Permaculture

Permaculture is a concept, which is based on creating permanent working (sustainable) natural circles. Originally developed for farming (permanent agriculture) it is also applied as a way of thinking, that influences realms such as energy supply, landscape design and creation of (infra-) structures.

The ultimate principle is an ecological, economical and social sustainable handling of ressources that proceeds in small circles.
"Permaculture is a sensible design as much as the sustentation of productive agricultural ecosystems that contain diversity, stability and durability. The philosophy behind permaculture is the conviction to work with and not against nature, a philosophy of permanent and considerate observation, not of constant exploitative action; it regards nature-systems holistically instead of forcing one-way profit, and it lets natural systems, develop their own evolution."

borrowed Bill Moliison's definiton

 

Bill Mollison and David Holmgren (Australien) are considered as "prime fathers" of permaculture. Sepp Holzer is well-known as the Austrain equivalent and advises worldwide diverse projects, f. ex. Vitsøhus.

 

Characteristics of Permaculture, Permaculture is one Step beyond Ecology

Permaculture is one of the most holistic, integrated systems analysis and design methodologies found in the world.

Permaculture can be applied to create productive ecosystems from the human- use standpoint or to help degraded ecosystems recover health and wildness.

  • Permaculture can be applied in any ecosystem, no matter how degraded.
  • Permaculture values and validates traditional knowledge and experience.
  • Permaculture incorporates sustainable agriculture practices and land management techniques and strategies from around the world.
  • Permaculture is a bridge between traditional cultures and emergent earth-tuned cultures.
  • Permaculture promotes environment.
  • Permaculture aims to maximize symbiotic and synergistic relationships of organic agriculture that does not use pesticides to pollute the site components.
  • Permaculture is urban planning as well as rural land design.
  • Permaculture design is site specific, client specific, and culture specific.

The Permaculture Principles

  • Care for the earth
  • Care for the creature / people
  • Self-limitation, fair share