tulusus

Tulusus is a term used in speculative discourse and some interdisciplinary studies to denote a hypothetical state of sustainable, self-organizing socio-ecological systems in which human communities and natural processes are deeply integrated. In such a tulusus, resource flows are local, regenerative practices are routine, and governance relies on participatory, adaptive decision-making that can absorb shocks.

The exact origin of the term is unclear; it has appeared in a variety of sources from the late 20th century onward, often as a thought experiment or as a neologism to describe an idealized condition. It is generally treated as a model or aspiration rather than a confirmed phenomenon, and its meaning depends on the disciplinary context in which it is used.

Core characteristics commonly associated with tulusus include local production and consumption loops, widespread use of renewable energy, closed or regenerative material cycles, biodiversity-conscious land and water management, and robust social learning and adaptive governance structures. The concept emphasizes resilience, equity, and the integration of ecological and social objectives, contrasting with linear, export-intensive or centralized systems.

Applications of tulusus appear mainly in theoretical work on resilience and sustainability, where it serves as a heuristic to explore threshold effects and design principles. In fiction and speculative essays, tulusus is sometimes used to describe cities or regions that approach self-sufficiency through technology-enabled ecological design and participatory governance.

See also: circular economy, resilience, socio-ecological systems, sustainable city.