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Sustainable ecosystems

Writer's picture: Sanne WitkampSanne Witkamp

In a world of change, groups and organizations are looking for ways to remain resilient, sustainable, and people-focused. The challenges of our time—from climate change to technological acceleration and societal shifts—require organizations that not only adapt, but thrive in the unknown. Static structures and outdated management models no longer suffice.


What if we looked at organizations as living ecosystems instead of (stuck, faltering) machines? Ecosystems are flexible, capable of self-healing and focused on mutual reinforcement. By combining insights from anthropology, organizational culture and permaculture, a refreshing perspective on growth and collaboration emerges. This approach not only helps to understand why change is necessary, but also how organizations can evolve in a sustainable way.


In this article, you will discover how these disciplines provide tools for building organizations that are more human, resilient, and future-proof. Whether it is about strengthening community, improving processes, or designing sustainable structures, this perspective offers both inspiration and practical insights to embrace change.




Anthropology: Understand the human heart of your organization

Anthropology focuses on people. What are the unwritten rules? How do formal and informal networks work together? By looking at behavior, rituals and values, you gain insight into what really drives your organization. This not only offers solutions to tensions, but also tools to build a strong, inclusive culture.


Culture: The fertile soil of your organization

Organizational culture is like an ecosystem: without a healthy foundation, nothing can flourish. A strong culture creates engaged employees, a clear direction, and flexibility in times of change. But culture is not a quick fix – it requires deep understanding and careful attention, just like a farmer tills his land.


Permaculture: Sustainable thinking and acting

Permaculture teaches us to design systems that sustain and improve themselves, inspired by nature. Applied to organizations, this means: designing processes that are circular, stimulate collaboration and minimize waste. Think of shared responsibility, sustainable solutions and networks that strengthen the whole.


future-proof organizations

By combining anthropological insights with a strong culture and sustainable principles from permaculture, an organization is created that is not only successful, but also people-oriented and sustainable. You create balance between people, organization and environment - and that is the key to lasting success.




The Power of Permaculture Principles

Organizational change can be a challenging process, often marked by resistance, chaos, and uncertainty. But what if we approach change as nature does? Permaculture—a design system based on natural ecosystems—offers powerful principles that help organizations transform sustainably, flexibly, and with people in mind.


Here are seven core principles of permaculture and how you can apply them in a change process.


1. Observe and connect with patterns

In nature, you first observe how systems function before you intervene. The same goes for organizations: take the time to understand the culture, dynamics and processes.


Application: Start with anthropological research. Understand the unwritten rules, interactions and bottlenecks before you formulate a change strategy.

Result: A change that matches the needs and rhythms of the organization, which reduces resistance.



2. Care for the earth, people and 'fair sharing'

Permaculture is about care: for the environment, for people and for a fair distribution of resources. In an organization this means that you design change with attention to well-being and inclusivity.


Application : Don't just focus on financial results, but also on the mental and emotional impact on employees. Involve everyone in the process and ensure that the benefits are shared fairly.

Result : A people-oriented approach that creates involvement and trust.



3. implement small and gradual changes

Natural systems do not change overnight. Small, incremental adjustments are more sustainable than large, drastic changes.


Application: Implement changes in phases. Test new ideas on a small scale first and scale up only if they prove successful.

Result: Change becomes manageable and employees have time to grow with it.


4. Use and value diversity

In nature, diversity leads to resilience. For organizations, this means that different perspectives and talents are crucial for innovation and success.


Application : Create diverse teams that approach change from multiple angles. Encourage collaboration across departments and backgrounds.

Result: Creative solutions and an organization that is more resilient to challenges.



5. Use edges and value the marginal

The most productive places in nature are the edges, where different ecosystems overlap. In an organization, the “edges” are often the people or ideas that are less visible.


Application: Involve people who are normally outside of decision-making, such as front-line staff or young talent. Listen to ideas from outside or unexpected quarters.

Result: You utilize untapped potential and create support for change.



6. Design circularly and minimize waste

Permaculture advocates a circular approach in which nothing is lost. In organizations this means reusing existing resources, processes and knowledge.


Application: Take a critical look at what is already working within the organization. Build on existing successes and prevent valuable resources or talent from being lost.

Result: More efficient use of time, resources and energy, with a focus on sustainability.



7. Become resilient and design for self-regulation

In nature, systems are resilient because they can adapt to change. Organizations can learn to design structures that are flexible and self-regulating.


Application: Create feedback loops in which employees signal problems and solutions. Build structures in which teams can operate and decide independently.

Result: A flexible organization that can respond quickly to changes.


conclusion


Permaculture shows that sustainable change is not about control, but about working with existing structures and embracing natural processes. By applying these principles, you create an organization that not only changes, but also thrives: resilient, people-oriented and sustainable.


Want to know how your organization can apply this approach? Let's build a future-proof organizational culture together!


 

Culture always exists between people. People are constantly in motion and cause change themselves. Every change has an impact. Culture is a temporary landing place in the midst of changes and systems. Culture provides tools and information about the meaning that people and teams jointly give to matters and events. Analyzing and understanding culture is necessary to initiate positive changes. Insight and clarity as a basis for change.


Want to know more about organizational culture, permaculture and change? I'd be happy to help you.

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