Promoting biomimicry-inspired habitat design solutions for biodiversity protection and restoration

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B IPA Adriatic-Ionian

Date of latest update: 2025-10-06

Description

Description (EN):

Recent extensive building infrastructure practice resulted in paving large soil surfaces with impervious materials, which caused uncontrolled flooding in many areas and valuable biodiversity rich areas lost their connections, migration paths, etc. Tourism risks are also common in the region due to significant changes in seasonal tourist concentration. Moreover, climate change increases the frequency of extreme natural events which leads to a loss in biodiversity and causes economic damage. Already existing initiatives and strategies in the Adriatic Ionian region and beyond, recognize green infrastructure needs and nature-based solutions as key components for generating green and blue paths in rural and urban areas, with the purpose to increase biodiversity, ensure sustainable water collection and management, provide migration paths for animals and create socially acceptable areas to assure well-being. Nevertheless, this kind of approaches often stay sketchy as there is a lack of mimicking natural processes (which are visible for example in Natura 2000 sites) , thus often missing the target goal as they do not offer sufficient balance between sustainability present in nature and its transferability to human (artificial) environment. Thus, biomimetic architecture or Biomimetics comes into play. Such practices emulate models, systems, and elements of nature for the purpose of solving complex human problems. It is a practice that learns from nature and natural habitats, thus emulating regenerative solutions of living organisms in order to solve human design challenges. It proposes that by infusing biological strategies in design, we can transform sustainable innovation by at the same time embodying (re)connect and ethos elements. Therefore, the BIOMIMICRY project envisions to fill these gaps between green infrastructure and emulation of functional strategies found in nature by bringing relevant knowledge, raising awareness among target groups, developing strategies and action plans and testing basic measures on sight through pilot activities to push forward biomimicry applicability in the Adriatic Ionian region and as such using it as a measure to prevent biodiversity loss. The project aims to connect participating countries in research of habitats in Adriatic-Ionian region to find effective and innovative biomimicry solutions for designing environments that contribute to biodiversity protection and restoration. The BIOMIMICRY partnership consists of 8 partners from 6 countries (2 from Italy, 1 from Slovenia, 2 from Croatia, 1 from Serbia, 1 from Montenegro and 1 from Bosnia and Herzegovina). The solutions and policy instruments developed will help public authorities on local, regional and national level to encourage the use of biomimicry-inspired principles in development processes and urban planning. The focus of the project enhances not only green infrastructure integration into rural and urban landscapes but the integration of biomimicry principles while doing so. The project is keen to stress the importance of mimicking natural processes in anthropogenic landscapes to ensure adaptation to climate change, revitalization of landscapes, long-term stability and sustainable development. To undertake feasible measures and accomplish viable results, during the BIOMIMICRY project, a strategic framework for the development of biomimicry-inspired habitat design solutions in rural and urban areas will be formed. Furthermore, the strategy will be utilised through site-specific biomimicry-inspired solutions for biodiversity protection and restoration in five pilot sites in Macerata, Čakovec, Rakičan, Žabljak and Campitelli, where each will be addressing their specific biodiversity protection and restoration measure, such as providing efficient green infrastructure for pollinating insects, creating temperature control and water collection system or developing biomimetic solutions to ensure recirculation of water and avoid loss of wetland habitats. As a result, an interpretation of biomimicry-inspired habitat design solutions in biodiversity conservation will be developed in a form of online biomimicry tool and a foundation of ‘biomimicry-inspired’ verification award.

Expected Achievements (EN):

