Principles of permaculture   

The 12 recognized principles of permaculture can be described as follows:

1. Observe and interact. Take time to engage with nature, so we can design solutions for our particular context.
2. Catch and store energy: Develop systems that collect resources when abundant, & use them in times of need.
3. Obtain a yield - Ensure that you are getting truly useful rewards as part of the work that you are doing.
4. Apply self-regulation & accept feedback - Discourage inappropriate activity so systems continue to function well.
5. Use and value renewable resources and services - Make the best use of nature's abundance.
6. Produce no waste - Valuing and make use of all the resources available to us, so nothing goes to waste.
7. Design from patterns to details - Step back and observe patterns in nature and society. Details come after.
8. Integrate rather than segregate - Put the right things in the right place, so relationships and support develop.
9. Use small, slow solutions - easier to maintain than big systems, better use of local resources, more sustainable.
10. Use and value diversity - reduces vulnerability to threats and takes advantage of the of the environment.
11. Use edges & value the marginal - often the most valuable, diverse and productive elements in the system.
12. Have a positive impact on inevitable change by carefully observing, and then intervening at the right time.

These are principles used and taught by the pioneers of permaculture - they are not universal truths. E.g. re "Use small, slow solutions": in certain contexts, big and fast-acting solutions may be best; however the principle reminds us that great impacts can come in ways that require patience and are not flashy.