. She holds a degree in Biology and completed her Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC) with Geoff Lawton, along with her Permaculture Teacher Training (PTT) with Rosemary Morrow and the Gaia Education Train of Trainers course for Ecovillage Design Education. Stella has contributed to numerous community farming projects for schools and NGOs, and brings extensive experience in designing and organising workshops, as well as leading teacher training programmes that promote sustainable living. |
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Jessica Wong, Senior Programme Officer of Green Hub Jessica is a certified permaculture teacher at KFBG with experience in sustainable living and ecological design. An anthropology graduate and practicing ethnographer, she offers a unique perspective on the connections between human cultures and the environment. She completed Permaculture Teacher Training (PTT) with Rosemary Morrow. An avid birdwatcher, Jessica shares her passion through guided walks and family programmes, fostering community engagement and a deeper appreciation for biodiversity and advocates for harmony between people and nature. |
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Haocheng You, founder and executive director of
LOHAS(Guangzhou) Eco Environmental Technologies Co. ltd Hailing from Canton, he traces his commitment to sustainability to his roots in the region and his foundational studies in Ecology at Sun Yat-sen University. His journey advanced with a Permaculture Design Certificate under Robyn Francis, followed by dual Master of Science degrees from Carnegie Mellon University in Engineering and Technology Innovation Management and Environmental Management and Science.
Grounded in the philosophy of “Working with Nature”, his professional work focuses on nature-based solutions, sustainable livelihoods, and community resilience. His project portfolio includes initiatives that have spearheaded climate-friendly rice cultivation in China, developed agroforestry and understory economy systems, and implemented practical solutions for green waste management and community food waste composting. Haocheng has solidified his commitment to education by completing the Permaculture Teachers Training with Rosemary Morrow. |
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Ivy Lam, Permaculture Certified Practitioner and Landscape Designer of Shenzhen Dream-Eco-land Landscape Co. Ltd Ivy was primarily engaged in Shenzhen in cultivating urban ecosystem development, She supported government bodies and NGOs in restoring habitats for native flora and fauna, and creating safe, ecological pathways for people to engage with nature. Ivy advocates for inclusive participation in Process and fostering greater understanding of nature and self-awareness to promote beneficial ecosystem cycles and achieve sustainable coexistence between humanity and the natural world. Her key projects include: Shenzhen Community Gardens, Co-habitat Gardens, hiking trails, country paths (handcrafted trails), butterfly habitat gardens, bird habitat gardens, zero-waste & regenerative gardens. |
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Chang Ka Chun, Rice, Operator, Good Family Farm and permaculture teacher
Rice is a small‑farm operator based in Tung Chung, Lantau Island. He completed his Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC) in 2015 through the Permaculture Institute (Hong Kong). His farming journey began with borrowed land from Wildroots Organics, where he also gained experience in rooftop garden design and management. In 2017, he launched his Facebook page “First Step Cultivation” (築橋耕作) to share farm updates and sell produce. The name reflects his belief that farming reconnects knowledge, science, and human relationships often lost in city life — and that education is the first step to rebuilding those connections. |
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Learning Spaces
The PDC course takes place across multiple inspiring locations. Each site offers a unique lens on regenerative design - from forest ecology to urban permaculture innovation.
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Ark Eden Foundation : Ark Eden is a leading eco-education, forest school and permaculture community based on Lantau Island, Hong Kong. As a registered charity, Ark Eden provides provide sustainable solutions for Hong Kong's environmental and social issues through educational workshops, ecological restoration projects and nature-based experiences for holistic health & well being. Location reference: HERE |
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Kadoorie Farm & Botanic Garden : Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (KFBG) raises awareness, undertakes rigorous science-based species conservation and ecosystem restoration, and offers new ways of thinking and low-carbon living to respond to the world’s environmental problems, all while being linked to the resources and lifestyle of Hong Kong. Location reference: HERE |
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Green Hub : The Green Hub is a project of KFBG. It has transformed the Old Tai Po Police Station, into a "Green Hub for Sustainable Living". The Green Hub offers solutions to the challenges facing us in finding harmony with the natural world. Location reference: HERE |
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Wu Tong Dao (Shenzhen) : Wu Tong Island is the first urban development complex of its kind, designed following permaculture principles. Comprising office buildings, a hotel, rooftop farms, and public facilities, the complex aims to provide urban citizens low-impact and resource-smart living. Location reference: HERE |
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| Nam Chung Village - Reed Blossom Community: A registered charity, The Partnership for Nature Education and Conservation was established in 2020. Its aim is to build an eco-community in Nam Chung, promoting sustainable living, building community resilience, and protecting the local ecology and rural culture. Location reference: HERE |
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Hong Kong Dolphinwatch has been operating ecological tours to see the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins in Hong Kong since 1995. Their boat will be our classroom for a day around Lantau island! Location reference: HERE |
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Good Family Farm : A small farm in Tung Chung, established as “Good Family Farm” in 2014 by Mr. Kevin Shum. About 7200 square feet in size. The farm was handed over to Rice in autumn 2019. The farm is located in a village along Tung O Ancient Trail, a footpath connecting Tung Chung and Tai O and with abundance of natural resources. The environment is close to the coast facing HK International Airport and surrounded by lots of trees. Location reference: HERE |
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Featured Excursions – part of the learning days
🌿 Wu Tong Dao (Shenzhen) - 泰华梧桐岛 – Saturday 18th April 2026
An innovative urban development integrating permaculture principles into offices, hospitality, and public spaces. Host of the Second Chinese National Permaculture Conference (2025), Wu Tong Dao offers a powerful case study in regenerative urban design.
