Biodiversity - A Key Source of Technological Innovation

By André Mader, Alexandra Ralevski, Anke Fischer, and Jeanette Lim

Abstract

Biodiversity – the variety of life on Earth – provides a virtually infinite source of inspiration for technological innovation. Thousands of designs and strategies from thousands of unique species and ecosystems are being uncovered and mimicked for applications as diverse as surgery and space exploration. At the same time, however, unique species and ecosystems with unknown potential are being lost at an unprecedented rate due to human activities. G20 members will benefit from valuing biodiversity as an indispensable resource for technology. By fairly and equitably sharing those benefits among their populace, G20 members also set a global precedent for achieving many of the sustainable development goals.