Understanding the Principles of Natural Systems Design: A Path to Sustainable Living
Understanding the language of Nature:
‘Natural systems design’ is a series of techniques and methods that allow us to create sustainable, regenerative environments that sustain all life on Earth. We do this by observing, and replicating the innate patterns that exist within natural ecosystems. We follow after natures instructions of how to design living communities. From the plank scale, up to the cosmic symphony, Nature’s got it figured out.
Natural systems design is not just about creating sustainable food systems—it’s about building an ethical future where humans live in harmony with the Earth. We add a layer of stewardship ethics over top such as: Do no harm, take responsibility for your own needs, aim towards zero waste, and share abundance back to others. By understanding these principles, we can build resilient Earth Care and People Care Systems.
A notable feature of Natural systems design is Carbon Capture: Instead of burning carbon; we capture and hold, thus offsetting wide ranges of carbon. We ethically put it back in the soil to produce fertility, energy, and food. Almost everything needed by society.
Natural Systems Design -
Natural systems design is the process of designing human habitats and environmental systems that are modeled on the patterns and functions found in natural ecosystems.
This design approach emphasizes working with natural elements - like sunlight, wind, water, and soil, and terrain—while minimizing waste, pollution, and external inputs. By observing how nature creates balanced and self-sustaining ecosystems, we can apply those lessons to design environments that provide for human needs while properly managing the Earth’s natural resources.
The Key Principles of Natural Systems Design
1. Observation and Interaction
The foundation of natural systems design is observation—spending time studying natural ecosystems and understanding how they function. This uses the scientific method, to build, test, and prove or disprove our understandings over time, and document the findings for the good of our shared knowledge. Here, we use educational and scientifically literate methods to sow abundance. Nature has evolved efficient, resilient systems that have been perfected over millennia. By observing these systems, we can learn how to design human environments that are sustainable and regenerative.
For example, We observe the natural landscape to understand water flow, soil health, and sunlight patterns before implementing our permaculture designs. Capturing and directing natural energies sustainably.
As Bill Mollison, one of the co-founders of permaculture, once said: “The problem is the solution.” In other words, nature often provides its own answers if we take the time to observe and interact with it.
2. Catch and Store Energy
In nature, energy is constantly cycling—whether through sunlight, water, or wind. One of the key principles of natural systems design is to capture and store energy in all its forms. This energy can then be used to sustain the system during times of scarcity.
By following after the methods of how nature stores energy (e.g., water stored in ponds or fertility stored in soil), we can create more resilient systems that provide for tangible human needs.
3. Obtain a Yield
A core principle of natural systems design is to ensure that every system produces something of value. That every system passes an energy audit. Over time the inputs for the system minimize, and the outputs maximize. Whether it’s food, water, fiber, fuel, lumber, animal or mineral, or energy: Each element within a system should provide a yield that contributes to the overall health of the system. A harmonious system of good neighbors.
Permaculture encourages creating multi-functional systems where each part of the system serves multiple purposes. For example, our gardens not only provide food, but also improve soil health & fertility, support broad biodiversity, and offer educational opportunities for the people. Jobs too.
4. Apply Self-Regulation and Feedback
In nature, systems are constantly adjusting and adapting based on feedback from the environment. A well-designed natural system can self-regulate, ensuring that no element becomes too dominant and that the system remains balanced. After all, these are living natural systems.
In the context of Our Creation Care ministry, this means creating management systems that monitor and adapt. For example, if a particular crop depletes nutrients in the soil, we rotate crops or introduce nitrogen-fixing plants to restore balance. Feedback from the system helps us make informed decisions that maintain the health and productivity of the land, and her people.
5. Use and Value Renewable Resources
One of the core ethical principles of natural systems design is to use renewable resources and reduce dependency on finite or polluting resources. By relying on renewable sources—like solar energy, wind, water, and organic matter—we can design systems that are not only sustainable but also renewable. In addition we cultivate, and utilize regenerative natural resources that provide all manner of tangibles to the people.
We use above organic methods that enhance the soil and eliminate the need for chemical fertilizers. By focusing on renewable, regenerative, and sustainable inputs, (such as compost and mulch), we are building long-term soil fertility that supports future generations.
6. Produce No Waste
In natural ecosystems, waste doesn’t exist—everything is recycled and reused. The waste from one organism becomes the resource for another, creating a closed-loop system. One of the principles of natural systems design is to eliminate waste by ensuring that every output becomes a resource. For example In our permaculture sites, we practice composting and recycling organic materials to create rich, fertile soil.
7. Design for Diversity
Diverse ecosystems are more resilient and productive. By cultivating a diversity of natural systems, we can create indoor and outdoor People Systems that are less vulnerable to pests, diseases, and environmental changes. Diversity also ensures that the system produces multiple yields throughout the year. Which is essential.
At The Eden Foundation Church, our gardens are designed to include a wide variety of plants, trees, and animals, creating a healthy biologically diverse ecosystem that employs the complexity of nature. This diversity not only increases resilience but also provides a wider range of resources for the community.
The Role of The Eden Foundation Church in Natural Systems Design
Our missionary work is to integrate biblical teachings of stewardship with practical ecological solutions. FOR THE GOOD OF ALL LIFE. By using the principles of permaculture and natural systems design, we aim to create a world where the land is regenerated, and the community is nourished. Spiritually and physically.
We invite everyone—whether through volunteering, donating, or learning more—to join us in this journey of caring for creation.
References:
Permaculture Research Institute - Permaculture Principles and Ethics.
Bill Mollison, Permaculture: A Designer's Manual.
David Holmgren, Permaculture Principles & Pathways Beyond Sustainability.
Regeneration International - Natural Systems Design and Agroecology.
