“Purifying and protecting the waters is a critical challenge for humanity. Fortunately, new technologies are being developed that are effective and adapted to an era of material and energy scarcities. Through decoding the language of ecosystems, it is now possible to utilize nature’s operating instructions and tap into the evolutionary legacy of life on Earth.”
~ Dr John Todd, Water Research Commission Symposium 2013 Abstract
BiomimicrySA, together with the Water Research Commission, hosted Dr John Todd and his wife Nancy on a month long tour of South Africa, during which time they shared innovative solutions – inspired by nature – that will ensure the development of practical strategies to deal with water-related issues throughout our country.
Who are John & Nancy Todd?
John Todd is a biologist and biomimicry expert working in the general field of ecological design. His professional interests include solving problems of food production and wastewater processing.
John is well known for his design of a living technology called the Eco Machine – an ecologically engineered technology developed to restore, conserve, or remediate sewage or other polluted water, by replicating and accelerating the natural purification processes of streams, ponds & marshes. Eco-Machines have the ability to self-organize and self-design, as well as self-repair and can operate for long periods of time. They function primarily on sunlight and can be carbon neutral.
Nancy Todd is a skilled writer and editor, and co-authored husband John’s latest book.
What was their tour about? The tour presented an opportunity for all the stakeholders involved to learn from the years of expertise that they have in applying biomimicry and ecological design to water and soil remediation, amongst other things.
The tour was part of an annual intent to host experts in the field of regenerative thinking and action and will bring together members of Government, Institution, Civil Society and the Corporate Realm in an effort to address our pressing water issues.
Biomimicry SA hopes that the international knowledge and experience will combine with local input to provide future impactful, real-time solutions to the serious challenges facing our country. The tour was hosted by the head of BiomimicrySA, Claire Janisch – herself a biomimicry professional and a sustainability and innovation advisor.
During their October visit John and Nancy travelled to Johannesburg, Cape Town, Stellenbosch, KZN Midlands, Knysna and Botswana. They participated in multiple events including Key Note Presentations, Dialogues, Workshops, and Site visits, culminating in an expedition to the greatest wetland in the world: the Okavango Delta
Some of the tour details included addressing:
The WRC symposium in Pretoria, Golder and Associates Students from WITS University’s chemical engineering research on the use of Eco Machines for acid mine drainage The Western Cape Government’s 110% Green Biomimicry Genius of Place Project, for exploration of solutions to the Berg River The National Business Initiative & Endangered Wildlife Trust, exploring biodiversity & business Spier: on the practical application of Eco Machines for water treatment and the challenges of the Eerste River Cambridge Program for Sustainability Leadership Clients of South African Bunker & Trading Knysna Municipality on options for water management challenges Hilton College Members of a biomimicry expedition in the Okavango Delta. Tour Details
Sponsors
The Todd’s visit was supported by the Water Research Commission, South African Bunker & Trading, Spier, Cambridge Program for Sustainability Leadership, National Business Initiative, Endangered Wildlife Trust, CAP-NET, AVIS, Hilton College and Greenhouse.
Please enjoy these videos of John Todd’s work
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