Applied Permaculture in Communities – A Community Conversation in the International Permaculture CoLab

This co-created artifact captures real-life examples, reflections, and emerging insights on how the International Permaculture CoLab applies the 12 permaculture principles in its community practice. Created during a 90-minute participatory session hosted by the APiC team, the asset weaves together stories, tensions, quotes, and visual contributions from members across the CoLab. It is designed to be a living document—one that evolves as the CoLab grows—offering a mirror for self-organization, a tool for onboarding, and a guide for deeper integration of permaculture ethics and principles in collective work.

This asset offers a practical, story-rich reflection of how permaculture principles are embodied in real community settings. For the CoLab, it provides a shared mirror—helping members see what’s working, where gaps exist, and how to grow together with intention. For the wider permaculture movement, it serves as a replicable model for applying permaculture beyond land-based projects—into relationships, governance, and self-organization—inviting others to reflect, adapt, and deepen their own practice.

This work was funded by the Next Steps Project as part of the International Permaculture CoLab.

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