Food for Thought part 7: Biodiversity

It is quite simple really, biodiversity is nature’s way of ensuring ecological sustainability. Having a variety of genetic traits in a population or ecosystem improves the odds of surviving difficult situations. Unfortunately, modern industrial farming practices (among other causes) is reducing the world’s biodiversity and thus putting us all at risk.

Industrial farming is based on uniformity of product. Whether it’s monoculture fields or feedlots, our food system concentrates on a few successful genetic varieties and we produce them over and over again. Traditional and indigenous varieties are being lost. Just 12 crops and 14 animal species provide most of the world’s food now. (http://www.bgci.org/africa/news/0326/).

Now that some three quarters of the world’s crop genetic diversity has been lost in the last 100 years, our food is less well eqipped to withstand environmental changes. (http://www.fao.org/news/story/en/item/20162/icode/)

What can you do to protect/enhance biodiversity?

Contributing to diversity in your own neighborhood can go a long way toward feeling good every day.

• Plant native trees and plants to enhance local biodiversity and celebrate the unique character of your community. Exotic species might need more water, attention, and effort in order to thrive. They may also threaten native species by taking over or replacing important food or shelter.
• Replace the pesticides you use on your lawn with natural products that work just as well or better.
• If you aren’t happy with your community’s green space, suggest a park or preserve to your city or town council.
• Plan a community planting day. Invite your neighbors to learn a bit about the natural diversity on your street and then plant a few new flowers, bushes, or trees that will make the birds sing!

Canadian Biodiversity Information Network
http://www.cbin.ec.gc.ca/education/proteger-protect.cfm?lang=eng

Conservation.org
http://www.conservation.org/act/simplesteps/Pages/6_local_biodiversity.aspx