Permaculture

Permaculture is a systematic design system for sustainable living environments.

Permaculture is a holistic design system and a philosophy aimed at creating sustainable, self-sufficient, and resilient living spaces for people. Inspired by the patterns and relationships found in natural ecosystems, it promotes the harmonious coexistence of human beings and nature. The concepts and principles of permaculture were developed in the 1970s by Australians Bill Mollison and David Holmgren. They presented permaculture as a response to the ecological and social challenges posed by industrial agriculture and unsustainable land management.

The fundamental ethos of permaculture is based on three central principles: care for the earth, care for people, and fair sharing of resources. From these principles arise design principles that serve as guidelines for creating systems that adapt to the natural environment and utilize its diversity. This requires systemic thinking that highlights the interactions between plants, animals, water, soil, and humans.

The application of permaculture is diverse, ranging from agriculture and gardening to urban planning and community decision-making. It not only enhances biodiversity and resource efficiency but also strengthens local communities and their capacity for self-sufficiency. Despite its many benefits, permaculture is context-dependent and often requires specific knowledge and community engagement to be successfully implemented.