Jim Rutt defines 'permaculture' as a strategic framework for designing sustainable human environments that emulate the interconnections and efficiency inherent in natural ecosystems. Developed initially by Bill Mollison and David Holmgren in the 1970s, permaculture synthesizes knowledge across disciplines such as agriculture, ecology, and social sciences to create resilient systems that meet human needs while enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem health. Rutt emphasizes that permaculture isn't merely a set of farming techniques, but rather a holistic philosophy that encourages responsible stewardship of land and resources. This approach, according to Rutt, calls for a deep understanding of local conditions, thoughtful planning, and a commitment to building self-sufficient, self-regulating systems that reduce waste and energy use, ultimately promoting a harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature.

See also: emergence, evolution, integral theory, protocol, self-organization