The term "permaculture" was coined by Australian ecologist Bill
Mollison in 1978 as a contraction of the two terms "permanent" and
"agriculture", designating human habitats and systems for producing
food — a way of working the land and building liveable spaces
that seeks to integrate, in a harmonious way, the structures necessary
for human life, microclimates, vegetation (both perennial and
seasonal), fauna, soil and water reserves.
All of this within a stable and productive community, through the
relationship between the elements mentioned and their role
in the environment.

"Permaculture" encompasses not only food production but also
energy efficiency, waste treatment, recycling and, more broadly,
land use.

These concepts can be applied both at the level of
rural communities and at an urban level.