Thierry Lison is a market gardener, permaculture teacher, AND marine biologist from French Polynesia. In this episode we explore how Thierry's career in marine biology and a passion for surfing led him to focus on the devastating effects of industrial agriculture on coral reefs, and ultimately start a market garden on a tiny tropical island. His farm, Vaihuti Fresh, blends the principles of permaculture with the strategies of high-yield market gardening while making a positive social impact in the unique context of the Polynesian islands.

From coconut-peat soil mix and crabs as garden pests to worldwide biodiversity loss; this wide ranging conversation will give you plenty to think about!

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Timestamps

[5:51 ] Background in marine biology studying coral reefs

[9:45 ] Starting a farm in Polynesia

[14:59 ] Link between permaculture and market gardening

{24:01 ] Crabs as garden pests

{24:49 ] Research with biochar, coconut husk, and mycorrhizal fungi

[34:14 ] Rewarding farmers for benefitting ecosystem

[36:00 ] Loss of biodiversity

[38:46 ] Cooperative cold-storage and nurseries on the island

[43:31 ] Making coconut-peat

[49:25 ] Unique history and economy of Polynesia

[50:12 ] Covid as turning point for food sovereignty

[55:39 ] Conventional farmers transitioning to organic

[1:02:05 ] Education on the farm

[1:07:08 ] Unique challenges of farming on a tropical island

[1:17:05 ] Indigenous tradition on the islands

[1:26:10 ] Permaculture Design Handbook by Bill Mollison

[1:26:42 ] Jean-Marc Jancovici's 'World Without End' 

[1:33:16 ] Quote from Charles Eisenstein

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Guest Social Media Links

Thierry:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vaihuti/

Website: https://vaihutifresh.com/ 

JM:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanmartinfortier

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeanmartinfortier