The biodiversity research began by watching Ted Talks that were discussing this subject matter. These were extremely interesting as it began to give me an insight on why there is such a decline within ecosystems. The first of the talk was 'Greg Asner, Ecology in the Air', he spoke about such things like the importance of keeping the carbon that is within the trees to prevent any more global warming, however due to deforestation we are loosing this at a rapid rate. He spoke about how we cannot understand the amount of biodiversity that is at play within such places as the amazon, and the forest is so dense. He created technology to create a better understanding of the ecosystems and species that live there.
GREG ASNER: Ecology In The Air
After watching the first Ted Talk on biodiversity in general, I came across a couple of biomimicry talks. As this was something was going to part of my research I thought it would be beneficial to watch these. After watching the biomimicry talks, it really explained and shed new light on the subject. It explained the concept much clearer as well as giving other possible resources that could be looked into within biomimicry.
AMEENAH GURIB-FAKIM: Humble Plants That Hide Surprising Secrets
Fakim spoke about how she works in one of the most interesting biodiversity hotspots in the Mascarene Islands. She has discovered five new species of plants that could possibly be used for all different purposes that could help sustainability. These plants are just a small selection of how plants and the environment can help, hence why deforestation is huge problem and biodiversity should be cared for.
1. Benjoin - This subspecies have evolved in specific ecosystems as they are vulnerable. They have an antibiotic nature that can be used for medicinal purposes.
2. Baume de I'lle Plate - Was on the brink of extinction but it has important properties. This plant has the potential to be used for respiratory problems. It contains ingredients that are similar to those in pharmaceutical medication that treats asthma.
3. Baobab - As a society we are now concerned with overpopulation, with this in mind there is the concern of food supply. This plant could be the answer, it is known as the 'tree of life'. It grows fruits which has more protein than human milk, it can be used as a reinforce food. It has oils that can be used as body lotion. The trunk also save guards water.
4. Resurrection Plant - This plant has developed to have withstand droughts. It has up to a 90% tolerance to dehydration over a year, without no damage and it can regenerate itself in 24hours. Could it slow down the ageing process?
5. Centella - This 'weed' grows across the world, this plant can has been proven to help against leprosy.
JANINE BENYUS: Biomimicry In Action
The talk by Janine Benyus has really informed me in terms of biomimicry. She discussed biomimicry as a whole. The concept of it is extremely innovative and a possible solution to future problems. Within the talk Benyus spoke about 'biomimicry institute' and 'ask nature', these can be used as further resources of research.
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