SUBJECT: Biodiversity Values and Uses
AUTHOR: Gina C. Green
DATE: 10th April 2003

KEYWORDS: Biodiversity, ecoagricutlure, Equator Initiative, report card.

SUMMARY: With the projected increase in human population and the subsequent consequences on biodiversity, the author argues that there is a need for sustainable and adequate food production complimenting biodiversity protection and management, such as the Equator Initiative.

By the middle of this century human population is projected to grow from 6 to 9 billion, mostly in the low-income tropics and subtropics of the developing world. More than 1.1 billion people live within the 25 global biodiversity hotspots that ecologists describe as the most threatened species-rich regions on earth (Myers et al 2000). Of the 17,000 major protected areas declared and dedicated to biodiversity conservation, 45% have at least 35% of their land used for agriculture. E.O. Wilson in his book, The Future of Life, writes about the need for humans to change their ways otherwise half of all species could disappear by the end of this century. Scherr and McNeely in their recent book "Ecoagriculture" provide examples of transforming agriculture from a major threat to biodiversity to a valued contributor. They specifically show the use of conservation measures and new agricultural techniques that have improved rural livelihoods by increasing incomes and household nutrition while providing collateral bio-diversity benefits such as an increase of water supply, reduction of soil erosion and sustainable production of fuelwood (McNeely and Scherr, 2003). However, they also point out the lack of working models and the need to scientifically document large-scale sustainable agricultural production that compliments biodiversity protection.

A noteworthy, global initiative that is investing in human communities based in the tropics is called the Equator Initiative. This initiative recognizes successful community efforts in the developing world that are creatively and effectively using their biological resources in sustainable ways to improve their livelihoods. These communities have developed technologies and approaches to use biodiversity for food, medicine and/or income generation. The Equator Initiative is just one initiative among others that is attempting to promote and publicize community-based activities that demonstrate the inter-relationships among poverty alleviation, sustainable agriculture and bio-protection.

One major missing component at the political and financial decision-maker's level is understanding the linkages between policy and on the ground action. There is no integrated framework or "report card" which captures and holds accountable the roles of aid, finance, business and civil society sectors which are promoting or contradicting the policies and conventions set up to protect biodiversity while promoting sustainable agriculture production. There is a need for a monitoring process that bridges agriculture and biodiversity. Currently, a multitude of conventions and treaties exist at the international, regional, and national levels endorsing appropriate policy and strategy to reduce hunger. While they provide environmental stewardship, there is no overall reporting mechanism linking policy to action. The global community has no report card conveying to civil society the positive and/or negative impact regarding these efforts.

In conclusion there is a need at the global level to for a consensus that sustainable and adequate food production compliments biodiversity protection and management. Lastly, only an integrated effort among the various sectors of government, business, agriculture and environment will achieve the high level agreements such as the Millennium Development goals for food security, poverty reduction and bio-protection.

A contribution by:

Gina Green
Visiting Scholar (Green College)
Oxford Forestry Institute
Department of Plant Sciences
University of Oxford
South Parks Road
Oxford, OX1 3RB, United Kingdom