🌊 Ocean & Marine Ecology Day – Saturday 2nd May 2026 – weather sensitive
In partnership with Hong Kong Dolphinwatch, participants will spend a day on a chartered boat to explore marine ecosystems and the role of oceans in planetary health, combining classroom learning with real-life observation at sea.
Community Experience (optional days)
👨👩👧 ‘Children in Permaculture’ a “3 B’s” family-friendly day
(Optional – Ark Eden, Lantau Island) – Sunday 5th April
A special day inviting participants to bring family members and children for hands-on permaculture activities, sharing knowledge and having fun together.
Activities to expect :
- Bio – We make mini permaculture gardens!
- Build – We make clay bricks and do natural building
- Behaviour – And in between we play, combining Permaculture and Forest School activities
🌱 Shenzhen City Permaculture Tour (Optional, Shenzhen) – Sunday 19th April
To round up our Saturday learning day in Shenzhen into a weekend, we are offering an additional day on Sunday of exploration and guided visits. Participants can opt to stay the night in Shenzhen at Wutong Dao Eco-Hotel at their own cost.
In recent years, Shenzhen’s permaculture community has grown exponentially, with hundreds of community gardens and urban farming initiatives emerging across the city. Guided by a local expert, we will spend a day visiting selected projects and learning from this vibrant and fast-evolving movement.
Who Is this Course for?
This course is for:
- Educators and facilitators
- Changemakers
- Community builders
- Nature lovers
- Designers and architects
- Growers or interested in growing people
- Students and lifelong learners
- Anyone ready to deepen their regenerative practice
We warmly welcome those who feel purpose-driven, who want to contribute meaningfully to their communities and environment, but may not yet know where to begin.
If you care about nature and want to explore how humans can live in greater harmony with it, this course is for you.
What to expect?
Expect to meet passionate, motivated individuals from diverse walks of life.
Expect to expand your understanding of ecological systems, design thinking, and regenerative methodologies.
Expect hands-on experiences, site visits, collaborative design work, and meaningful conversations.
Most of all, expect to leave feeling empowered, equipped with practical tools, clarity, and confidence to initiate your own regenerative projects.
Course Date:
April 2026
3, 4, 5*, 11, 12, 18, 19*, 25
May 2026
1, 2, 3, 23, 24, 25
*The Family-Friendly Day and Shenzhen Tour are optional days requiring additional fees.
**9 May is a back-up day.
For detailed themes and locations, please refer to the full course outline (below).
Venue:
Multiple learning spaces. For details, please refer to below course outline.
Accommodation and Meals:
- Details regarding accommodation (for camping components) and meal arrangements will be provided upon registration.
- For teaching days, a vegetarian lunch will be provided.
- Some clusters include optional overnight experiences at Ark Eden to deepen immersion in nature on Day 1 and Day 2 (3rd and 4th April).
- For the overnight weekend in Shenzhen on Day 5 (18th April), accommodation can be arranged by the participant directly at their own cost. We recommend participants to stay at Taihua Wutong Hotel (For location details: HERE)
- Transport will be at the participants own cost during the course.
Launguage:
The course will be delivered in English, supplemented with Cantonese or Mandarin.
Teaching will be led by two qualified teachers for each theme. Supporting teachers will be assisting to provide clarification or additional information if needed.
Certification:
Participants who complete at least 80% attendance and successfully present their final design project will receive an internationally recognised Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC).
Coures Outline:
| Day | Date | Day# | Theme | Location |
| Friday | 3rd April | Day 1 | Foundation, Philosophy & Ethics | Ark Eden |
| Saturday | 4th April | Day 2 | Design Method, Patterns | Ark Eden |
| Sunday | 5th April | Day 3 - optional | Family day | Ark Eden |
| Saturday | 11th April | Day 4 | Soils, Farming | Rice's Farm, Tung Chung |
| Sunday | 12th April | Day 5 |
Water and Climate |
Green Hub |
| Saturday | 18th April | Day 6 | Urban permaculture | Wutong Dao |
| Sunday | 19th April | Day 7(optional) |
Shenzhen City Permaculture Tour |
Shenzhen |
| Saturday | 25th April | Day 8 | Wildlife | KFBG |
| Friday | 1st May | Day 9 | Social Permaculture | Nam Chung |
| Saturday | 2nd May | Day 10 | Ocean | HK Dolphin Watch Boat |
| Sunday | 3rd May | Day 11 | Trees | Ark Eden |
| Saturday | 9th May | *Back up day for adverse weather arrangement | ||
| Saturday | 23rd May | Day 12 | Design / Planning | Green Hub |
| Sunday | 24th May | Day 13 | Design / Planning | Green Hub |
| Monday | 25th May | Day 14 | Design Presentation | Green Hub |
Details of the topics and content discussed on each day will be provided upon registration.
The time for each day will be 9.30am to 6pm. For specific locations, we will send recommendations for transportation.
Fee:
Standard：HK$ 9,800
Early Bird：HK$ 8,800 (applied before 16th March 2026)
The course fee covers tuition for the full 72-hour internationally recognised PDC curriculum.
Optional excursions are available at an additional fee：
- Family Day: HK$750 /adult /day and HK$450/child /day. Participants may invite their relatives and family friends to join.
- Shenzhen Tour: HK$750 /adult /day
Organisers and Supporting Parties:
Organisers
- Ark Eden Foundation
- Green Hub @ Kadoorie Farm & Botanic Garden
- Good Family Farm in Tung Chung
- LOHAS Eco Environmental Technologies
- Shenzhen Dream-Eco-land Landscape Co. Ltd
Supporting Partners
- Hong Kong Dolphinwatch
Application Method:
Please click here to submit your online application
Enquiries:
Please Contact Ms. Jessica Wong for enquiries ( jessicawong@kfbg.org / +852 2996 2833