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Roots of Change: Ecological & Community Restoration

Disciplines:

Forestry, Biology, Chemistry, Sustainability, Impact Finance, Policy, Community Engagement, Social Impact

Revitalizing contaminated soil, water and the communities they serve through ‘Miyawaki’ urban pocket forests and industrial site restoration.

Through immersive field experiences and in-depth case study analyses, interns will explore the transformative potential of 'Miyawaki' forests in urban environments and their role in enhancing biodiversity, improving air and water quality, and mitigating the impacts of climate change. Additionally, interns will investigate successful industrial site restoration projects from around the world, gaining valuable insights into effective remediation strategies and community engagement practices.


Guided by expert mentors and industry professionals, interns will have the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world settings in both Boston and Beirut, contributing to the planning, implementation, and monitoring of Miyawaki restoration projects. By engaging with local communities and stakeholders, interns will learn the importance of inclusive decision-making and the social, economic, and environmental benefits of ecosystem restoration through applying the a stakeholder analysis based on valuing ‘goodness’.


This internship offers a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, empowering interns to become agents of positive change in the restoration of contaminated sites and the promotion of resilient, healthy communities.

Available Intern Positions:

3 High School, 3 Undergrad & 1 Master, PhD

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“Being half Lakota Sioux, I am always eager to have the chance to incorporate Indigenous thought into my work, especially when I work on philosophy and ethics projects. Born Global presented me with an abundance of opportunities to grow my confidence in doing just that: blending my personal experience with my professional ambitions.”

Dee Everett (BU’24) 

Neuroscience and Philosophy Senior 

Bioregionalism and Biomimicry Intern 2020-2023

Syllabus

Week 1: Introduction to Biomimicry and the Miyawaki Method

  • Overview of biomimicry principles and its application in environmental restoration.

  • Introduction to the Miyawaki method for urban pocket forests.

  • Guest lecture: Biomimicry in action - Case study of biomimetic solutions in ecological restoration.


Week 2: Understanding Ecological Systems

  • Explore the principles of ecological systems and the role of biodiversity in ecosystem health.

  • Case study: Restoration of degraded ecosystems using biomimetic principles.


Week 3: Miyawaki Method: Theory and Practice

  • Deep dive into the Miyawaki method, its principles, and implementation strategies.

  • Guest lecture: Urban biodiversity conservation and the Miyawaki method - Insights from an environmental scientist.


Week 4: Field Trip: Urban Pocket Forest Observation

  • Visit local urban pocket forests implementing the Miyawaki method.

  • Hands-on experience: Assessing biodiversity and ecosystem services in urban environments.


Week 5: Biomimicry in Industrial Site Restoration

  • Explore biomimetic approaches to industrial site restoration.

  • Case study: Applying biomimicry in the restoration of contaminated industrial sites.


Week 6: Guest Lecture Series: Experts in Biomimicry and Restoration

  • Guest lecture 1: Biomimicry applications in urban planning and design.

  • Guest lecture 2: Challenges and opportunities in industrial site restoration.


Week 7: Designing and Implementing Restoration Projects

  • Workshop: Designing restoration projects using biomimetic and Miyawaki principles.

  • Case study: Planning and implementing a successful restoration project using the Miyawaki method.


Week 8: Final Presentations and Reflections

  • Interns present their restoration project proposals incorporating biomimetic and Miyawaki principles.

  • Reflection session: Discuss lessons learned, insights gained, and future applications of biomimicry in environmental restoration.



Throughout the internship, interns will engage in hands-on learning, field trips, guest lectures, and case studies to deepen their understanding of biomimicry and the Miyawaki method. By the end of the program, interns will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to design and implement innovative restoration projects that promote biodiversity, ecosystem health, and resilience.

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