Our Dream, our Mission!
Our journey and experiences have instilled in us a deep belief in a world of resilience—a world where we not only endure change but thrive in it.
In this vision, we see a community where the essential needs of life—like nourishment, shelter, healthcare, and connection—are fulfilled locally, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual support.
We envision a future where food production is a collective effort, enriching our environment and nourishing our bodies.
A future where the shift towards ecological and energy sustainability brings abundance and joyful simplicity to our lives.
Along our path, we’ve encountered remarkable individuals who embody these ideals, showing us that the power to initiate positive change lies within each of us.
We believe it’s our responsibility, as mindful stewards of our planet, to lead by example and inspire others to join us in creating the societies we envision.
At the core of this vision is the individual, intricately connected to their environment and community. It’s a journey we embarked on a decade ago—a dream we’ve nurtured and pursued. Now, we’re excited to continue this journey with our community, united in our commitment to a sustainable and fulfilling future.
Together, we can turn this dream into reality.
— Damien & Lyse —
Lyse & Damien, the founders
Lyse and Damien’s love affair with Thailand blossomed in 2009, captivating them with its vibrant culture and sustainable way of life. Immersed in the beauty of this land, they spent years volunteering across various projects, soaking up wisdom from inspiring mentors like Ajarn Jon Jandai at the PunPun self-reliance center in Mae Taeng, Chiang Mai Province.
Their journey led them to the tranquil valley of Pai, Mae Hong Son, where they found their calling—to cultivate a sustainable future through permaculture and environmental education. At the heart of their endeavor lies a profound belief in our capacity to fulfill our basic needs sustainably. They see food sovereignty, ecological housing, and education as the cornerstones upon which we can construct richer, more resilient societies.
The spark that ignited the creation of the Pai Seedlings Foundation ignited when they welcomed their two sons, Kenji and An-dao, into the world in 2014 and 2017. Parenthood amplified their sense of purpose, driving them to harness their knowledge, skills, and passion to give back to their community and effect change on a broader scale. With their family as their inspiration, Lyse and Damien are committed to sowing the seeds of a brighter future for all.
Background
In 2017, the Pai Seedlings Foundation took root, thanks to the invaluable administrative support of the Millennium Foundation in Chiang Mai and the generous financial backing of Khun Kritanai Chungyampin and Joseph Grant. With their shared vision, they embarked on a mission to transform six acres of depleted rice paddies into a lush haven of sustenance—a dream nurtured by the principles of permaculture, agro-forestry, and organic farming.
Damien’s recent immersion in the world of soil microbiology, under the guidance of esteemed expert Dr. Ingham, has further empowered their quest for soil regeneration.
With the dedication of volunteers and the platform of educational workshops, the landscape has transformed. Hundreds of trees now grace the earth, while an adobe house, lovingly crafted, serves as both home and hub for enlightenment. Visitors flock to learn and grow alongside the Pai Seedlings community, delving into topics ranging from land restoration to low-tech solutions, each departure marked by newfound inspiration and transformed lives.
When the pandemic gripped the world, Pai Seedlings sprang into action with a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) initiative—a beacon of hope amidst uncertainty. This endeavor not only provided vital employment during crisis but also delivered wholesome sustenance to its members, proving that resilience thrives when communities unite around shared ideals.
Their unwavering commitment caught the attention of the Ecca Family Foundation, led by the visionary Christian, who saw regenerative agriculture as a beacon of hope for environmental restoration and socio-economic empowerment. After a year of collaborative effort with the Ecca Foundation and the Karen community of Muang Noi, Mae Hong Son province, the Pai Seedlings Foundation launched an ambitious five-year endeavor: The Regenerative Farmers Cooperative. With a threefold mission to demonstrate environmental benefits, empower local farmers, and foster economic independence, this initiative stands as a testament to the transformative power of community-driven action.