Permaculture is a holistic design approach that aims to create sustainable, productive, and resilient human ecosystems by working with nature rather than against it. It originated in the 1970s in Australia as a response to intensive industrial farming methods and has since evolved into a global movement that integrates landscape design, animal husbandry, water management, renewable energy, and social systems.
Origins and core principles
Permaculture was developed by Bill Mollison and David Holmgren, and is based on three core ethics: care for the Earth, care for people, and fair share. Holmgren systematized a set of twelve design principles (e.g., “Observe and interact,” “Catch and store energy,” “Use and value diversity”) which serve as a practical guide for designing permaculture systems. These principles help designers map relationships between elements (trees, water, livestock, people) so that the system becomes self-sustaining and multifunctional.
Main practices and techniques
Permaculture systems often use the following practices: polycultures and forest gardens (food forests), zoning and sector planning (placing elements according to frequency of use and natural influences), energy capture and storage (e.g., water retention, composting), integrated animal systems, perennial crops, and minimal soil disturbance (no-dig/no-till). The goal is to reduce inputs (fertilizers, pesticides, fuel) and enhance natural processes that maintain soil fertility and biodiversity.
Applications in Europe and Croatia
Permaculture projects in Europe are becoming increasingly visible: networks such as the European Permaculture Network map hundreds of locations, while local initiatives in Croatia (e.g., permaculture farms and educational centers) show growing interest in practical courses and the implementation of forest garden systems and small-scale self-sufficient farms. These projects often serve as educational hubs, sources of local food, and models for rural development.
Advantages of permaculture as an alternative model
- Resilience: diversified systems better withstand droughts, pests, and market fluctuations.
- Soil ecology: increased organic matter and microbial diversity.
- Reduced inputs: lower need for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
- Social impact: strengthening of local communities, education, and food security.
Limitations and criticisms
Permaculture is not a universal solution. Criticisms include a lack of robust, long-term scientific data in some regions, potential scalability limits for large-scale food production, and the initial costs and expertise required for design. Many experts propose combining permaculture methods with the research framework of agroecology to better measure results and create guidelines for broader application.
How to apply permaculture — practical steps for farmers and communities
- Observation and analysis: spend 1–2 seasons observing microclimates, water flow, and sunlight patterns.
- Start small: create a food forest, mixed vegetable garden, or integrate livestock into orchards.
- Build biomass and humus: composting, green manure, and cover crops.
- Learn and collaborate: join a Permaculture Design Course (PDC), local networks, or research projects.
- Measure outcomes: record yields, soil quality, and economics to refine your design and provide evidence.
Permaculture offers a powerful framework for designing sustainable, multifunctional agricultural and living systems. As an alternative model, it works best when applied contextually combining traditional knowledge, local practices, and scientific evaluation. Its strength lies in creating more resilient local food systems and restoring ecosystems; the challenge remains in expanding research and evidence to support wider and informed adoption.
Sources:
- Holmgren, D. (2020). What is Permaculture. Permaculture Principles.
- FAO (2021). Permaculture for agroecology: design, movement, practice. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
- Yadav, S. P. S. et al. (2023). A systematic case study of permaculture in Nepal. PubMed Central (PMC).
- Peer Community Journal (2025). Crop productivity of Central European Permaculture farms.
- European Permaculture Network (2024). Projects and Places.
- Mollison, B. & Holmgren, D. (1978). Permaculture One: A Perennial Agriculture for Human Settlements.
Author: Petra Vuleta
