Introduction

A method to design and engineering known as "biomimicry" tries to mimic how nature solves challenging issues. Biomimicry provides a potent paradigm for developing more sustainable and effective technologies and systems by drawing inspiration from the natural world. One of the main advantages of biomimicry is that it may encourage resource utilisation that is more environmentally friendly.

For instance, several bird species have developed extremely effective wing structures that allow them to fly great distances with little energy expenditure. Engineers have created new aeroplane designs that are cleaner and more fuel-efficient by examining these examples. By minimising waste and pollution, biomimicry may aid in the promotion of sustainability. The lotus plant has a surface that naturally repels dirt and water, keeping the plant free of contaminants and hazardous microorganisms. Researchers have created new coatings for structures and other surfaces that may self-clean and inhibit the growth of dangerous germs by analysing this surface.

Sustainability Side

The ability to foster more sustainable and regenerative systems is another advantage of biomimicry. The cyclical flow of resources that occurs in many ecosystems when waste from one creature becomes food for another. We can develop closed-loop systems that reduce waste and encourage the effective use of resources by developing systems that resemble these natural cycles. The fact that biomimicry provides a chance to draw from the amazing flexibility and resilience of the natural world is arguably one of the most fascinating parts of the practise.

Insights on how to develop more robust and adaptive technology and systems may be gained by researching how creatures have evolved to survive and thrive in a variety of settings. For instance, photosynthesis, which enables plants to transform sunlight into energy, is incredibly effective and flexible. Researchers have created new solar technologies that are more effective and adaptable than conventional solar panels by analysing this process. Although the science of biomimicry is still young, it has already demonstrated great potential in advancing sustainability and creativity. We can create new technologies and systems that are more effective, robust, and sustainable by studying how nature solves complicated issues. Biomimicry offers a potent tool for building a more sustainable future as we continue to face tremendous environmental problems.

The Namib Desert beetle has developed a special way of extracting moisture from the air in places with a scarcity of water supplies. Inspired by the beetle's shell, scientists have created new technology that can collect and store water from the air, giving populations in dry areas a reliable source of drinking water. Air conditioning is a luxury that many people in underdeveloped nations cannot afford. However, by examining the termite mound ventilation system, scientists have created novel cooling techniques that are more cost-effective and energy efficient. These systems lessen the demand for power by cooling buildings and circulating air through natural convection.

Developing Nation's Strategy

In developing nations, several traditional farming methods have emerged to improve soil health, preserve water, and increase crop yields. Researchers have created new methods and tools that can assist farmers in boosting production and lowering their environmental effect as a result of their study of these practises. Intercropping, which is the practise of growing various crops together in the same area, has been demonstrated to enhance soil health, lessen insect damage, and boost crop yields. Traditional construction materials like adobe and bamboo are still often employed in a lot of underdeveloped nations. These materials, however, may be susceptible to damage from earthquakes and other calamities. Researchers have created new, more resilient materials for building that are more sustainable by taking inspiration from the structure of bones and seashells.

Although the idea of biomimicry has a lot of potential for creating sustainable technology and systems, there are also certain drawbacks and difficulties with this strategy. One significant critique is that biomimicry might not always be the best or most efficient answer to a particular issue. Nature has developed some wonderfully beautiful and effective answers to difficult issues, it is not always apparent if these solutions can be successfully tailored to meet the demands and limitations of humans. The fact that it may occasionally be challenging to duplicate the intricate interactions and feedback loops that exist in natural systems presents another difficulty with biomimicry.

A certain feature or design piece could perform admirably when used alone, but it might not perform as well when included in a bigger system or ecosystem. The fact that biomimicry might not always be scalable or appropriate for general adoption is another critique of it. A firm may assert that it is utilising biomimicry to create a more sustainable product while continuing to use methods that harm the environment in other parts of its operations. Last but not least, there is a chance that concentrating too intently on biomimicry might divert attention from other crucial tactics for advancing sustainability, including lowering consumption, increasing resource efficiency, and switching to renewable energy sources.

Conclusion

As a source of innovation and inspiration for sustainable technologies and systems, biomimicry has a lot of promise, but it must be used cautiously and with an awareness of its drawbacks and difficulties. We may strive toward a more equitable and resilient future for everybody by weighing the advantages of biomimicry with other tactics for advancing sustainability.

Authored by Ajay M Reje, a final year research student at Department of Geopolitics and International Relations, MAHE. His area of interest lies in the SDG’s, Water-Energy-Food Nexus, Climate change and environment in the Asia-Pacific.