Scientists use fake birds to encourage sea birds to nest in safer locations. Decoys and audio lures are used to attract and protect various bird species. Japanese knotweed is turned into paper, offering a resource for the community. A small-scale project sells recycled paper and a dog-sharing service brings companionship to older individuals. Matching dog owners with sitters improves community connection and physical health.
Scientists are using decoy birds made of recycled plastic to encourage endangered seabirds to relocate to safer nesting areas, resulting in successful breeding populations.
A design company in Slovenia is turning the invasive species Japanese knotweed into paper, showcasing the creative potential of using invasive plants as a resource.
Deep dives
Using Fake Birds to Protect Real Birds
Scientists are using decoy birds made of recycled plastic to encourage endangered sea birds to relocate to safer nesting areas. By placing realistic 3D printed bird decoys in threatened habitats, the scientists hope to attract birds to protected zones where they are less likely to be disturbed and have a higher chance of successful breeding. This innovative approach, inspired by techniques used to attract birds for hunting, has shown promising results in restoring bird populations, with over 70% of seabird restoration projects using social attraction methods resulting in breeding populations.
Turning Japanese Knotweed into Paper
A design company in Slovenia called Trina has developed a project called 'Knotweed' to make paper out of the invasive species Japanese knotweed. The company gathers volunteers to collect dry stems of Japanese knotweed, which are shredded and processed into paper pulp. The pulp is then sprayed onto mesh and rolled to create rolls of white knotweed paper. While still a small-scale project, Trina hopes to inspire others to see invasive species as a potential resource rather than a problem. Their knotweed paper is sold as stationery through their website and local shops, showcasing the creative potential of using invasive plants.
OPU: Matching Dog Owners and Dog-Sitters to Combat Loneliness
OPU, a matchmaking website in the Netherlands, pairs dog owners who are 55 years and over with older individuals looking for companionship. Through this unique program, dog owners who may find the constant care of a pet burdensome or unaffordable can connect with older individuals who can offer part-time dog-sitting services. Besides providing companionship, this initiative helps create bonds within the community and combat feelings of loneliness. Participants have reported improvements in their physical health and increased social interaction with people in their neighborhoods. OPU has successfully made over 4,500 matches so far, contributing to the well-being of both the dogs and the individuals involved.
This week we have a host of great ideas inspired by solutions we've told you about in 2023.
We find out how scientists are using fake birds to help populations of seabirds to recover. By putting out model birds in restored habitats they trick the real ones into nesting there.
Then we have the heartwarming tale of Theo – a man in his seventies - and Bickel the dog. We look at how dog sharing can deal with loneliness and bring improved health and happiness.
And we uncover an innovative way of dealing with the scourge of Japanese knotweed - by turning it into paper.
Presenter: Myra Anubi
Producers: Richard Kenny, Zoe Gelber, Claire Bates
Series Producer: Jon Bithrey
Editor: Bridget Harney
Sound mix: Hal Haines
email: peoplefixingtheworld@bbc.co.uk
(Image: Jessica Vagg with a tern decoy, BBC/Richard Kenny)
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