PR ON THE GO • May 8, 2026

Complete a Permaculture Design Certificate course with Sharena Fabrika in the Bulgarian mountains

Regenerative systems design

Sharena Fabrika, a culinary campus located in the Balkan Mountains of central Bulgaria, is announcing its two-week Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC) course for September 2026 - a program certified by the Permaculture Association of the UK. Open to beginners, this immersive training addresses the growing demand for hands-on ecological education in regenerative food systems, natural building, and community design.

The landscape becomes the classroom

Sharena Fabrika is an environment shaped by nature and a vibrant artisan community. Based in the village of Golyama Zhelyazna, the campus is designed to promote focus, well-being, and hands-on ecological learning. Participants work in extensive gardens that are cultivated using regenerative practices and are evolving into full permaculture systems.

The campus borders the Central Balkan National Park, a protected area recognized by UNESCO's Man and Biosphere Program, offering direct exposure to one of Europe's most valuable ecosystems.

A classic permaculture syllabus and practical applications

Future permaculture designers will learn how to cultivate beneficial relationships between people, communities, and their surroundings. They will study the classic permaculture syllabus, which provides a deep understanding of nature-based food production, soil regeneration, water management, natural house building, alternative economies, and regenerative livelihoods.

Participants will leave with a strong foundation in permaculture principles and ethics, an approach to overcoming challenges, and knowledge of practical applications and hands-on designs for sustainable and enriching food systems.

Permaculture does not ask, ‘How do I get rid of the problem?’ Instead, it asks, ‘What is missing in the system?’ “The patterns and concepts of permaculture can be applied to all aspects of life, not just natural food-growing systems,” says agricultural instructor Daniel Dimov. Dimov traveled the world to discover his calling at the International Culinary School Sharena Fabrika. The 37-year-old Bulgarian-American instructor created his first food forest at age 22. Since then, he has been fully dedicated to building and teaching nature-based living.

Participants will also learn from Rakesh Rootsman Rak, an experienced permaculture designer, teacher, forest garden specialist, yoga instructor, and homeopath. Since 2009, Rakesh has designed and taught permaculture courses to individuals and communities, and has instructed over 500 permaculture, forest gardening, eco-village design, and related courses.

Gain experience in designing for a better future

The program teaches how to create solid designs that demonstrate proficiency in permaculture ethics and methods. Participants will gain an understanding of ecological design techniques such as allelopathy, guilds, sociocracy, and horizontal governance. Participants will learn to apply the SADIME principles: survey, analysis, design, implementation, management, evaluation, and adjustment. Ultimately, participants will be able to design and implement systems that naturally enrich the environment.

The Sharena Fabrika Permaculture Design Certificate course will take place from September 20, 2026, to October 4, 2026.

Participants will be accommodated at the Au Nature villa close to the gardens. This environment encourages connection, collaboration, and informal learning outside of class hours, but it also offers a place to rest, check emails, or read. The program package includes accommodations, and meals.

Inquire about your participation in the Sharena Fabrika Permaculture Design Certificate course here.

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