Method 2. Social Permaculture
The fascinating and abundant scope of knowledge gathered under the name of "Permaculture" can be successfully adapted to social settings and this is what we share here! We present social permaculture principles which are based on 12 principles coined by David Holmgren, one of the pioneers in the Permaculture movement.
These principles serve as guiding values and concepts to promote sustainable and regenerative social systems that prioritize community well-being, resilience, and harmony with the environment.
Step 1: Principle of Observation
To build national ecovillage networks, it was essential to first observe and understand the existing systems and structures within communities. In social permaculture, the Principle of Observation is a fundamental concept that emphasizes the importance of careful and mindful observation of people, communities, and social systems before taking action or making interventions. Similar to the principles in ecological permaculture that stress the need to observe and understand the natural environment before designing sustainable systems, the Principle of Observation in social permaculture encourages practitioners to first understand the existing social dynamics and patterns within a community before implementing any changes.
Step 2: Principle of Connection
The sense of belonging and finding support from a network of passionate individuals who share their aspirations is crucial for sustainable cooperation. The Principle of Connection emphasizes the recognition and fostering of meaningful connections and relationships between individuals, communities, and the broader social and ecological systems. This principle is inspired by the understanding that healthy and resilient social systems are built on strong and positive connections among people, as well as their connections to the natural world.
Step 3: Principle of Diversity
The Principle of Diversity emphasizes the value and importance of embracing and celebrating diversity in all its forms within human communities. This principle draws inspiration from the recognition that diversity, whether it be cultural, social, economic, or ecological, is a source of strength, resilience, and creativity.
Step 4: Principle of Edge Effect
By embracing the Principle of Edge Effect, social permaculture practitioners aim to create dynamic and resilient communities that benefit from the interactions and exchanges between diverse elements. This principle encourages openness to new perspectives and ideas, fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability. It recognizes that the edges, borders, and intersections in human societies can be fertile ground for positive change, growth, and collective evolution.
Step 5: Principle of Long-Term Vision
Designing social interventions and initiatives with a long-term perspective, considering the potential ripple effects and consequences of actions over time. Resilience is key to the long-term success of ecovillage networks. Resilience is key to the long-term success of ecovillage networks.
Step 6: Principle of Self-Regulation
In permaculture, self-regulation is a broader ecological principle that refers to the ability of natural systems to maintain balance and stability without external intervention. This concept can be applied to social systems, too, where communities and groups possess inherent capacities to self-organize and find solutions to challenges. It acknowledges that communities possess the capacity to organize themselves, solve problems, and adapt to changing circumstances. By supporting and enhancing this capacity, social permaculture aims to create resilient, self-sustaining, and harmonious social systems that can thrive in the face of challenges and uncertainties.
Step 7: Principle of Feedback Loops
The Principle of Feedback Loops emphasizes the importance of incorporating feedback mechanisms within social systems to continuously learn, adapt, and improve. This principle draws inspiration from the concept of feedback loops in ecology, where information from one part of the system influences and modifies the behaviour of other parts.
Step 8: Principle of Cooperation
The Principle of Cooperation focuses attention on the value of collaboration, mutual support, and working together as a community to achieve common goals. This principle draws inspiration from observations in natural ecosystems, where cooperation and symbiotic relationships are essential for the overall health and resilience of the system.
Step 9: Principle of Sharing
The Principle of Sharing highlights the act of freely giving and receiving resources, knowledge, skills, and support within the community. This principle is grounded in the understanding that sharing fosters a sense of interconnectedness and abundance while promoting resilience and sustainability.
Step 10: Principle of Commons
While the Principle of Commons may not be explicitly named in social permaculture literature, the idea of collective ownership, shared resources, and equitable access to essential assets aligns with the overall philosophy and values of social permaculture. Practising the principles of commons can contribute to the creation of regenerative and thriving communities that emphasize cooperation, sustainability, and resilience.
Step 11: Principle of Multiple Functions
In general, the Principle of Multiple Functions in permaculture refers to the practice of designing elements or components in a way that serves more than one purpose. This approach maximizes the efficiency and productivity of each element while minimizing waste and redundancy.
Step 12: Principle of Integration
By embracing the Principle of Integration in social permaculture, practitioners aim to create harmonious and resilient communities that leverage the strengths of different components while minimizing conflicts or wasteful practices. The integration allows for a more balanced and holistic approach to community development, where the well-being of individuals, the community, and the environment are considered as interconnected and interdependent elements of a larger whole.
Worth reading:
The community as a way: Los Portales, an experience of "human permaculture"
