The principles held by this term are an integral part of Peace Valley Community. The word ‘Permaculture’ was coined by Bill Mollison and has been defined since by many people. For the purposes of this project the following definition will be used:
Permaculture (Permanent Agriculture) is the conscious design and maintenance of cultivated ecosystems which have the diversity, stability & resilience of natural ecosystems. It is the harmonious integration of landscape, people & appropriate technologies, providing food, shelter, energy & other needs in a sustainable way. Permaculture is a philosophy and an approach to land use which works with natural rhythms & patterns, weaving together the elements of microclimate, annual & perennial plants, animals, water & soil management, & human needs into intricately connected & productive communities.’ - Bill Mollison & Scott Pittman, La Tierra Community CA PDC flyer
Further to the above definition are the principles listed below which more specifically guide the practice of permaculture. It could be said that permaculture is a way of living as relevant for social as land David Holmgren’s Permaculture Design Principles:
- Catch and Store Energy
- Obtain a Yield
- Apply Self-Regulation and Accept Feedback
- Use and Value Renewable Resources and Services
- Produce No Waste
- Design From Pattern to Detail
- Integrate Rather than Segregate
- Use Small and Slow Solutions
- Use and Value Diversity
- Use Edges and Value the Marginal
- Creatively Use and Respond to Change