Chapter 18 - Green Harbors Project: Biomimicry in action

Abstract

The dynamics and complexities of coupled human-natural systems, and our capacity to manage and protect both, requires inter-disciplinary, holistic education, practice and respectful living with nature. Green Harbors Project (GHP) started at UMass Boston, in 2007, as a response to local needs, specifically addressing degraded environmental health in Boston Harbor, MA, USA, and other urban harbors. The GHP is an organic, educational, research, and outreach project designed to foster transdisciplinary teaching and learning by applying biomimetic solutions for local needs. For example, biomimetic infrastructure and technologies support both human and ecological services and functions in urban harbors providing conditions conducive to life: green cement, green piers and marinas, floating salt marshes and shellfish beds, living shorelines, free energy sources, safe healthy food, and water. The three key goals are to: (1) educate and inspire a new, responsible generation of environmental problem solvers; (2) bring feasible, resilient solutions to local community, and (3) engage industry and businesses in applying biomimetic technologies and solutions in restoring our urban coastal areas. As part of the GHP, our Biomimicry LivingLabs have been initiated in other areas of Massachusetts, at the University of Zadar, Croatia, and Arklow in the Republic of Ireland. At each site, the GHP approach is uniquely and organically designed to integrate practical learning and innovation with professional development, entrepreneurial skill development, and team building that inspires and implements holistic solutions to environmental, social and economic challenges specific for each place. Our projects include biomimetic approach in restoring three keystone costal habitats: salt marshes, oyster reefs (shellfish beds), and eel grass beds. The implementation of the best practices developed at Biomimicry LivingLabs serve as educational tools for local communities worldwide.