PERMACULTURE
EVALUATION
CENTRE
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155 Principle 8: Integrate Rather Than Segregate
Because of predominant reductionist thinking we tend to consider how parts of an integrated system work in isolation rather than as part of the system. Rather, need to focus on relationships in the design of self reliant systems
156 Emphasise co-operative and symbiotic relationships rather than competitive or predatory ones.
Photosynthesis/ respiration the best model
156/7 Types of ecological relationships:
Predatory
Parasitic
Competitive
Avoidance = species occupying different niches
Mutualism = organisms provide benefits to each other in meeting their own needs
Symbiotic = organisms become inter-dependent
158 Each element performs many functions
159 Sometimes its hard to see the complexity of elements and relationships in a natural system
160 Need to move from monocultural view of yields to consider multiple functions and yields of all elements. This will encourage flexibility to changing conditions and needs
Each important function is supported by many elements
161 Need to consider: back-up, having elements complement each other eg fodder shrubs – high protein, available when pasture fodder is scarce. Rather than designing for max volume of edible matter.
163 Simplification and segregation: over-used strategies – better to use …
164 … Co-operation and integration
But integrated systems are more complex than simplified segregated systems
165 Companion planting, guilds (groups of elements providing mutual benefits)
Each owner/ occupier of a farm holding tends to want to maximise his primary enterprise – dislikes integrated multi function operations
166 In Austrialia planning regulations discourage rural eco villages where integrated systems might be established
Even when rural communities have developed with permaculture in mind, progress has been slow because food is cheap to buy, returns from agriculture are low, there are better income earning opportunities, little knowledge of the legal mechanisms required
167 Patterns of competition and co-operation in nature and in society
Immature natural systems tend to be dominated by competitive relationships
Mature ecosystems (in which little free or surplus energy) have mainly mutualistic and symbiotic relationships
Where all resources are allocated, defined rules, mutual obligations, etc prevail
169 Mature ecosystems tend to exploit immature ecosystems, or at least benefit from energy and resources leaking from immature systems
Permaculture plots have taken advantage of the losses from unsustainable land use
Can’t ignore the widespread tendency for internal co-operation allied with external competition eg tribes and tribal warfare, but now no territory to exploit and opportunities for beneficial competition are shrinking. Need to recognise our interdependence and our need to develop mutual relationships
170 Will then take time to get rid of dysfunctional behaviour inherited from different circumstances. Substitution of warfare by commerce and diplomacy is inadequate to control localised violence caused by conflict over scarce resources eg Palestine
Rise of super corporations on the back of fossil fuels and of people. Global capitalism and consumerism undermines traditional personal, community and cultural values on which its success has been based.
171 Institutions with great power and influence but without the constraint of human values and ethics, therefore liable to self destruct, an enemy of ordinary people and nature
Fear and loathing of global capitalism is a motivation for action but not enough in itself. Bottom-up evolution of greater degrees of internal co-operation and effective conflict resolution in new communities and culture will enable some kind of gradual reformation of the social mainstream or a rebuilding of society after a dramatic collapse of global capitalism.
172 Characteristics of a sustainable community
173
* Bio-regional control structures that reflect natural boundaries
* Informed by global understanding and values, but local in their sphere of action
* Low dependence on expensive or centralised technology
* Capable of development by incremental steps
Permaculture toolkit includes elements that reflect these criteria – list
174 … not forgetting the primary focus on sustainable land use.
Designing communities. Examples of kibbutzim in 1970s and co-housing in Scandinavia
175 Global eco-village network is associated with permaculture but for most people involved in intentional communities, permaculture remains a method of growing food rather than the design and philosophical basis of the community itself
176 Many permaculture designs have drawn on skills in facilitating, consensus decision making, etc used in eco village networks – some have taken it further, using ecological terminology to describe social functions and community design. There are some problems with this, but at least it helps to ensure we remain connected to natural systems
The belief that human nature in some way demands we live segregated and uncooperative lives is arguably a greater impediment to a sustainable future than the belief that technology and human brilliance can solve environmental problems
179 In energy descent more diverse and integrated uses of farm land will develop