July, 2022 Prepared by Isshin Ino, Soh Dominic, Siyi Chen Bio - nests in Komaba Campus The term “ bio - nest ” ( バイオネスト ） describes circles arranged with tree branches and fallen leaves. What ' s a bio - nest Bio - nests & Compost In UTokyo ’ s Komaba campus, the importance of composting is revealed to students through creating multiple “ Bio - nests ” , It is claimed that transforming tree branches and leaves into bio - nests instead of tossing them away could improve soil fertility as well as biodiversity. Harboring insects Improvements in Soil Fertility Symbolic Value Values of Bio - nests Samplings of soil inside and outside of bio - nests show significant support for the effectiveness. The comparison of relative luminances shows that soil inside the bio - nest is on average 21 % ( range from 17 %~ 24 %) darker than that from the outside, supporting the water - retaining and carbon - mitigating ability of the bio - nest. Leaf piles in bio - nests harbor populations of soil web organisms. Mulch provides nutrition for insects and micro - organisms. Decomposed organic materials help plants grow. 1. 2. 3. Bio - nests in Komaba are easily noticeable due to their size and structure. Students who get curious about bio - nests and subsequently learn about their ecological value will be reminded of the significance of recycling and composting The bio - nests ’ existence itself also acts as a demonstration of UTokyo students ’ environmental awareness.