Welcome
Back from Guatemala.... A real success ! ! !
Visit the site of the Kokua Association, our partner in this fabulous adventure.
"A big international group. Guatemalans, French, Canadians, Salvadorans, Japanese, Americans... we made the permaculture difference"
Permaculture, a global solution
The permaculture way.
In Permaculture, we speak of developing an attitude or a philosophy: that of observing the world around us, the living, sustainable, productive and autonomous ecosystem in which we live. To do this, Permaculture uses an array of systems and techniques; we can view Permaculture as a science which has as a goal the vision and attainment of human societies that are ecological, livable, socially equitable, and financially viable. It is based on three ethics* from which arise the principles and techniques which permit a harmonious integration of human activity with the surrounding ecosystems.
Humans have their ecological niche (their place, and not all the place) in this ecosystem, and with the help of Permaculture they can learn how to reintegrate.
Three ethics form the foundation of Permaculture:
1. Care of the earth.
2. Care of all people.
3. Limiting consumption and reproduction; redistributing the surplus.
Permaculture was originally developed in Tazmania by David Holmgren and Bill Mollison in the 1970's in response to the environmental and energy crises of the era. The words perma and culture were brought together to indicate "permanent culture," the idea of developing stable and sustainable systems. Strongly influenced by Massanobu Fukuoka and his vision of no-till natural farming, Permaculture imitates the tendencies of natural ecosystems that are observable and applicable to human life, in various contexts such as social interactions, economics, communities, and urban environments. Simply through applying a series of "principles" dictated by nature, we can, as a human race, become integrated into the world in a balanced and sustainable manner.
The objective of Permaculture is to create habitats and viable systems through a "design" approach adapted to the immediate environment. Applied Permaculture design takes into account several factors that we call "principles." These principles have become refined and sophisticated with time as they have been functioning since the origins of this world.
The practice of Permaculture could allow a balanced existence for all the beings which share this planet. Permaculture neither pollutes nor destroys the environment, and on the contrary brings about improvements to the surrounding environment and assures a harmonious future for the coming generations of all species.
The basic application of Permaculture is expressed by the three ethics. That is to say, acting in cooperation with the whole of nature, by caring for the earth, caring for all people, and redistributing the surplus. Such an attitude allows the continuance of species, the regeneration of soils, as well as the safeguarding of habitats and natural environments.
This philosophy is just as applicable in the city as in nature; it encourages the humans who apply it to become more conscious of their actions, to be innovative and insightful, and to develop autonomy.
If you would like to learn more...
You can register for various introductory workshops and practical courses that are offered on this website.
Or you can visit the following websites:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Permaculture
Our neighbors in Maine (Mark Krawczyk)
in construction, be patient...
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