Biomimicry Confluence - Lessons from the Flow 🦦

Hey biomimics

What a mind-blowing two days at the #BiomimicryConfluence! Learn Biomimicry and I are feeling deeply moved by the magic the Biomimicry Confluence collectively generated. 

As we flow out into the ocean from the first Biomimicry Confluence, this article aims to share the wave of nostalgia and reminisce on the highlights and lessons learnt from the Biomimicry Confluence Day One and Day Two!

Confluence Day One - Highlights 🎯

On the first day of the Confluence, the theme revolved around (re)connecting the Global Biomimicry Network. Some of the highlights included: 

♻️ Colin Mangham surfed in emphasising the importance of local attunement and reciprocity with nature. He closed with an idea and conservation feedback loop - nature-inspired innovations to financially give back to the organisms that started it all.

🐦‍⬛ Toby Herzlich had us riding the tides! Who knew ravens and wolves were the ultimate dynamic duo? Now, we're inspired to create more cooperative partnerships for biomimicry and social innovation.

🚀 We flowed into the Great Lakes Biomimicry as Carol Thaler shed light on shaping biomimetic, industrial communities!

🐣 Jared Yarnall-Schane's case studies and Ray of Hope Accelerator success stories were like finding Easter eggs for us biomimics. His presentation left us all feeling nature-inspired!

🧚 The breakout streams at the #BiomimicryConfluence were where the magic happened, nudging each biomimic to connect through thoughtful questions and personal biomimicry reflections.  

Confluence Day One - Key Takeaways 📚

• Thoughtful questioning, active listening and engaging collaborations are required to make the Confluence a success
• It's essential to be Self. Centred (not self-centred) when looking to apply biomimicry. Quietening our cleverness is part of it too.
• Mutualisms conserve energy, and increase in times of stress. Let's create more mutualisms between each other. It's all part of the principles of biomimicry
• Locally attuned: The collaboration between local communities and biomimics is crucial. Additionally, luck really happens when preparation meets opportunity.
•  Charles Darwin was a geologist, yet discovered evolution. This stands as a great example of why we need transdisciplinary skillsets. Studying the history of biomimicry is a good place to get biomimicry ideas. 
• Follow and embrace the science, and lean into transdisciplinary work.
• Support science-oriented and regulatory policies.
• Learning from nature includes learning environmental values, tools, & skills.

Confluence Day Two - Highlights 🎯

🕸️ Margo Farnsworth commenced by spinning a web of biom* - that transported us through bio-utilizations, biomimicry, bio-inspiration, and all things bio!

🐝 Did you catch the buzz about Project Positive, the trailblazing initiative making waves in the Biomimicry Consulting realm? Casey Rowland and Nicole Miller graced the Biomimicry Confluence stage to share all about it. A regenerative world is indeed possible. 

🙊 Dr. Tamsin Wooley Barker was teeming, and captivated us with her tales of life intertwined with baboons, bees, biomimicry, and beyond #BonoboRevolution

🌵 We traversed the world of micro biomimicry spanning Arizona and Egypt's deserts with Sara El-Sayed. A sincere congratulations on her new role as the Director of the Biomimicry Center at Arizona State University. 

🤝 Sharing Nature's Genius breakout streams engaged us in biomimicry speed dating, where we swiftly exchanged insights on both our offerings and requirements.
Side note: You’ve GOT to check out their Nature's Design Lessons too!

Confluence Day Two - Key Takeaways 📚

• Long standing partnerships with clients are required to create sustainable impact.
• Persistence and adaptability is required when integrating biomimicry into businesses Intergrating biomimicry in employee onboarding is a sure way to embed it into company culture.
• Questions from the Confluence and biomimics included 
  > What is preventing biomimicry from becoming a global phenomenon?
  > How can we influence companies to better adopt biomimicry?
  > What are the reasons companies might reject biomimicry?
  > Where is biomimicry most effective, and in what industries?
• Margo encouraged writing a book or articles to improve our own thinking and spread the word about biomimicry. 
  Side note: Check out the top 10 biomimicry books here
• Form follows function, and we can get easy wins for biomimicry when our projects are locally attuned and contextually relevant.
• Breakouts and small group discussions was the magic of the Biomimicry Confluence.
• The Biomimicry Confluence consists of passionate biomimics, all willing to have deep discussions, share knowledge and foster a community #strongertogether
• Feedback will be used to determine the direction and potential future iterations of the Confluence.

A note to the Attendees:

To those who joined the Confluence, thank you for making it so special. The Biomimicry Confluence really is just the sum of it's attendees. 

Confluence Feedback Loops:

Hang ten and share your thoughts and adventures through the Confluence feedback form - you can also see the results of what others had to say about the wave-worthy moments, wipeouts, and suggestions for the next Confluence.

Don't Stop Flowing

Head to the Biomimicry Confleunce Dancefloor to keep sharing, discussing, and collaborating with all the wonderful biomimics that you found. Let’s keep the Biomimicry Confluence flowing!

Testimonials

If you loved the Biomimicry Confluence and wish to meet again, leave us a testimonial here.

“Two days. 40 countries represented. Countless thought-provoking conversations - and connections/collaborations continue to expand and deepen with each day! The intimate, inclusive atmosphere Learn Biomimicry fostered catalyzed a vibrant exchange of knowledge and support that will extend far beyond the conclusion of the first (of hopefully many!) events."
- Katie Losey, Scientific Communications and Creative Writer at the Biomimicry Institute 

If you missed the Biomimicry Confluence but would purchase a ticket at the next, drop a comment below

Here we flow
Alistair and the Learn Biomimicry team