Biomimicry, for those new to this concept, is the practice of reconnecting with, learning from and emulating nature’s forms, processes and systems. This in turn supports the creation of innovative, sustainable, regenerative human products, processes, systems and societies. Some good examples are (1) learning from shark skin how to create antibacterial hospital surfaces (Biomimicry of form) and (2) learning from wetlands and forests how to capture, clean and store water in times of flood and drought — leading to ‘sponge cities’ which help address water challenges created by climate change (biomimicry of system).
Find out more about Shark Skin inspired anti-bacterial surfaces and Sponge Cities.
I’m particularly interested in systems level biomimicry, and additionally, how we can take biomimicry to the social and cultural levels by developing ecologically inspired mindsets, values and practices across society.
As an ecologist and naturalist I’m filled with wonder every time I learn about a new example of interconnection and mutual benefit in nature. One of my favourite examples is how forests on land support the health of ocean life. For my PhD I studied sea otters in the kelp beds of central California and came to understand their keystone role in the health of this ecosystem. Otters eat urchins which graze on kelp, thereby keeping these predators in balance and helping the kelp to survive and thrive. The healthy kelp creates nurseries for young fish, which supports marine species higher up the food chain, including in fisheries that humans rely on. What I was surprised and in awe to discover years later, was that redwood forests also play an important role in this system. By concentrating nutrients, leaching these into groundwater, which then reaches rivers, which flow into the sea, the redwoods provide crucial nutrition that kelp needs to grow.
Nature is full of examples like this, where disparate and even distant elements have evolved into highly interconnected and mutually beneficial networks.
For me this raises the questions — ‘How can people be part of creating conditions for life to thrive? and ‘How can we (as individuals, communities, business, society) engage in the ecosystems around us in a way which makes a net positive contribution? This exploration feels much more motivating and empowering than continuing to contribute to extraction, pollution, biodiversity loss and other harmful impacts.
Two wonderful examples of humans acting as a helpful species (1) The fishermen in Japan who figured out the relationship between the health of the forest and the health of the ocean and fisheries they rely on. By replanting the forests and restoring the health of the watershed they have restored the health of the fisheries, even creating resilience in the face of massive disasters such as the tsunami, earthquake and nuclear event of several years ago. (2) The businesses taking part in Biomimicry 3.8’s Project Positive — exploring the question, ‘How can a factory act like a forest’? This leading edge collaboration, including businesses such as Interface, Google and Ford, guided by some of the best Biomimicry practitioners in the world, measures the ecosystem services of neighbouring healthy ecosystems, then presents businesses with the challenge of creating the same level of benefits (for people and nature) from their factories, operations and services. Its a massive jump forward from net zero to net positive.
Both the redwood/kelp and fishermen’s forest examples can be found in this wonderful film Call of the Forest. Find out more about Project Positive here.
Its important to mention that there are many more examples of humans behaving as a helpful and intrinsic part of living systems, in particular in indigenous and land connected cultures. 80% of the world’s most biodiverse habitats are in indigenous lands. This is because in these cultures, these values and practices have been the norm for thousands of years. One example of this is the cool burns managed by aboriginal people in Australia, which helps care for the bush, increases biodiversity and reduces the occurrence of forest fires. By excluding people from their traditional lands, damage is caused to these long standing and mutually beneficial relationships, creating harm both to the people and the land.
These are just a few examples of how nature, and people cooperating with nature, can help create conditions which support life to thrive. There are many more avenues to explore. My intention is to start sharing more of these stories and examples and I would love to hear how these land for you. Do you find principles or inspiration in these which are relevant to your life, organisation, business or community? Would you like me to share more like this? Would you be willing to share examples you are finding with me?