What concept is permaculture based on?

Permaculture is fundamentally based on the idea of simulating patterns found in natural ecosystems. This approach emphasizes working in harmony with nature rather than against it, creating sustainable and self-sufficient agricultural systems. By observing and understanding natural processes, permaculture designs can create landscapes that are productive while also conserving resources, enhancing biodiversity, and maintaining ecological balance.

This concept encourages the integration of plants, animals, water management, and soil health to create resilient systems that require less external input over time. For example, by mimicking the relationships and interactions within ecosystems, permaculture practitioners can design gardens and farms that recycle nutrients, utilize natural pest controls, and optimize water use, thus fostering a healthier environment.

The other options do not align with the core principles of permaculture. Techniques such as maximizing agricultural yield through chemicals emphasize industrial methods that often lead to ecological harm, whereas urban development strategies may not consider natural ecosystems at all.