"By regeneration we mean systems and practices that take a ‘holistic’ approach to solving environmental, social and economic problems; aiming to restore health, wholeness and resilience." (From the Lush Spring Prize website)

Permaculture is a design science grounded in natural patterns and rhythms. Permaculture provides a set of ethics and principles which allows designers to create or participate in systems, whether that’s social systems or ecosystems, in a way which 'works with nature, not against nature'.

An ecosystem is a living community of organisms, which often exist in mutual benefit to one another (in symbiosis). Often the more diverse an ecosystem is, the more healthy it is.

"It is the variety of life on Earth, in all its forms and all its interactions. If that sounds bewilderingly broad, that’s because it is. Biodiversity is the most complex feature of our planet and it is the most vital." (By Damian Carrington for the Guardian)

Holism refers to the consideration of systems as a whole, and thinking of the web of connection between all the different parts of the system. This is rather than splitting things into separate parts, thinking only of one element in a system.

"The study of the environment [that] helps us understand how organisms live with each other in unique physical environments." (From National Geographic)

"Regenerative practitioners aim to create holistic approaches in their interventions, meaning that they take into account all the many elements in systems, and the many connections. This is rather than approaching their work with a simple 'cause-and-effect' mentality." (From Re-Alliance)

The Regenerative Continuum is an ecological model. It it like a compass, pointing us beyond sustainability, toward regeneration. It helps us reflect on where our ecological and social impacts are on the scale, and shows us which direction to move - from degenerative (extracting value and destroying life), beyond sustainability (doing no harm or minimising harm), to regenerative (creating cycles of life and abundance).

"Our present, mechanistic worldview sees the universe as a very sophisticated mechanical system, governed by universal laws (such as the laws of physics, mathematics and chemistry) that can be used to predict and determine the behaviour of the parts (from atoms to galaxies) that constitute the universe, based on the properties of these parts. Once we have discovered these laws, we can not only explain all phenomena, but ultimately, through scientific and technological development, replicate and control them. This places humans in control of nature..." (From Dominique Hes and Chrisna Du Plessis.)

"In recognising that life is fundamentally cooperative and symbiotic, designers can shift towards a symbiotic, synergistic or win-win approach to design that integrates humanity into natural process." (From Daniel Christian Wahl)

"Design is about translating ideas into reality - essentially it is planning.

Design frameworks help us to learn, define, experiment, build, test and learn again so we can ensure the best possible outcomes." (From the UK Permaculture Association)

A paradigm is a worldview, or a pattern. It is often used to describe the way of seeing and engaging with the world, and with other people. Paradigms are often held together by the stories we tell ourselves. Celebrated systems thinker Donella Meadows famously wrote that the most impactful place to intervene in a system, in order to change it, is at the level of paradigm.

A narrative means a story. In Regenerative movements, we often ask how we can challenge and change the narratives which legitimise dominant and destructive paradigms of our time. For example, humans often perpetuate the narrative (through actual stories, movies, cultural activities, retelling of history, or other means) that humans are 'above', 'separate from', or 'better than' the rest of nature. This narrative has lead humans to believe that we have a right to 'own' and destroy living systems. How can we challenge and change this destructive narrative? What is a different narrative that might help us shape a regenerative future?

Resilience means the strength and the ability to recover from challenges. Resilient ecological systems are often the most diverse ones, because they can rely on all the different plants, animals, fungi, and bacteria to support one another in the ecosystem.

"Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) – also called by other names, including Indigenous knowledge or Native science – [has been] acquired over centuries through direct contact with the environment." (From Heather Hansen.)

"Natural Building refers to the use of materials in the building process that is locally sourced, natural and kind to the environment. Natural buildings typically produce much of their own energy through the smart use of materials and combination of passive design features to enhance insulation and thermal mass properties." (From the Natural Building Collective.)

'Greenwashing' is a term used to describe misleading practices or messaging, employed by businesses and corporations to give the impression that they are taking real action to minimise their harmful impact on the environment when in fact their initiatives may be tokenistic or lacking any real benefit at all. Greenwashing is often used to criticize an initiative that is viewed as aiming to generate profit by making the company appear like they are doing good.