Biomimicry of Termite Engineering As Innovative Solution for Water and Soil Conservation

Amgad ELMAHDI, CSIRO LAND AND WATER

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Contact me: Amgad.Elmahdi@csiro.au

Abstract

ABSTRACT Nature has so much to offer to the current challenges facing societies and world, but unfortunately, societies tend to ignore or resort nature’s offer/solution as the last option. Nowadays, world/mankind is facing a huge number of environmental problems. However, if researchers pay more attention to studying and understanding nature and nature’s positive laws, it should help them play a critical role in overcoming and healing most of these problems. The main focus of this study is to present humanity and termites as design partners in the creation of a new dimension of water and soil conservation understanding. This understanding is based upon the likelihood that termites, as truly symbiotic detrivores, have developed optimal architecture and design for water and soil conservation in ecosystems over millions of years. In this biomimicry concept study the objective is to present and discuss termite design for better water and soil management by government, industry and the public. Termites create environments that regulate and maintain near-constant moisture and temperature (green energy technology). Termites also create self-regulating energy systems that need no mechanical power for cooling and/or heating. In tropical climates, termites improve soil structure and moisture holding capacity and conserve water irrespective of changing environmental conditions. Thus, the focus/emerge question is can water and soil stakeholders mimic termite management systems in their bid to manage and sustain natural water and soil systems? KEY WORDS: Biomimicry, Soil degradation and conversation, management, Termites, natural rehabilitations, Water infiltration and Ecosystem approach