Under WP 1 a strategic framework for biomimicry-inspired design solutions will be developed. The goal is to assess living habitats and biotopes, detect biomimetic patterns, and typology and mapping in project partner countries. Furthermore, an overview of existing biomimicry practices in the Programme Area will be provided including a wider approach on a European and global scale. The broader picture will ensure the inclusiveness of all biomimicry aspects to develop a joint strategy for biomimicry-inspired design solutions with the goal of implementation in project partner countries and the possibility to replicate in other Programme Area countries. WP1 activities will be produced in cooperation with project target groups to ensure connectivity, and applicability of outputs and to support climate resilience of the Adriatic Ionian region whilst preserving and protecting habitats and forming valuable connections to anthropological landscapes through biomimicry principles implementation. Implementation of pilot action by adapting already existing or creating new solutions for biodiversity protection and restoration at five partners’ pilot sites (Macerata, Čakovec, Rakičan, Žabljak, Campitelli) based on biomimicry-inspired habitat design. Solutions will be conceptualised, summed up in a form of an action plan and tested. Developing ways to interpret biomimicry-inspired habitat design solutions in biodiversity protection and restoration by creating training modules and educational workshops on the use of biomimicry in development processes, laying foundations for ‘biomimicry-inspired’ mark of excellence and jointly promoting biomimicry-inspired solutions based on theoretical knowledge and research conducted in WP1 and testing at demonstration sites in WP2.

Project outputs: Organisations cooperating together on habitat assessment, mapping, exploration of existing solutions and forum execution(EN)
Jointly developed strategy for biomimicry-inspired design implementation into planning and landscaping practice(EN)
Action plans for the realisation of concept designs for biomimicry-inspired solutions in five pilot sites(EN)
Pilot action to test the biomimicry-inspired methods and practices for biodiversity protection and restoration in five pilot sites(EN)
Biomimicry-inspired habitat design solution for biodiversity protection and restoration(EN)
Action plan for the implementation of ‘biomimicry-inspired’ mark of excellence(EN)
Guidelines on developing and implementing biomimicry-inspired habitat design in Adriatic-Ionian region(EN)

Thematic information

Green technologies Tourism Climate change and biodiversity

Priority: (VI-B_IPA-A_2) Supporting a greener and climate resilient Adriatic-Ionian region

Priority specific objective: RSO2.7. Enhancing protection and preservation of nature, biodiversity and green infrastructure, including in urban areas, and reducing all forms of pollution

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO2 A greener, low-carbon transitioning towards a net zero carbon economy and resilient Europe by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate change mitigation and adaptation, risk prevention and management, and sustainable urban mobility

Type of intervention: 079 Nature and biodiversity protection, natural heritage and resources, green and blue infrastructure

Partners (9)

Lead Partner: Razvojni center Murska Sobota

Partner’s ID if not PIC: SI19252048

Address: Kardoševa, 9000 Murska Sobota, Slovenia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Sectoral agency

Website: http://www.rcms.si

Total budget: EUR 269 375.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 228 968.75

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 40 406.25

Lead Partner: Raziskovalno izobraževalno središče dvorec Rakičan

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 940599495

Partner’s ID if not PIC: SI36541028

Address: Rakičan, Lendavska ulica, 9000 Murska Sobota, Slovenia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Regional public authority

Website: https://www.ris-dr.si/

Total budget: EUR 278 575.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 236 788.75

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 41 786.25

Opština Žabljak

Name: Opština Žabljak

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 911203160

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 02018535 | PIB (EN)

Address: Trg durmitorskih ratnika, 84220 Žabljak, Montenegro

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: http://zabljak.me/

Total budget: EUR 176 400.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 149 940.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 26 460.00

Parco Nazionale d’Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise

Name: Parco Nazionale d’Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise

Partner’s ID if not PIC: IT02304991009

Address: Viale S. Lucia , 67032 Pescasseroli, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: National public authority

Website: http://www.parcoabruzzo.it

Total budget: EUR 201 600.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 171 360.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 30 240.00

Javna ustanova za razvoj Međimurske županije REDEA

Name: Javna ustanova za razvoj Međimurske županije REDEA

Department: Department for Economy Projects

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 904482903

Partner’s ID if not PIC: HR86547803101

Address: Bana Josipa Jelačića, 40000 Čakovec, Croatia

Department address: Bana Josipa Jelačića, 40000 Čakovec, Croatia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Regional public authority

Website: https://www.redea.hr/

Total budget: EUR 186 708.54

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 158 702.25

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 28 006.29

RARIS - Regionalna agencija za razvoj istočne Srbije

Name: RARIS - Regionalna agencija za razvoj istočne Srbije

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 933647020

Partner’s ID if not PIC: RS105019649

Address: Trg Oslobodjenja, 19000 Zaječar, Serbia

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Regional public authority

Website: http://www.raris.org

Total budget: EUR 147 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 124 950.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 22 050.00

Comune di Macerata

Name: Comune di Macerata

Department: European Office

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 950468178

Partner’s ID if not PIC: IT00093120434

Address: Piazza della Libertà, 62100 Macerata, Italy

Department address: Piaggia della Torre, 62100 Macerata, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: https://www.comune.macerata.it/

Total budget: EUR 240 500.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 204 425.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 36 075.00

Regionalna ekonomska zajednica “REZ” d.o.o.

