According to Wikipedia, Permaculture is a branch of ecological design, ecological engineering, and environmental design that develops sustainable architecture and self-maintained agricultural systems modeled from natural ecosystems.The term permaculture (as a systematic method) was first coined by Australians Bill Mollison and David Holmgren in 1978.
Former resident, and permaculture advocate, Jesse Lemieux states this on this Pacific Permaculture website: “Appropriate at all levels from the home garden to entire regions, permaculture is a rational and scientific design process that bridges the current gap between environmental stewardship and lasting economic prosperity.” Jesse explains permaculture as follows:
Originally conceived as “permanent agriculture” permaculture design is now understood as “permanent culture” and covers the fundamental elements of site analysis, cultural necessities and climate appropriate design patterns for:
- low energy organic food production
- sustainable water management
- alternative energy systems
- energy efficient house design
- local food security and sovereignty
- habitat restoration and land reclamation
- equitable and sustainable organization
- disaster preparedness
- much much more
He offers a number of workshops and courses including programs leading to a Permaculture Design Certificate.
