| The future of agriculture depends on biodiversity |
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| Saturday, 05 July 2008 | |
 Until now, scientists have identified about 1.4 million species of plants and animals on earth. And almost every day a new species added to the list.The biggest risk is the degradation of natural habitats. The wildlife may disappear when their habitats are destroyed by pollution, urbanization, deforestation and the conversion of wetlands. Mismanagement of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries does accelerate this destructive process. Meanwhile, over 40 per cent of the total land area consists of farmland - and biodiversity is equally important in farms and fields than it is in deep valleys and mountain cloud forests. This biodiversity is in a countless plants that used to feed or care for humanity. It is found in many plant varieties, animal or aquatic with specific nutritional characteristics, and in species that have adapted to hostile environments. It is also found among the insects that pollinate fields and micro-organisms that regenerate agricultural soils. But the firm, biodiversity is still at risk. Humanity depends on a number of increasingly limited agricultural varieties for its food. Trends disturbing There are about 10 000 years, the man launched into a great adventure. Using the natural biodiversity that surrounded her, he began to reap the seeds and wild plants and to domesticate, choosing varieties that produced more food or better rope or resisting the best years of drought. This is more or less the same time he also began to domesticate animals, exploiting their strength, their eating meat and drinking milk. The diversity of plants and animals that the first farmers have known they were allowed to select strains of plants and breeds adapted to its specific needs. Today, genetic diversity is essential for the survival of the world's agricultural production.  Experts are alarmed by the rapid decline of this gene pool. Having a vast array of unique characteristics can select plants and animals that could adapt to changes in the environment. Biodiversity provides the raw material scientists need to develop breeds and varieties more productive and more resistant. In regions of the world where rampant famine, ie developing countries poor in resources, farmers would have greater need of crops that grow well in harsh climates varieties rather than guaranteeing a high performance under conditions favourable and animals smaller but more resistant to disease. For the poorest, biodiversity may be the best protection against starvation. Consumers also, they belong to the industrialized countries as the developing world, benefit from access to a wide variety of plants and animals that contributes to a nutritious diet. This is a crucial factor for rural communities with limited access to markets. Finally, preserving the integrity of plants, animals and their environment, it maintains a range of essential functions of nature. The animals, fungi and micro-organisms break down organic matter, transferring nutrients to the soil. The ants and other insect control pest populations. The bees, butterflies, birds and bats pollinate fruit trees. The marshes and wetlands filter out pollutants. Forests prevent flooding and reduce erosion. In the sea, intact ecosystems help maintain stability and health of fish populations, thus guaranteeing fishing tomorrow. Securing the Future To feed a growing population, agriculture must produce more. In addition, it will be vital to increase its resilience in maintaining a broad range of life forms with unique characteristics, such as trees resistant to drought or livestock breeds in difficult conditions. The practices of sustainable agriculture can both nourish man and protect the oceans, forests, grasslands and other ecosystems harbouring biological diversity. Global efforts for the conservation of plants and animals in gene banks, botanical gardens and zoos are vital. But it is equally important to maintain biodiversity on farms and in nature, where it adapts to changing conditions or competition from other species. As custodians of the world's biodiversity, farmers are responsible for the development and conservation of plants and trees and reproduction of indigenous animals, ensuring their survival.
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| Last Updated ( Tuesday, 17 February 2009 ) |
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