Name: Regionalna ekonomska zajednica “REZ” d.o.o.

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 933499580

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 218426640007

Address: Štrosmajerova, 72000 Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: http://www.rez.ba

Total budget: EUR 155 075.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 131 813.75

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 23 261.25

Hrvatski savjet za zelenu gradnju

Name: Hrvatski savjet za zelenu gradnju

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 950414246

Partner’s ID if not PIC: HR99702507717

Address: Ulica grada Vukovara, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: https://gbccroatia.org/

Total budget: EUR 215 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 182 750.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 32 250.00

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Municipality of Žabljak

Promoting biomimicry-inspired habitat design solutions for biodiversity protection and restoration

Partners and Projects info

Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park

Promoting biomimicry-inspired habitat design solutions for biodiversity protection and restoration

Partners and Projects info

Public Institution for the Development of the Međimurje County REDEA

Promoting biomimicry-inspired habitat design solutions for biodiversity protection and restoration

Partners and Projects info

RARIS - Regional Development Agency of Eastern Serbia

Promoting biomimicry-inspired habitat design solutions for biodiversity protection and restoration

Partners and Projects info

Municipality of Macerata

Promoting biomimicry-inspired habitat design solutions for biodiversity protection and restoration

Partners and Projects info

Regional Development Agency for Central BiH

Promoting biomimicry-inspired habitat design solutions for biodiversity protection and restoration

Partners and Projects info

Croatia Green Building Council

Promoting biomimicry-inspired habitat design solutions for biodiversity protection and restoration

Partners and Projects info

Development centre Murska Sobota

Promoting biomimicry-inspired habitat design solutions for biodiversity protection and restoration

Partners and Projects info

Research and Educational centre Mansion Rakičan

Promoting biomimicry-inspired habitat design solutions for biodiversity protection and restoration

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Promoting biomimicry-inspired habitat design solutions for biodiversity protection and restoration

