The word "permaculture" is a contraction of "permanent agriculture" or "permanent culture". Permaculture principles are designed to support (or ensure) the survival of humanity, the earth and all on it, and, to improve our standard of living, Permaculture can be defined as : a design system for creating sustainable human environments that can be (relatively) easily constructed and maintained. The principles of permaculture designs are relative location every element (such as house , rice paddy, road, esc) is placed in relation to each other such that each assists the other : each element performs multiple functions ; each function is supported by many elements : energy efficient planning ; using biological resources rather than fossil fuels : energy cycling on site (both fuel and human energy) : Using and accelerating natural plant succession to establish favourable sites and soils ; poly-culture and diversity of beneficial species for a productive, interactive system ; use of edge and natural patterns for best effect. These principles can be used for any permaculture design, in any climate, and at any scale. There has been very little scientific examination of Permaculture, and as such, it must be viewed as a design philosophy.viewed as a design philosophy.