Biomimicry--a tool for creativity and innovation--has the potential to transform business practices to be in harmony with nature. Professor Jakki Mohr, Regents Professor of the University of Montana, provides many examples of how biomimicry is used to develop technological innovations, including: Qualcomm's mirasol display technology, creating vibrant color based on the butterfly wing; Swedish Biomimetics 3000 uMist technology for industrial sprays without VOCs based on the bombardier beetle; Greenshield Technology's waterproof fabric finish based on the lotus leaf, and Ornilux Birdsafe Glass based on UV reflective strands in spider webs. Her research and projects with companies commercializing biomimetic inventions and infusing biomimicry into their innovation processes provides insights for success. Interface Flor, with its line of Entropy carpet tiles, is a shining success story in the world of biomimicry, based on not only its use of biomimicry in product innovation (patterned after the forest floor), but also in its infusion of sustainability through-out the company. Jakki Mohr, Ph.D., is the Regents Professor of Marketing and the Jeff & Martha Hamilton Distinguished Faculty Fellow at the University of Montana-Missoula. She is an international expert on the marketing of technology and innovation, and the co-author of a book on that topic. Motivated by the desire to bring the promise of new technologies to solve social and global problems, she has worked with companies and universities worldwide in strategic market planning to commercialize innovation. Her most recent interest is the field of biomimicry. Funded by the Marketing Science Institute out of Boston, she is studying how companies can successfully use nature-inspired designs to solve technical and engineering challenges. About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations) ( less )

Plants, animals, even entire ecosystems are disappearing from the Earth. So what? In "What Is Nature Worth?", the University of Minnesota's Institute on the Environment offers a three-minute look at what biodiversity loss is really costing us -- and what we can do about it. For more information, please visit  http://www.naturalcapitalproject.org/about.html ( less )

Life, an everyday miracle of survival. Today, the future of all life on Earth hangs in the balance. What happens next depends on us. The Nature Conservancy protects Earth's most important natural places — for you and future generations — through great science and smart partnerships. Learn more at  http://www.nature.org ( less )

Forest conservation in Brazil. For more information visit: http://www.nature.org/ ( less )

http://calearth.org/ Architect and author Nader Khalili developed the simple breakthrough building technologies known as Superadobe (sandbags and barbed wire) and Ceramic Houses, with the freely available material of earth, for almost thirty years. Inspired by the poetry of the 12th century mystic Rumi, who wrote in his native Persian language, Khalili served as a consultant to the U.N. (UNIDO) and a contributor to NASA, as well as directing the Architectural Research Program (ARP) at SCI-Arc (Southern California Institute of Architecture). For his work in Earth and Ceramic Architecture since 1975, he received awards from organizations such as the CCAIA for "Excellence in Technology," the U.N. and HUD for "Shelter for the Homeless," the ASCE (Aerospace Division) for his work in lunar base building technology, and most recently the Aga Khan award for architecture for "Sandbag Shelter Prototypes". Through his work, Nader Khalili has inspired a global movement and left a rich body of philosophy, design and innovative construction technology. His work is continued at Cal-Earth Institute, as the basis for its research and educational mission. ( less )

http://calearth.org/ Architect and author Nader Khalili developed the simple breakthrough building technologies known as Superadobe (sandbags and barbed wire) and Ceramic Houses, with the freely available material of earth, for almost thirty years. Inspired by the poetry of the 12th century mystic Rumi, who wrote in his native Persian language, Khalili served as a consultant to the U.N. (UNIDO) and a contributor to NASA, as well as directing the Architectural Research Program (ARP) at SCI-Arc (Southern California Institute of Architecture). For his work in Earth and Ceramic Architecture since 1975, he received awards from organizations such as the CCAIA for "Excellence in Technology," the U.N. and HUD for "Shelter for the Homeless," the ASCE (Aerospace Division) for his work in lunar base building technology, and most recently the Aga Khan award for architecture for "Sandbag Shelter Prototypes". Through his work, Nader Khalili has inspired a global movement and left a rich body of philosophy, design and innovative construction technology. His work is continued at Cal-Earth Institute, as the basis for its research and educational mission. ( less )

Tribal leaders and community land managers in northern Kenya are working together to conserve more than 2 million acres of communal lands. To help them achieve their goals, The Nature Conservancy and Northern Rangelands Trust conducted a series of conservation action planning workshops with these community leaders. For more information, plese visit:  http://www.nature.org/ ( less )

How is The Nature Conservancy working to protect the world's largest freshwater system? By bringing together the best science with innovative conservation action. Learn more about The Nature Conservancy's Great Lakes Project. Visit us online at nature.org/greatlakes ( less )

Effective conservation took many forms this year. From working to restore oyster reefs in the Gulf of Mexico to playing a critical role in the formation of China's national conservation plan, The Nature Conservancy worked to advance conservation all around the world. The 10 accomplishments featured here are just a small sample of the more than 600 projects and transactions undertaken by the Conservancy with countless partners, supporters and dedicated volunteers in fiscal 2011. Thank you for your support http://www.nature.org ( less )

This video shows how much we have in common with animals and nature. For more information: www.worldwildlife.org ( less )