Permaculture
Permaculture is originally a sustainable concept for agriculture and horticulture based on closely observing and imitating natural ecosystems and cycles in nature. The concept was devised in the 1970s by the Australian Bill Mollison together with his student David Holmgren.*
Permaculture is also a way of life. Today's soils have suffered greatly due to chemical fertilisation and agricultural exploitation, and accordingly the fruits and vegetables produced in this way today contain considerably less in the way of minerals and vitamins than they did a hundred years ago. This leads to malnutrition in the long run.
The permaculturist does not want to further exploit Mother Earth, but to help the soil recover, to rebuild a healthy humus layer and to balance the energy between taking and giving.
Permaculture is an inspiring, stirring tool to change the world a little bit and to create sustainable ways of living in harmony with Mother Nature and to preserve and conserve habitats.
Especially on Fuerteventura or in other areas where the soils are depleted and karstified and water is scarce, it is a great challenge to grow healthy fruit and vegetables and to use fewer resources and less water simply by cultivating and treating the soil in a natural way.
But this is exactly what permaculture aims to do. In the long term, in 10, 20, 30 years, even the groundwater level can be positively influenced by the targeted planting and cultivation of even small areas. Habitats are created for insects and other micro-animals that are necessary for an intact environment and healthy living soil and that have been almost completely killed by chemical fertilisation, so that a healthy balance can develop again.
Three ethical principles and responsibility for our earth
are at the centre of all permaculture work:
1. Care for the earth
2. Care for all people
3. Limit consumption and growth
and share surpluses
Permaculture is rooted in a deep understanding of the relationships of all living things to each other and in respectfully giving them space. No living being is a pest - everyone has their right to live and their task.
Permaculture means observing nature and recognising the repeating patterns. Recognising nature as a source of inspiration. This forms the basis for sustainable design. Nature is much smarter than humans will ever be - so let's learn from it and imitate it!
Permaculture leads us back to a respectful interaction with nature and helps us to participate in the necessary change towards a world fit for children in our own local environment and beyond. A healthy life, happiness and development should be possible for people and nature in the long term.
With warm regards
Antje
CEO