Permaculture Design

Demonstrate knowledge of permaculture and plan a site Hortykim Hortykim, Otago Polytechnic 2009

What is permaculture? Permaculture is a method of design that can be applied to home, garden, workplace and cities in such a way as to provide for our basic needs with minimum damage to the environment. Hortykim, Otago Polytechnic 2009

What is permaculture? “ Permaculture is based on the observation of natural systems, the wisdom contained in traditional farming systems, and modern scientific and technological knowledge. Although based on good ecological models, permaculture creates a cultivated ecology, which is designed to produce more human and animal food than is generally found in nature." from Introduction to Permaculture by Bill Mollison. Hortykim, Otago Polytechnic 2009

Permaculture quotes "What permaculturists are doing is the most important activity that any group is doing on the planet. We don't know what details of a truly sustainable future are going to be like, but we need options, we need people experimenting in all kinds of ways and permaculturists are one of the critical gangs that are doing that." Dr. David Suzuki, geneticist, broadcaster and international environmental advocate Hortykim, Otago Polytechnic 2009

Permaculture quotes “ Permaculture is revolution disguised as organic gardening” from Permaculture – A Beginners Guide by Graham Burnett Hortykim, Otago Polytechnic 2009

Permaculture quotes “ It is our collective responsibility to protect and nurture the global family, to support its weaker members and to preserve and tend to the environment in which we all live.” Dalai Lama Hortykim, Otago Polytechnic 2009

Permaculture quotes “ Permaculture is defined as consciously designed landscapes which mimic the patterns and relationships found in nature, while yielding an abundance of food, fibre and energy for the provision of local needs…more precisely I see permaculture as the use of systems, thinking and design principles that provide the organising framework for implementing the above vision.” from Pathways to Sustainability by David Holmgren Hortykim, Otago Polytechnic 2009

Permaculture quotes “ Observe nature thoroughly rather than labour thoughtlessly.’ from One Straw Revolution by Masanoby Fukuoka Hortykim, Otago Polytechnic 2009

Permaculture quotes “ Permaculture is a philosophy of working with, rather than against nature; of protracted & thoughtful observation, rather than protracted & thoughtless labour; & of looking at plants & animals in all their functions, rather than treating any area as a single-product system.” Bill Mollison Hortykim, Otago Polytechnic 2009

Permaculture ethics

The backbone of permaculture design is supported by the following ethics:

Earthcare

Peoplecare

Fairshare

These ethics are a constant reference point whether you are planning a herb garden or a township.

Hortykim, Otago Polytechnic 2009

Permaculture ethics - Earthcare This first core value relates to the belief that the earth is the source of life. Some people even think the earth --- its living and non-living inhabitants ---functions as a self- regulating organism. (Check out the Gaia hypothesis for more details on this theory.) Regardless, we have a duty of care to the earth and the right to live but value all of its finite resources. Hortykim, Otago Polytechnic 2009

Permaculture ethics - Earthcare What things can you think of when it comes to considerations that would relate to caring for the earth? Eg.The importance of clean air and water. Hortykim, Otago Polytechnic 2009

Permaculture ethics - Earthcare

Conservation of biodiversity

Clean air and water

Restoration and conservation of forests, habitats and soils

Recycling and pollution reduction

Conservation of energy and natural resources

Appropriate technology

Permaculture ethics - Peoplecare What are some key considerations when it comes to caring for people? Eg. Healthy food Hortykim, Otago Polytechnic 2009

Permaculture ethics - Peoplecare

Health and well-being

Nourishment with good food

Lifelong learning

Meaningful work

Community belonging

Open communication

Trust and respect

Permaculture ethics - Fairshare What are some key considerations when it comes to sharing ? What can be shared? Eg. Networking and sharing Hortykim, Otago Polytechnic 2009

Permaculture ethics - Fairshare

Co-operation

Networking and sharing

Distribution of resources and wealth

Reduction of consumerism

Rethinking current notions of growth, progress and development

Making a contribution

Permaculture ethics So the ticket here is to ask yourself: Will my actions support one or more of these fundamental permaculture ethics? How can I weave these ethics into my permaculture design/lifestyle? Hortykim, Otago Polytechnic 2009

Permaculture principles Hortykim, Otago Polytechnic 2009 A Now that we have considered how to include the permaculture ethics, we can start to look at the permaculture principles. These principles may vary in their wording, depending on where you find the information. For the purpose of our exercise, we will use the 12 principles outlined by David Holmgren.

Permaculture principles Hortykim, Otago Polytechnic 2009

Observe and interact

Catch and store energy

Obtain a yield

Apply self regulation and accept feedback

Use and value renewable resources and services

Produce no waste

Permaculture principles Hortykim, Otago Polytechnic 2009

Design from patterns

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

Permaculture principles Hortykim, Otago Polytechnic 2009 Now grab a principle or two and, working with 2 or 3 other people, brainstorm as many practical applications of the principles as you can. Produce no waste, eg. build a worm farm.

Resources and references Hortykim, Otago Polytechnic 2009 http ://en http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Permaculture http://ventnorpermaculture.wordpress.com/about/permaculture-quotes/ Photos hortykim Course notes and experiences from Permaculture Design short course (Peta Hudson) 2008.