V. Ramanatha Rao*
Parts 1 of this 3-part blog described the interconnectedness of environment and biodiversity (including agricultural biodiversity) with human health, nutrition, and food security. Part 2 focused on some challenges encountered in trying to balance or harmonize those elements in efforts at sustainable development, as well as suggested a few indicative strategies to address the challenges, with full policy support from government. In Part 3 here, the concluding part, we will look at two examples of work that tries to integrate at least some of the various elements already listed, with a view to achieve sustainable development. They illustrate how one may address the different elements in a holistic fashion.
Of the two examples given, one relates to continuing work by a national programme in Costa Rica, and the other to efforts by an international organization. These efforts explicitly address biodiversity loss along with some other issuestogether, but they still fall short of being truly holistic. Nevertheless, they demonstrate the feasibility of dealing with multiple elements, which necessitates reduced pressure fromhumans on natural resources.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica has been in the forefront of biodiversity conservation and sustainable agriculture. The country has implemented policies to protect its forests, promote ecotourism, and support organic farming. The Costa Rica Biodiversity Project (CRBP) aims at enhancing the country’s rich biodiversity while promoting sustainable development. Efforts include reducing single-use plastics, supporting small businesses so that pressure on resources is lessened, and enhancing ecotourism, with extensive community participation. Overall, the CRBP attempts to preserve the country’s natural heritage, while ensuring sustainable development, without harming the environment for future generations. For details, see https://documents.worldbank.org/en/publication/documents-reports/documentdetail/350051468245099236/costa-rica-biodiversity-resources-development-project
Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR)
CGIAR’s focus has always been on increasing productivity in many developing countries. But when it recognised that agriculture was significantly contributing to the loss of biodiversity, impacting the diversity needed for healthy dietsand nutrition, it broadened its focus to the increase ofproductivity without loss of biodiversity or damage to the environment. Implicit in that renewed focus has been the recognition that a thriving natural environment and abundant biodiversity are critical for the long-term sustainability of food systems and the health of humanity. The CGIAR has several ongoing projects that are examples of how organizations are working to balance environmental health and biodiversity with human health, nutrition, and food security.
One such effort, the Environmental Health & Biodiversity Initiative (https://www.cgiar.org/research/cgiar-portfolio/environmental-health-biodiversity/) aims to increase productivity in food systems while maintaining biodiversity and staying within environmental boundaries.
Conclusion
Balancing environmental health and biodiversity with human health, nutrition, and food security is a complex but achievable goal. It requires a multifaceted approach that integrates sustainable agricultural practices, biodiversity conservation, climate-smart strategies, aided by effective policies; thus, it must be a multidisciplinary, multi-institutional and multisectoral effort; cooperation/collaboration among various agencies being the key.
Some generalisations are possible, but the need is mostly for context-specific strategies and workplans. By recognizing the interconnections between various aspects and actions and adopting holistic solutions, we can create a sustainable future that ensures the well-being of both people and the environment. For example, all sustainable efforts focusing on human food and nutrition need increased energy, which, in the context of environmental health, must necessarily be renewable clean energy. Increasing renewable energy (e.g., solar) requires increased land mass, which could negatively impact biodiversity conservation. Here is a source of conflict (or unintended consequence), which clearly needs a balanced approach.
We need a more balanced and respectful approach to how we interact with nature. Instead of viewing the environment as something to be dominated and exploited, we humans need to see ourselves as part of a larger ecosystem. Such a shift in mindset can help promote sustainability, sustain conservation, and lead to more mindful consumption practices, and it can ultimately result in a healthier planet.
* 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.