From Barren to Bloom: Transformative Sustainable living Lessons from GreenAra

“Sustainable living is not just a choice, but a necessity. And GreenAra, a revolutionary project in Kerala, is leading the way. Founded by P.A. Mustafa, a pioneer in eco-friendly initiatives, GreenAra is a testament to the power of sustainable living and eco- conservation. Green is a colour of hope and natural growth. Ara is a four walled chamber in ancestral homes. It is located at Kondotti, Malappuram district ,Kerala near Calicut international airport. This article takes you on a journey through the inspiring story of GreenAra, a true embodiment of sustainable living principles. GreenAra’s goal is to maintain the balance of nature and live in harmony with it

Meet the unsung hero

Mustafa’s life story begins like this. Born in Karippur, Malappuram district, Kerala, Mustafa lost his parents at a young age. His life was deeply connected with nature. Later, as the owner of a bookstore at the airport, his mind remained fixated on the dream of owning a heavenly land filled with forests, rivers, and ponds. However, it took him 10 years to achieve this dream. In 2016, he finally purchased 7 acres of land and turned his dream into reality.

In 2016, the 7 acres of barren land Mustafa purchased was not just a mere acquisition, but a convergence of his green dreams. Through four years of relentless effort, he transformed the barren land into the vibrant oasis he had envisioned. By 2020, GreenAra was completed .For this he has spent all his earnings until then. In 2022, he constructed an eco-friendly mud house that blended seamlessly with nature, further enhancing the beauty of GreenAra.

What was once a barren 7-acre land is now home to:

8 streams

Medicinal plants

Tropical plants found only in rainforests.

Over 2000 trees including fruit-bearing trees

A thriving ecosystem .

Empowering Sustainable Living, GreenAra’s eco-oasis

Embracing Permaculture principles  Musthafa transformed his barren land in to a vibrant ecosystem. he leveraged the site’s  natural assets , including water resources, soil topology and vegetation.

To create a Sustainable Living environment Musthafa,

•Constructed ponds to harvest and conserve water

•Designed interconnected streams to maintain water flow.

•Planted bamboo to stabilize  soil and provide habitat.

•Cultivated an artificial forest, attracting diverse wild life including birds, butterflies, and fish.

Once a red stone quarry, the walls here were barren and dry. The task of planting and nurturing plants on these walls was quite challenging. Today, over 1000 trees and plants from different parts of the world are thriving here. Plants that are native to the Amazon rainforests are growing naturally here. 48 varieties of bamboo and ferns that are found in rainforests are abundant here. This place is also a habitat for rare species of butterflies. Seven ponds have been created here.

The Banyan tree at the reception of GreeNara was once meant to be cut down from a construction site. The sculptor of GreeNara  rescued it and planted it here. Similarly, many trees that were meant to be cut down in the name of highway development were brought here and planted. The main gate of GreenAra  is designed with   treated bamboo to last for years.

This holistic approach enabled Musthafa  to restore a thriving ecosystem ,showcasing the potential of permaculture in revitalizing the  degraded landscapes. The addition of an eco friendly mud house in 2022 perfectly complimented the natural surroundings, solidifying GreenAra’s status  as a harmonious blend of nature and innovation. it was built by combining traditional knowledge and creativity of local artisans.

GreenAra offers green Living practices to it’s guests .Seasonal fruits and vegetables grown on-site are used for meals. Utensils are made from bamboo and clay. The zero -waste method is strictly followed and minimal food waste is converted in to bio-compost.

What is permaculture?

Permaculture is a sustainable agriculture method that mimics nature, promoting eco-friendly and regenerative practices.

Key Principles

1. Work with nature: Observe and adapt to natural patterns.
2. Minimize waste: Use resources efficiently.
3. Diversify: Combine crops, trees, and livestock.
4. Conserve water: Harvest and reuse rainwater.
5. Build soil health: Use compost, mulch, and cover crops.

Benefits

1. Sustainable food production
2. Efficient water use
3. Biodiversity conservation
4. Soil health improvement
5. Reduced pollution
6. Climate change mitigation

Core Practices

1. Agroforestry (integrating trees and crops)
2. Polycultures (growing multiple crops together)
3. Composting
4. Rainwater harvesting
5. Mulching
6. Cover cropping

Goals

1. Regenerate ecosystems
2. Promote ecological balance
3. Support local food systems
4. Enhance resilience to climate change.