Project acronym: BIOMIMICRY

Project ID: IPA-ADRION00222

Project start date: 2024-09-01

Project end date: 2027-11-30

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

LIFE Level(s) (EN) | Level(s) is a voluntary reporting framework to improve the sustainability of buildings. The main objective of the project LIFE Level(s) is to mainstream sustainable buildings in Europe. The project also focuses on establishing greater awareness in different stakeholders (private, public, certification schemes) about the life cycle approach framework in addressing climate and environmental risk. It favours a building principle that reducess emissions, ensures efficient and circular resource flows and support the health and wellbeing of those they are built to serve. PP CGBC is a PP in LIFE Level(s) project. (EN), BioDiTOUR (Interreg V-A SIovenija - Avstrija) (EN) | BIOMIMICRY builds on the results of the transboundary BioDiTOUR project, where RIS Dvorec Rakičan acted as lead partner, and which focuses on the control of neophytes to ensure biodiversity. One of the biggest threats to biodiversity at a pan-European level are plant invaders, non-native invasive species that make their way into habitats and deplete biodiversity; in order to curb the environmental, economic and health damage of neophytes, the BioDiTOUR project has outlined ways to eradicate them and conserve habitats at a transboundary level, and has introduced effective tools to raise awareness of nature conservation approaches among target groups. BIOMIMICRY thus builds on the results of the BioDiTOUR project, focusing on: analysis of the habitat and its biodiversity as well as invasive and native plants, and the development of a joint strategy for biodiversity conservation. Synergies between the two projects are in the areas of nature conservation, education and awareness raising. (EN), Eco Bridge (Interreg V-A Hungary-Croatia) (EN) | Croatia and Hungary share natural resources in the border area and are connected by Mura and Drava rivers. In the Restauration of ecological diversity in the border area of Međimurje and Zala County "ECO BRIDGE" project, the focus is on long-term and sustainable improvement of natural bird habitats in the cross-border area. BIOMIMICRY project will find synergies with Eco Bridge especially in terms of knowledge sharing and data collection for the area of Međimurje, since their focus was on habitats for native species (birds) - and damages by the invasive races. Part of the project also included research on how better living conditions in an urban environment could be provided for those species, since they also live in an urban area, which is what BIOMIMICRY would like to build on. PP PI REDEA collaborated on Eco Bridge project. (EN), Renewable Energy for Smart Growth and Protected Environment (Interreg – IPA CBC Bulgaria – Serbia) (EN) | The main project objective is to increase capacity and to improve awareness on environment issues like renewable sources of energy and energy efficiency to the target groups: SME’s, local authorities, environmental organizations and institutions, general public. The project was inteded to build capacities for environmental protection and sustainable use of natural resources, perceive Renewable Energy as a tool for environmental protection and sustainable use of natural resources as well as become familiar with best practices in selected renewable energy topics. BIOMIMICRY project would like to take the best practice examples for environmetnal protection and renewable energy and see how they could be implemented in biomimicry principles used for biodiversity protection and restoration. PP RARIS is a PP in Renewable Energy for Smart Growth and Protected Environment. (EN), Innovations — inspired by nature (Interreg V-A Germany - The Netherlands) (EN) | In another project 'Innovations - inspired by nature', new, sustainable, concrete innovations were realized in various cross-border SME branches. BIOMIMICRY project will look into the 8 newly developed prototypes developed in collaboration with their Biomimicry consortium as well as in a new development principle and the already established German/Dutch biomimicry network. It will draw inspiration and knowledge on available data and use it to further develope the idea and translate it into Adriatic Ionian region. (EN), NaturBosniaHerzegovina (EN) | The project strengthens the governance of protected areas in Bosnia and Herzegovina in line with the standards of the European Union, with a focus on the protection of biodiversity and promotion of the tourist potential of the territories, contributing to the sustainable development of the country. NaturBosniaHerzegovina focuses on Sutieska National Park in Republika Srpska and Blidinje Nature Park. Our project partner PNALM has collaborated with our associated partner CISP on the project and we'll therefore use its results and finding to help with habitat analysis in that region (BiH). (EN), Cultural Routes for Sustainable Social and economic Development in Mediterranean - CROSSDEV (Mediterranean Sea Basin ENI CBC) (EN) | The CROSSDEV project set up a cross-border tourism framework to enhance sustainable tourism policies, to promote tourism-related business and to develop community-led action plans. CROSSDEV will enable to increase skills and knowledge, contributing to better tourism practices which benefit socio-economic development and the protection of the environment and cultural heritage. Led by our AP CISP, the BIOMIMICRY project will use the data gathered in that project related to environment studies to create new knowledge and learn from their methods in developing community-led action plans. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 1 591 658.54

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 1 352 909.75

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 85.00%

Co-financing sources:

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

Report on habitat assessment and biodiversity analysis
Biotopes typology study in PP countries
Transnational two day partner event with stakeholder involvement
Overview of existing biomimicry practices in project partner countries and Adriatic Ionian region
Overview of existing biomimicry practices on a European and global scale
Report on strategic expert biomimicry forum
Recommendations on biomimicry habitat design implementation to rural and urban landscapes
Joint Strategy for biomimicry-inspired design implementation into planning and landscaping practice
Analysis of current state of pilot sites from the perspective of natural and social environment
Algorithm for implementation of biomimicry-inspired solutions in pilot sites
Coworking space The Matt in the Municipality of Macerata
Center of Knowledge in the City of Čakovec
Public garage in the Municipality of Žabljak
Green public spaces in the city of Murska Sobota
Campitelli wetland area
Action plan for each pilot site on the implementation of proposed conceptual design
Testing the biomimicry-inspired solutions in pilot sites
Evaluation of pilot actions
Reports on round table discussions
Online biomimicry tool
Workshops on incorporating biomimicry in the design and construction process
Awareness-raising campaign for biodiversity protection
Joint transnational event - partners and stakeholders for capitalization of project results
Foundation of ‘biomimicry-inspired’ mark of excellence
Action plan for the implementation of ‘biomimicry-inspired’ mark of excellence
Guidelines on developing and implementing biomimicry-inspired habitat design
Online presentation of good practices of biomimicry-inspired solutions in biodiversity conservation

