What is Permaculture about?
At first it is difficult to have a clear definition of the meaning of this word, sometimes is pronounced related to the environment, organic farming, be self-sufficient, sustainable..., but I never knew very well the concept itself and what is included in this.
The concept of the movement was founded by Bill Mollison and David Holmgren in the 70's, each with a particular view. |
Permaculture has many definitions, almost every person will give a different one, but to give you an example I will cite two classics of the founders:
Permaculture is the conscious design of agriculturally productive ecosystems, protecting the diversity and stability of its inhabitants, is the harmonious integration of people with the landscape, providing food, shelter and energy in a sustainable system.
(Bill Mollison)
David Holmgren reflects an expansion to its definition in Permaculture-one, adding ...:
Landscapes designed consciously imitating the patterns and relationships in nature. At the same time producing an abundance of food, fiber and energy to supply local needs.
(David Holmgren)
In the career of these two authors I have seen that Mollison is more focused on food production and landscape, while Holmgren gave a great importance to the mental, spiritual and social aspects.
I could call it the science of design in constant feedback, we must take into account that many factors such as the population and resources change over the years, so the conditions will vary and each generation has to be regenerate to find their sustainability and not stagnate and fail.
It's not just a design concept, it is also about ethics and Principles, and a sense of personal responsibility for the future care.
(Bill Mollison)
David Holmgren reflects an expansion to its definition in Permaculture-one, adding ...:
Landscapes designed consciously imitating the patterns and relationships in nature. At the same time producing an abundance of food, fiber and energy to supply local needs.
(David Holmgren)
In the career of these two authors I have seen that Mollison is more focused on food production and landscape, while Holmgren gave a great importance to the mental, spiritual and social aspects.
I could call it the science of design in constant feedback, we must take into account that many factors such as the population and resources change over the years, so the conditions will vary and each generation has to be regenerate to find their sustainability and not stagnate and fail.
It's not just a design concept, it is also about ethics and Principles, and a sense of personal responsibility for the future care.
Ethics
Principles
- Bill Mollison & Slay
2. Each element permorms many functions
3. Each important function is supported by many elements
4. Efficient energy planning
5. Use of biological resources
6. Energy cycling
7. Small-scale intensive system
8. Accelerating succession and evolution
9. Diversity (guilds)
10. Edge effect
11. Attitudinal principles
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- Bill Mollison
1. Work with nature rather than against
2. The problem is the solution
3. Make the least change for the greatest possible effect
4. The yield of a system is theoretically unlimited
5. Everything gardens
Read more by clicking (here).
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- David Holmgren
1. Observe and interact
2. Catch and store energy 3. Obtain a yield 4. Apply self-regulation and accept feedback 5. Use and value renewable resources and services 6. Produce no waste 7. Design from patterns to detail 8. Integrate rather than segregate 9. Use small and slow solutions 10. Use edges and value the marginal 11. Uses and value diversity 12. Creatively use and respond to change |