Permaculture started in Australia 40 years ago and has in recent years received a considerable boost and spread worldwide. The concept of Permaculture includes both science and philosophy, offering a practical and creative approach to world challenges such as climate change, declining and unfair distribution of resources and the disappearance of species and functioning ecosystems. Permaculture is
based on the insight that most of us have the greatest opportunity to influence the development of society by supporting and building a variety of alternative solutions where we live and work. Designing from a permaculture perspective is about systems thinking and adapting to site-specific conditions when creating localized options for food production, housing, water- and energy, social structures and business opportunities. Permaculture is used today at UN level as a tool for sustainable development and even at the EU level, permaculture has been given attention. In the European Commission’s proposal for an EU Strategy for biodiversity beyond 2010, permaculture is highlighted as "an effective method for protection and restoring of biodiversity". Permaculture is a powerful tool to work for sustainable rural development. The Permaculture Stjärnsund learning centre is a project financially supported by the European Union Leader Nedre Dalälven. Several permaculture projects are tied to the Permaculture learning centre in Stjärnsund. We work together building demonstration and research areas for permaculture and forest gardening in our harsh climate while also organizing courses, workshops and other events. There is also a public Permaculture library at the centre. We hope to see you in Stjärnsund!
- Ronja Burgdorf, David Roxendal, Philipp Weiss, Annevi Sjöberg & Stiftelsen Stjärnsund
