Managing and protecting biodiversity crucial for a sustainable future

Agriculture is a cornerstone of human civilisation, providing the food and resources necessary for survival. However, the intensification of agricultural practices has led to significant environmental challenges, including the loss of biodiversity.

“Agricultural landscapes are increasingly under pressure from intensive farming practices, which often lead to habitat loss, soil degradation and a decline in biodiversity,” says Francis Dodds, Editorial Director at Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing.

“This reduction in biodiversity can have profound impacts on key ecosystem services, such as pollination, pest control and nutrient cycling, which are essential for agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability,” he adds.

In the face of escalating environmental challenges, the importance of managing and protecting biodiversity in agriculture has never been more critical and the timely publication of a new book epitomises this fact.

Managing biodiversity in agricultural landscapes: Conservation, restoration and rewilding brings together a host of international experts in conservation biology and ecological restoration from Africa, Europe, North America and Oceania to highlight the current biodiversity threat, as well as how agriculture can contribute to improving biodiversity in farmland and other agricultural settings.

Agri-environment schemes (AES) have emerged as vital tools in promoting biodiversity conservation within agricultural landscapes and encompass a range of policies and programs designed to incentivise farmers to adopt environmentally friendly practices.

In North America, AES have been instrumental in addressing the negative externalities of agriculture, such as pollution and habitat destruction, whereas in Australia and Europe the focus of these schemes has been on reforestation and the restoration of native vegetation and peatlands.

Although extremely promising, AES face their own challenges, including the need for better coordination amongst stakeholders and the integration of scientific knowledge into policy and practice.

Another area that shows great promise is animal rewilding – a conservation practice which involves the introduction of native species into their historical habitats with the aim of restoring natural processes and ecological functions.

Case studies from Australia and New Zealand showcase the reintroduction of endangered species, such as the stitchbird (hihi Notiomystis cincta) and the South Island takahē (Porphyrio hochstetteri) and their role in the recovery of key ecological functions, such as seed dispersal, pollination and nutrient recycling.

“Agricultural landscapes have the potential to bring people and nature together in ways that support human wellbeing and sustain valuable biodiversity,” says Professor Saul Cunningham, Australian National University, Australia.

“This edited volume brings together an outstanding selection of experts to help us to understand how it is possible to get better outcomes for nature and people, considering principles practice and policy,” he concludes.

Protecting biodiversity is not just an environmental responsibility, but a practical approach to ensuring the long-term sustainability and productivity of agricultural systems.

*Agri-TechE members can redeem 20% off this title – plus 150+ more – by entering code AGRITECH at checkout via www.bdspublishing.com

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