Permaculture
”Permaculture -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.” Mollison
Permaculture means perma = permanent , enduring – culture and is a self sustainable system with natural growth and diversity as a model. Permaculture is much more than farming. It is a holistic community approach for a sustainable society.
Permaculture is based on three basic ethical principles:
Earth care . Understanding that we are part of the Earth, and that we must respect and act accordingly.
People care . Support and help build thriving individuals and communities in which all people have the opportunity to live good lives.
Fair share . The world’s limited resources are used wisely and fairly and that the surplus is reinvested in People care and Earth care.
The concept includes both science and philosophy and offers a solution -oriented and creative approach to the world’s challenges. These concepts were developed by Bill Mollison and further David Holmgren, inspired also by the permanet and natural agriculture methods developed by JR Smith and M Fukuoka.
Permaculture is an excellent tool for long-term sustainable rural development. Today Permaculture is recognized and used at UN level as a valid tool for sustainable development and to combat malnutrition and hunger. It is also used in disaster zone as a inexpensive, organic, simple and efficient solution to support the local communities.
There is a wide range of initiatives , by individuals or groups of activists a net work also called ‘Transition Towns’ who take the initiative to begin building resilience to face the effects of climate change and economic instability, from local energy initiatives to urban farming and local conversion plans . The link between Permaculture and the Transition Towns is strong. ….to be cont.
Meletao by Xilef Welner
