Permaculture (permanent agriculture), is a design principle, formed and developed by Bill Mollison and David Holmgren in Australia from the 1960s to the 1980s. It is a reasonable and holistic design principle that includes a detailed and comprehensive analysis of the existing conditions (observing the landscape) and all internal and external influences (sectors), as well as understanding and applying natural processes and patterns all the while caring for the Earth and people and a just distribution of resources as the basis of all action.

Permaculture, unlike industrial monoculture agronomy, takes into account and promotes natural polyculture based spatial development…its spaces are bushy, thick and crawling with all types of life, and each element within the system contributes to the (dis)balance of the life network. Each element has more than one function and each function is performed by more than one element. Starting from a person or a family in the centre, the space gradually progresses towards the edges according to the intensity of the intervention in order to allow for the untouched spaced, the fifth zone of wilderness.

A restorative principle is promoted, both in the nature and within the community, among people. Minimal interventions are used to produce crop that is divided between all living beings within the system.

Careful monitoring of changes (succession) and careful corrections are necessary because a living natural system is being intervened into.

Houses breathe and soak up and release heat and moisture creating a comfortable and healthy microclimate.

Permaculture promotes cutting down consumption, recycling, simple low-tech solutions, reducing the carbon footprint, using natural and biodegradable materials and renewable energy sources, but primarily it promotes observing, feeling, pondering and common sense.

In short, permaculture postulates the principles that will allow us not to lead the Earth and all of its inhabitants into destruction.