Permaculture
Permaculture was coined from the words "permanent culture" and "permanent agriculture" by Bill Mollison, an Australian author, forester, naturalist, scientist, and teacher. He is considered the father of permaculture. His student, David Holmgren expanded the scope of the system. [1] Permaculture is an ecological or environmental design system that integrates all aspects human endeavors to achieve sustainable living and practices. Its primary focus is the interconnection of things more than individual parts. It teaches people to create abundant food production method, build natural homes, regenerate degraded landscapes and ecosystems, develop ethical communities and economies. [2]
"Permaculture is a philosophy of working with, rather than against nature; of protracted and thoughtful observation rather than protracted and thoughtless labor; and of looking at plants and animals in all their functions, rather than treating any area as a single project system," according Mollison. Its philosophy is applicable in both rural and urban areas, and provides opportunity for individuals or communities to generate income and create abundance while preserving nature.[3]
According to Holmgren, the current definition of Permaculture is consciously designed landscapes, which mimic the pattern and relationship found in nature while yielding an abundance of food, fiber, and energy for provision of local needs. [4]
Permaculture Ethics
- Care for the earth
- Care for people
- Return the surplus
Design Principles
Generally, permaculturists apply the following design principles:[5]
- Observe and Interact
- Catch and Store Energy
- Obtain a Yield
- Apply Self Regulation
- Accept Feedback
- Produce No Waste
- Design from Pattern to Details
- Integrate rather than Segregate
- Use Small and Slow Solutions
- Use and Value Diversity
- Use Edges and Value the Margin
- Creatively Use and Respond to Changes
