The “Freedom Machine” – Can Greening the Rooftops Be Political?

In the framework of the German Weeks 2014 in Jordan the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung invites you to a presentation about socio-political implications of rooftop gardening.

Talk by Bashar Humeid (Meezan for Sustainable Development)

Date & Time: 18.05.2014, 17.00-18.30 with following reception

Location: 7iberCafé, Jabal Amman (Please find directions here: http://7iber.com/contact-us/

After working for 8 years as a journalist at DW (Germany's international broadcaster) and as an editor specialized in energy and environmental issues at The Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research, political scientiest Bashar Humeid decided to start a nonprofit enterprise called Meezan with the help of friends and relatives.

Since 2011 Meezan's team has been developing a system called "The Freedom Machine" which combines renewable solar energy production with urban farming on rooftops. Over the last years, Meezan has installed multiple “Freedom Machines” in Jordan and abroad, including an installation in Hebron (Al Khalil), Palestine in cooperation with hbs. Bashar is currently writing his PhD focusing on the question “Does Renewable Energy Facilitate Democracy?”.

After a short welcome by Dr. René Wildangel, director of Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung Palestine/Jordan, Bashar Humeid will show a short film about the “Freedom Machine” in Hebron. He will then introduce Meezan’s work and discuss the implications of the freedom to be self-sustainable and independent in terms of water consumption, energy and food production, followed by the opportunity for questions and discussion.

After the round table we invite our guests for a reception in the courtyard of 7iberCafé.

The event will be conducted in English.

Please RSVP at info@ps.boell.org or call +972-2-296 11 21 until 15.05.2014 (seats are limited.)