The great diversity of forms, functions and interactions in nature and humanity are the source of evolved systemic complexity. The role and value of diversity in nature, culture and permaculture is itself complex, dynamic, and at times apparently contradictory. Diversity needs to be seen as a result of the balance and tension in nature between variety and possibility on the one hand, and productivity and power on the other.
It is now widely recognised that monoculture is a major cause of vulnerability to pests and diseases, and therefore of the widespread use of toxic chemicals and energy to control these. Polyculture[xvii] is one of the most important and widely recognised applications of the use of diversity to reduce vulnerability to pests, adverse seasons and market fluctuations. Polyculture also reduces reliance on market systems, and bolsters household and community self-reliance by providing a wider range of goods and services.
However polyculture is by no means the only application of this principle.
Diversity of different cultivated systems reflects the unique nature of site, situation and cultural context. Diversity of structures, both living and built, is an important aspect of this principle, as is the diversity within species and populations, including human communities. The conservation of at least some of the great diversity of languages and cultures on the planet is arguably as important as the conservation of biodiversity. While inappropriate and destructive responses to energy descent will have knock on impacts on both human and biodiversity, in the longer-term, energy descent will slow the economic engine of diversity destruction, and stimulate new local and bioregional diversity. While many environmental and social movements only recognise prior biological and cultural diversity, permaculture is just as actively engaged in how to create new bioregional diversity from the melting pot of nature and culture we have inherited
The proverb 'don't put all your eggs in one basket' embodies the common sense understanding that diversity provides insurance against the vagaries of nature and everyday life.
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
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