Permaculture in Higher Education: A Pathway to Sustainable Development and to Achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

We are living in an era where energy, climate and environmental crises threaten our very species, which requires integrated responses aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through a systematic literature review, findings reveal that permaculture enhances ecological regeneration, food security, and social inclusion. Agroforestry systems (AFS) can increase biodiversity by 40% and soil fertility by 25%, while natural building techniques can reduce carbon emissions by 80%. Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) serve as key hubs for disseminating permaculture principles, fostering sustainability-oriented education and research. This study examines the potential of permaculture in HEIs to advance several United Nations SDGs, especially SDG 3 (good health and well-being), SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation), SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities), and SDG 13 (climate action). Despite its benefits, challenges such as cultural resistance and economic barriers persist. Addressing these requires policy integration, financial incentives, and curricular reforms. The present study underscores permaculture as a crucial tool for systemic regeneration, urging future research on its long-term socio-economic viability and scalable implementation strategies.