The international permaculture network is not structured around formal protocols or rules. Some networks are trademarked, with rigorously applied rules about who can and can't be involved in different activities. Permaculture is developing in a much more spontaneous manner, which has advantages and disadvantages.

Key aspects of international permaculture development are the International Permaculture Convergence, held every two years, and agreements about permaculture education, as well as continental and regional convergences, conferences and online networks.