Harnessing the destructive energy in pine-leaf litter for biodiversity regeneration.

We are partnering with the University of Warwick, Avani BioEnergy, the University of Antananarivo, the University of Glasgow and the University of West London to create a pilot research project to validate the viability of introducing pine-needle-based biofuel technologies into the Madagascar region that can turn waste materials into energy and potentially generate great socio-economic, ecological and environmental benefits. This is another grant from the Frontiers programme from the Royal Academy of Engineering.

In the area of Madagascar, a large number of shredding pine needles have been used by the local villagers to set fire as a means to protest against the local authorities and big pine tree farming companies. This has resulted in many negative ramifications both socially and environmentally such as elevated conflicts, soil acidification, and biodiversity loss. A novel solution has been implemented in the Indian Himalayan areas to solve similar challenges - making pine needles into a source of energy and opportunities for combating biodiversity loss, and generating new jobs and incomes that alleviate social conflicts.

To explore the possibility to implement this approach in Madagascar, the groundwork will include a community need assessment and a socio-economic-ecological baseline survey at the potential sites in Madagascar. Mathematical modelling will be undertaken to validate and predict the project’s impact on carbon sequestration, biodiversity, and ecosystem services. These findings will be utilized to enhance key stakeholder participation and influence policy-making across pine-dominated geographies.

If you would like to know more about this project, please feel to reach out work@biomimicryinnovationlab.com.