I was pleased to sponsor ‘Planet Diversity’, the world congress on the future of food and agriculture that took place in Bonn, Germany between the 12th and 16th of May.
The aim of the congress was to celebrate natural and agricultural biodiversity, the cultural diversity of food and agriculture. Engaging farmers, consumers, food producers and their communities, is in my mind a great step in raising awareness of, and protecting our biodiversity.
One biologist recently referred to the ‘evil quintet’ responsible for the biodiversity crisis that we are now facing: over-exploitation, habitat loss, alien species, climate change, and the disruption of food chains are leading to major changes in our environment. Changes in the seasons, species fleeing their normal habitats, and mistiming between breeding season and high food supply are causing major disturbances to the environment.
Other important issues raised were GMO-free regions and the need to help the women farmers of the developing world to get access to means of production to help combat poverty and to aid rural development.
There is however some good news! The EU’s Natura 2000 scheme is a network of conservation areas – the best conservation tool Europe has. I backed proposals to make funding available for this project back in 2005. By now, Natura 2000 is made up of nine geographical areas and by the end of 2008 will cover 20% of Europe! The project is based on the principle that man is part of a living landscape, so farming and fisheries etc are allowed. This makes it both ecologically sensible and compatible with the economy.
In brief, it’s great to see all this attention now being focused on biodiversity. Natura 2000 should keep expanding, meaning that nature will be considered a top priority in vast areas of Europe. The ‘Planet Diversity’ congress in Bonn did well to focus on ecological issues without excluding food and agriculture, the industries that we depend on the most. Here’s to the continuation of their good work!
July 15, 2008 at 10:46 pm |
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