Biomimicry South Africa

As a regional network of Biomimicry3.8, biomimicrySA promotes the study and imitation of nature’s remarkably efficient designs, bringing together scientists, engineers, architects and innovators who can use those models to create sustainable technologies. This process of consulting life’s genius utilises a clear, proven design methodology, complete with effective implementation tools, developed over a decade of work with companies, entrepreneurial organisations, universities, governments, and non-profits. biomimicrySA inspires, educates, enables & connects biomimics in South Africa through:

 

Inspiring Presentations

Inspiring introductory and tailor-made biomimicry presentations for your organisation or conference. In 2012, our team presented over 38 public presentations (that's an average of 3 per month). View our upcoming schedule of presentations or contact us to book an inspiring presentation.

 

Education / Training

We offer a range of workshops from 1-3day introductory workshops to week-long expedition workshops, some of which are linked with the Biomimicry Professional Pathways programs, and all adapted to local conditions. We also offer a local Learning Journey of a series of workshops & practical projects. We offer workshops and nature-based expeditions for:

  • Schools: For scholars and educators (including support for integrating biomimicry into relevant curricula). Training for kids age 10-15 is also part of our Biomimikids program.
  • Universities: For students and educators in all disciplines (including support for integrating biomimicry into relevant departments).
  • Field Guides: Tailor-made training for individual guides or through private lodges/FGASA affiliated institutions. Guides are interacting with a wide range of people every day, out in nature, and have the ideal opportunity to share the inspiration and potential of biomimicry to local and interantional visitors. Biomimicry offers an inspiring new lense for exploring the bush/beach giving guides an extra edge that their guests will love. We are in the process of developing a FGASA affiliated specialty training for guides. Contact us to find out more.
  • Professionals: including designers, architects, engineers, biologists, business, etc. You can join our open workshops, our Learning Journey, or arrange private workshops for your organisation.
  • General: anyone interested in learning more about biomimicry can visit our inspiration page, begin with online courses, or join our general workshops.

We are also in the final stages of developing biomimicry learning support materials to support different levels of learning. These include:

  • The development of a multimedia digital magazine and app (in partnership with Biomimicry3.8) for the global biomimicry community. It will be aimed at students at undergraduate and postgraduate level, but valuable for professionals, the general public and even high schools.
  • The development of a multifunctional biomimicry learning resource that can be used in the field, in the classroom, at home, etc. Details will be posted shortly. This will be made available to the global biomimicry network.

 

Projects

biomimicrySA's team has initiated and supported a number of projects with a number of partner organisations as well as our own initiatives. The projects aim to demonstrate the benefits of biomimicry as applied to design challenges in South Africa and Africa. They also serve to develop biomimicry capacity and expertise in a variety of fields in South Africa. Projects include:

  • A 5 year project on biomimicry for water treatment supported by the Water Research Commission. Details here.
  • The Naturally Knysna and Discovery Challenge Park projects. Details here.
  • The Genius of Place projects - starting in the Western Cape. Details here.
  • The Abuja City - world class city design for Nigeria, with biomimicry underlying the key design principles of the city. Details here.
  • The Learning Journey projects of individuals and teams - growing capacity of biomimicry practitioners in a variety of fields. Details here.

 

Consulting

Our biomimicrySA team and network of local and international biomimics offer a range of consulting products and services for your organisation. These are relevant to the fields of innovation, sustainability, change management, and resilience. Find out more here, or contact maz[a]biomimicrysa.co.za with any questions.

 

Deep Research

We have a network of local and international biomimicry experts who can assist you with relevant biomimicry research for your organisation.Find out more here, or contact maz[a]biomimicrysa.co.za with any questions.

 

Connecting

We also host local biomimicry network events in the Western Cape, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. View the schedule of networking events here. Sign up to be notified of network events in your area.