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EUStrategyAdriaticIonianRegion The general objective of the EUSAIR is to promote economic and social prosperity and growth in the region by improving its attractiveness, competitiveness and connectivity. With BIOMIMICRY project we are working in the Pillar 3: environmental quality and are addressing specific objective 'to contribute to the goal of the EU Biodiversity Strategy to halt the loss of biodiversity and the degradation of ecosystem services in the EU by 2020, and restore them in so far as feasible, by addressing threats to marine and terrestrial biodiversity'. The partnership proposes activities that will connect all partners in joint action plan and a strategy that envision long-term transnational cooperation. By promoting an innovative approach in development and urban planning (biomimicry-inspired design habitat) we are finding joint solutions to support environmental protection and preservation and reduce biodiversity loss in the region.
EuropeanGreenDeal The threat that pose climate change and environmental degradation are being addressed by the European Green Deal, which will ensure that EU will be the first climate neutral continent with no net emissions of greenhouse gases by 2050. Their focus is on providing fresh air, clean water, healthy soil and biodiversity, renovated, energy efficient buildings and cleaner energy and cutting-edge clean technological innovation. BIOMIMICRY is addressing those values especially in pilot actions, where innovative solutions will be developed and tested in various environments. The project will provide biomimicry-inspired solutions to protect and restore biodiversity in urban and rural areas (urban greening including green infrastructure, biomimetic nesting and roosting structures, habitat monitoring and management) and therefore create environments for pollintating insects, birds and other migrators, as well as provide data to monitor biodiversity and manage it accordingly. Promoting principles of biomimicry in development processes means that nature is always the driving force behind such plannings and inevitably produces sustainable results that favour biodiversity in the region.
Other EU Biodiversity strategy for 2030: The strategy aims to put Europe's biodiversity on the road to recovery by 2030 for the benefit of nature, people and the climate. To achieve this, the Strategy sets out a comprehensive framework of commitments and actions to tackle the main drivers of biodiversity loss: land and sea use change, overexploitation of biological resources, climate change, pollution and invasive non-native species. The project directly introduces solutions to address the causes of biodiversity loss through its planned measures to expand and create natural habitats for pollinating insects, birds, other migrators and some large carnivores. The principles of biomimicry are based on mimicking nature and finding solutions that are sustainable and regenerative and thus can be used for direct addressing of biodiversity loss. The project will along with testing some of those solutions also create a joint strategy plan on how to protect and restore biodiversity through incorporating bimimicry principles in the development processes and measures.
Other New European Bauhaus: is a creative and interdisciplinary initiative that that connects the European Green Deal to our living spaces and experiences. It favours environments that we build together and that are beautiful, sustainable, enriching and inclusive. NEB promotes projects that are found in the intersection between science and technology, art and culture and using green and digital technologies to transform our lives for the better. Our project's key concept is biomimicry, which means it shares similar values to the ones of NEB, that is emulate, ethos and (re)connect. Throughout the project we'll be focusing on creating solutions that are nature-inspired and bring scientists, engineers, desginers, architects, citizens and institutions together to co-create a more sustainable and beautiful future for us and our planet.

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 084 - Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects, Measurement unit:
RCO 087 - Organisations cooperating across borders, Measurement unit:
RCO 083 - Strategies and action plans jointly developed, Measurement unit:

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 084 - Organisations cooperating across borders after project completion, Measurement unit:
RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:
RCR 079 - Joint strategies and action plans taken up by organisations, Measurement unit:

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSAIR

EUSAIR Priority (Policy) area / Horizontal action:

EUSAIR Degree of compliance:

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B IPA Adriatic-Ionian

Last month that data in keep.eu was retrieved from the Programme's website or received from the Programme

2025-10-06

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

70 / 70 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

646 / 646 (100%)

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Promoting biomimicry-inspired habitat design solutions for biodiversity protection and restoration

Description

Thematic information

Partners (9)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

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