Permaculture is a contraction of the two words 'PERMAnent AgriCULTURE'. It stands for responsible and wise use of natural resources, in a way that will sustain life for the present as well as future generations. It is a philosophy and practice that enables people to design and establish productive systems to provide for their food, energy, shelter and other material and non-material needs, in harmony with natural systems.
Permaculture uses the patterns and relationships in nature as a guide and rests on ethics found in most traditional societies embracing care of the earth, care of people, and the fair sharing of resources.
The concept was first comprehensively described by Australian Bill Mollison and David Holmgren in the 1970's and 80's and has since spread globally resulting in more productive and sustainable land use practices worldwide.For more information, visit these links:
www.permacultureprinciples.org
www.permaculture.co.uk/living-with-the-land
The Community Solution, "The Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil" (2006). Click here
And watch these videos: