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| Organic Agriculture for Biodiversity |
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05/22/2008
International Day for Biological Diversity (IBD) May 22, 2008 |
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This year’s theme for the International Day for Biological Diversity
(IBD), “Biodiversity and Agriculture,” seeks to highlight the
importance of sustainable agriculture not only to preserve
biodiversity, but also to ensure that we will be able to feed the
world, maintain agricultural livelihoods, and enhance human well being
into the 21st century and beyond. |
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About a third of the world’s
land surface is used for agriculture. However not all agriculture is
beneficial to biodiversity. Agriculture has reduced habitat for wild
species; the main threat to 85% of all species that according to the
IUCN are threatened or endangered. Conventional agriculture practices
have major environmental impacts and are therewith reducing the natural
resources on which it actually depends.
In contrast, organic
practices and standards ensure that the land is adequately managed for
biodiversity and that primary ecosystems are not cleared to further
extend the agricultural frontier. Organic Agriculture (*) increases
agricultural livelihoods as it enhances governance by putting the
farmer and the farming community at the center in stead of artificial
inputs. It values the practical experiences, traditional and indigenous
knowledge that offer solutions for pests and diseases. Diversified
production of quality products decreases the impacts of crop failures
and increases marketing opportunities. Income and food security is
actually achieved through diversity. Seed diversity is being maintained
as organic farmers – often women - serve as custodians, maintaining
genetic diversity by on-farm, in-situ conservation of indigenous and
traditional varieties and species through farmers’ seed saving and seed
exchange.
The International Assessment of Agricultural Knowledge, Science and Technology for Development (IAASTD - http://www.agassessment.org/)
that concluded in April this year, confirmed that ' sustainable
agriculture that is biodiversity based, including agro-ecology and
organic farming, is beneficial to poor farmers and should be supported
by the appropriate policy and regulatory frameworks.'
IFOAM, together with other organizations, celebrated and enforced through Planet Diversity (www.planet-diversity.org) the human, agricultural and thus cultural diversity, that are at the base of the very survival of this planet.
Angela
B. Caudle de Freitas, IFOAM’s Executive Director states: ‘The organic
movement cherishes diversity, and yes, this is complex sometimes.
However, monocultures and reductionist thinking lead to reduction in
biodiversity, the very base of nature’s and therewith our existence.’
The 16th IFOAM Organic World Congress will deal with diversity in all senses, look here to register: http://shop.ifoam.org/conference_3/ NB: Deadline 6 June 2008 !
Press accreditation: Ufficio Stampa Agenda <ufficiostampa@agendanet.it>
(*)
Organic agriculture is a production system that sustains the health of
soils, ecosystems and people. It relies on ecological processes,
biodiversity and cycles adapted to local conditions, rather than the
use of inputs with adverse effects. Organic agriculture combines
tradition, innovation and science to benefit the shared environment and
promote fair relationships and a good quality of life for all involved. |
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