The miracle of nature is that whenever there has been a challenge, there is an organism that has found a way to conquer it. There are just over 8.7 million described plants and animals on Earth which are essentially individual science experiments, perpetually testing out new ways of doing things in order to find a better way. There is no doubt that we have much to learn from this 4.85 billion years of natural capital accumulation. Since humans live under the same laws of nature and under the same conditions, it makes sense that we learn from the inner workings of the natural world.
Biomimicry draws inspiration from natural solutions to the challenges of our time. These solutions could be in the design of an animal or plant, a natural process, or in how the environment functions as a system. By being open to how nature functions and operates, we can begin to recognise the solutions that we so desperately require.
Jonathan Leeming will take the audience on a practical exploration in search of solutions inspired by nature. Through developing a reconnection to the environment in a way that reveals the principles and design elements that create strategies for sustainability, innovation and resilience.
An understanding of how nature provides the solutions to the pressing challenges of our time through closing our disconnection from the environment, and creating an awareness of the value that nature offers.
Jonathan Leeming is author of 9 books (Scorpions of southern Africa, Scorpions of Sabi Sands, Spider & Scorpion Risk Assessment, Venomous Animal General Awareness, Risk Assessment & First Aid, Antivenom Management, General Awareness, First Aid Guide To Spider Bites & Scorpion Stings).
He consults for the Poison Information Helpline. Steve Biko Academic Hospital. Swaziland Antivenom Foundation, and various other organisations, and speaks at medical conferences on the subject of envenomation. Best selling author, professional speaker and conservationist, Jonathan brings a fresh and unique insight into the subject of venomous animals and their bites and stings.