Community engagement activities

In collaboration with the agriculture department and  local communities ,GreenAra conducts 

•Plantation tour

•Farm tourism programs

•Sustainable   Living classes

For architecture students, GreenAra hosts

• 3 workshops annually on tropical plantation, Edibleforests, and land restoration

•Bamboo workshops

•Photography workshops

•Film workshops

•Art and theatre workshops

These initiatives promote environmental awareness, Sustainable Living  practices and community development

What is edible forest?

An Edible Forest, also known as a Food Forest, is a sustainable agricultural practice that mimics natural ecosystems to grow edible plants, fruits, vegetables, herbs, and nuts.

Key Characteristics

1. Diverse layers: Multiple levels of vegetation (trees, shrubs, perennials, groundcovers).
2. Perennial dominance: Long-lived plants reduce maintenance.
3. Polycultures: Multiple crops grown together.
4. Minimal disturbance: No tilling or chemical use.
5. Water conservation: Efficient irrigation systems.

Benefits

1. Biodiversity conservation
2. Increased crop yields
3. Improved soil health
4. Reduced water consumption
5. Enhanced ecosystem resilience
6. Aesthetic appeal

Ideal for

1. Home gardens
2. Community gardens
3. Permaculture projects
4. Ecological restoration
5. Sustainable agriculture initiatives.

The Power of Art and Environment Haneena’s vision

Musthafa’s  vision with that of his daughter Haneena, a talented art curator and researcher, this endeavor has transformed into a remarkable experience. GreenAra’s dedication to land restoration and water conservation has inspired widespread awareness and action. Consequently, their innovative approach has set a precedent for environmental initiatives nationwide.

   Following her completion of masters degree  in media and cultural studies at the  Tata institute of social sciences (TISS), Haneena undertook research on the pioneering magazine initiated by muslim women in Malabar Kerala, in 1921.Following her film ‘Call him as my father’-a personal tribute to her father’s life which gained recognition at the international film festival of Kerala-The film was screened as part of various international film festivals including New wave international Film festival, Steve Aronson film festival and won the award for best documentary writing at Kerala short film festival. 

Haneena’s passion for GreenAra intensified. the project garnered increased media attention ,attracting more visitors who shared Haneena’s vision. They started a concept called ‘Tropical Walk’ where 20 people could visit once a month. Tropical Walk means spending a whole day appreciating nature and forgetting everything else. Mustafa will be the guide, explaining about each plant in detail.

You can spend the whole day there, taking a dip in the pond, trekking, and enjoying the food provided by GreenAra. Mustafa never wanted to convert GreenAra into a commercial space .As interest in GreenAra’s initiatives grew, the Farm House construction began. .Under Haneena’s guidance, the space transformed into a vibrant hub for creative expression, hosting workshops on art, photography, film, and theatre. where people from different states in India participate. For this, they have created a beautiful open-air theater and seating arrangements using the remnants of the red stone quarry.

GreenAra’s culinary experience is consistently praised for its authentic, native flavors. At the helm of the culinary division is Shabja EK, Musthafa’s wife and a passionate culinary expert . Her expertise has attracted numerous visitors seeking farm-to-table feasts. Shabja’s creative flair and commitment to diversity have made GreenAra a sought-after destination for unique dining experiences.

Weaving art nature and community

Musthafa’s collaborative efforts with Abdul Khader AK, a talented spatial designer  his son-in-law, have resulted in GreenAra’s exceptional living spaces. A graduate of NID Ahmedabad, Abdul Khader’s design expertise enhances the physical and experiential aspects of GreenAra, earning praise from guests

Mustafa, along with his friend Shihab, runs GreenAra Life, a venture focused on tropical landscaping, edible forests, mining restoration, and land restoration. They undertake projects across five states in South India. 

In Hosur, a 55-cent barren land has been transformed into a lush oasis, reminiscent of Kerala’s traditional kavu (sacred groves), complete with a forest and pond, under a project aptly named ‘Kavu’.Notably, Mustafa received the prestigious Design Scape Award  for this project at the national level from The Economic Times in 2024 for his exceptional work in landscape design.

Malabar Gold’s Montana Estate in Kuttikattur, near Kozhikode, boasts a 3-acre oasis featuring three ponds and a Miyawaki forest, meticulously crafted under Mustafa’s guidance.

Currently, a 100-acre ‘Incorcity’ project in Hyderabad is underway, introducing a forest living community concept,

GreenAra’s remarkable transformation demonstrates the effectiveness of permaculture principles and regenerative practices. This model serves as a beacon for environmentally conscious individuals, organizations, and policymakers seeking innovative solutions for sustainable development

.