ClimateAugust 23, 2026

permaculture

PUR-muh-kul-chur

Definition

A sustainable design system for agriculture and human settlements that emphasizes working in harmony with nature to create self-sufficient, productive ecosystems.

Etymology

The word was coined in 1978 by Bill Mollison and David Holmgren as a portmanteau of the words 'permanent' and 'agriculture' (or 'permanent culture').

In the news

The article describes the engineer's transition from conventional construction to permaculture, using its principles to restore soil fertility and design eco-conscious, sustainable living spaces.

Assam’s Piyush Sharma is building a sustainable future through permaculture

Read the full article ↗

The Sentinel - of this Land, for its People

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