V Ramanatha Rao*
Part 1 of this 3-part blog briefly described the interconnectedness between environment, biodiversity (including agricultural biodiversity), and human health, nutrition, and food security. Here in Part 2, the focus is first on a few challenges encountered in trying to balance or harmonize those elements in efforts at sustainable development. Then, a few strategies are suggested, which are indicative and by no means exhaustive. In addition, one needs to devise context-specific strategies to address challenges that arise, and, in any case, resist the temptation to apply easy-to-fit solutions.
The Challenges
While climate change is universal, it leads to land-use changes, overexploitation of resources, and pollution, among other consequences.
Climate Change: Climate change poses a significant threat to both biodiversity, and food security. The World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2024 named three key climate issues as critical challenges: extreme weather events, potential change to Earth systems, biodiversity loss, and ecosystem collapse (https://www.weforum.org/publications/global-risks-report-2024/). Extreme weather events, changing precipitation patterns, and rising temperatures can disrupt agricultural productivity, nutritional value of the produce, and degrade natural habitats.
Land-use Change: The conversion of forests and other natural landscapes into agricultural land may result in increased food production initially, but it reduces biodiversity and disrupts ecosystem services. That, in turn, can lead to soil degradation, water scarcity, increased greenhouse gas emissions, and serious loss of biodiversity.
Overexploitation of Resources: Overfishing, deforestation, and unsustainable agricultural practices all deplete natural resources, threatening both biodiversity and food security. There is a clear need for setting some limits on human needs, and for serious consideration of equity and equality in the exploitation of natural resources, to protect posterity. The needs of any one community or nation cannot upset the balancing of needs that the interdependence of communities and nations requires.
Pollution: Many human activities contribute to environmental pollution, including agricultural runoff, industrial waste and plastic waste, which contaminate soil, water, and air, harming humans, plants, and animals alike. Soil, water, and atmospheric pollution have several negative effects on human health, agriculture productivity, and they damage the environment. Although the specific effects of such pollution on environmental health and biodiversity are still being studied, it is agreed that the effects are negative.
Strategies for Achieving Balance
Strategies to achieve balance and harmony among the competing demands in the process of development include sustainable practices, effort at conservation and restoration, a food-systems approach, and policy support from governments for such initiatives.
Sustainable practices: Sustainable agricultural practices could include crop rotation, minimum tillage, agroforestry, and organic farming as crucial components. These methods improve soil health, conserve water, and reduce chemical use. Climate-smart practices, including drought-resistant crops, better water management, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions, help address climate change impacts on food security.
Conservation and restoration: Protecting natural habitats and restoring ecosystems are crucial for biodiversity. Key actions include creating protected areas, adopting sustainable land-use practices, supporting conservation projects, and making agriculture more biodiversity-friendly.
Food-systems approach: A food-systems perspective examines the full spectrum of the food chain, from production to consumption, along with its environmental and human health implications. Such an approach would provide for sustainable diets, diminish food waste, and strengthen local food systems.
Policy support: Implementing the suggested strategies would depend on robust policies, institutionalization, and governance. Action plans for the regulations enacted to safeguard natural resources are better developed in consultation with researchers and grassroot organizations. Policy support could include offering incentives for sustainable practices and ensuring equitable access to food and resources. Promoting awareness about the significance of biodiversity and sustainable practices can inspire positive change. Educational initiatives can empower communities to embrace sustainable practices and thus claim ownership for environmental protection.
Part 3 (final) of this Blog will look at some examples of work that tries to integrate the various elements already listed, with a view to achieve sustainable development.
* The author wishes to acknowledge and thank C.L. Laxmipathi Gowda, M.J. Vasudeva Rao, and S.V.R. Shetty for their comments on a draft version of this 3-part blog, and D.R. Mohan Raj for his editorial guidance and help.