Léman 1: Floating Nest

A Problem on Our Lakes

Across Switzerland and Europe, lakes face the same challenge: the gradual disappearance of natural habitats forces waterfowl to find refuge in harbors, often on recreational boats.

Lake Geneva, the largest lake in Europe, perfectly illustrates this issue:

• Only 26% of its shores remain natural, with just 3% rich in biodiversity.
• Birds, such as the Great Crested Grebe, adapt by nesting (multiple clutches from mid-March to September) on boats.
• Swiss law strictly protects these nests during the nesting period (~30 days), immobilizing boats during peak season.
• This situation affects hundreds of owners annually, creating frustration and misunderstanding.

Léman 1: Birds&Co’s Solution

In response to this challenge, Birds&Co has developed a unique solution: the Léman 1, a floating platform that naturally redirects birds’ nesting away from boats.

The Léman 1 serves as a true alternative habitat, specifically designed to meet the needs of waterfowl.

How does it work? 💡

• The platform is installed directly near the boat, under pontoons, or along docks.
• Its unique design, optimized with ornithologists, mimics the characteristics of a natural habitat, instinctively attracting birds (natural instability, low-floating design, appropriate size, etc.).
• Its floating structure adapts to water level fluctuations.

Tests conducted at the port of Vidy confirm its effectiveness 📈:

• Great Crested Grebes naturally chose the platform for nesting.
• Boats equipped nearby remained free to use.
• The platform withstood various weather conditions.
• Chicks hatched safely.

Technical Features 📏

• Made from natural cork sourced from Portugal, a material with a negative carbon footprint. Cork poses no risk to boat hulls.
• Versatile attachment system compatible with various harbor configurations.
• Robust structure designed to last several seasons.

Why Support Us?

Your contribution goes far beyond funding a simple product – it helps realize a sustainable and socially responsible vision.

Production and Development:

• Launching our first large-scale production for the 2025 season.
• Optimizing manufacturing processes to ensure quality and durability.
• Investing in R&D to continuously improve our products.
• Developing new solutions tailored to other bird species.

Social and Local Impact:

• Collaborating with Swiss sheltered workshops for production.
• Creating local jobs for people with disabilities.
• Developing an ecosystem of committed stakeholders around the lakes.
• Strengthening the circular economy in our region.

By supporting us, you’re contributing to an innovation that combines biodiversity protection with social responsibility. Every contribution counts to create a future where ecology and society progress hand in hand.

🔊 Can’t contribute financially? Share our campaign on social media or talk about it with others! Follow our journey on Instagram @birdsnco

Thanks to our partners for their support and expertise!

• GOBG (https://www.gobg.ch)
• ECAL (http://ecal.ch/)
• EPFL - Startup launchpad (https://www.epfl.ch/)
• Fondation FIT (http://fondation-fit.ch/)