Ethical IT in Practice: The digital infrastructure at the European Permaculture Network
The European Permaculture Network (EuPN) operates its digital infrastructure using ethical IT principles defined in Digital Permaculture and open-source software.
Instead of relying on commercial platforms, the network uses tools such as Drupal, Flarum and Nextcloud to create a resilient, community-controlled digital ecosystem for collaboration, knowledge sharing and networking across Europe.
Drupal – The EuPN platform
Our main website is built with the open-source content management system Drupal.
Drupal powers the central functions of the network, including:
• member profiles
• projects and places
• events and activities
• the assurance programme
• shared resources and publications
One of the advantages of Drupal is its flexibility. The system allows us to build custom tools that support the specific needs of the permaculture community rather than forcing our work into predefined structures.
The platform also enables connections between different websites in the EuPN ecosystem, allowing members to use one account across several services.
Flarum – Community discussions
For discussions and community exchange we use the forum software Flarum.
The forum provides a space where members can:
• ask questions
• share experiences
• discuss projects and ideas
• exchange knowledge with other practitioners across Europe
Flarum is designed to be lightweight and easy to use, while still offering powerful moderation and community tools.
By keeping discussions on our own platform, the network avoids dependence on commercial social media platforms where conversations can easily disappear or become fragmented.
Nextcloud – Collaboration and shared files
For internal collaboration and file sharing we use Nextcloud.
Nextcloud provides a secure environment where partners and working groups can:
• share documents
• collaborate on project materials
• organise files and resources
• coordinate work across countries
Using Nextcloud allows us to keep sensitive information within the network rather than storing it on external cloud services.
Digital resilience
Together these tools form the backbone of EuPN’s digital infrastructure. Because the systems are based on open-source software, they can evolve with the network and remain under the stewardship of the community.
Our approach follows several key principles:
• independence from commercial platforms
• long-term access to community knowledge
• transparent and adaptable systems
In this sense, the network’s digital infrastructure is itself a form of permaculture design: a system created to support cooperation, knowledge sharing, and resilience across a diverse community.
Ethical IT support for organisations
The digital infrastructure used by the European Permaculture Network is supported by Chase & Snow, a small digital agency that specialises in open-source and sustainable web technologies.
Chase & Snow works with associations, networks and small organisations that want to build independent and resilient digital systems instead of relying on commercial platforms. The same tools used by EuPN, including Drupal, Flarum and Nextcloud, are available to other organisations that want to develop ethical digital infrastructure.
Typical services include:
• building community platforms and websites
• setting up discussion forums and knowledge bases
• providing secure collaboration environments
• maintaining and supporting open-source systems
By using open-source technologies, organisations retain ownership of their data and can develop digital systems that remain stable and adaptable over the long term.
If your organisation is interested in ethical IT solutions or independent digital infrastructure, you can learn more at Chase & Snow.