On the International Day for Biological Diversity (22 May) Greenpeace draws attention to how food and farming systems can either enhance biodiversity or continue on a path that will ultimately lead to hunger.

An article in the Guardian suggests our current agricultural system of monocultures, genetically engineered crops, and the use of pesticides and fertilizers is flawed. It exacerbates climate change which in turn affects food production.

The article advocates for ecological farming which promotes diversity; of seeds and plants, crops, insects that pollinate or eliminate pests, and of farming systems.

Ecological farming increases resilience to climate shocks and contributes to climate change mitigation. It relies on the innovations of farmers that enable adaptation to local conditions.

“Shifting to organic fertilisers (to increase soil fertility), improving water management in paddy rice production, and increasing agro-biodiversity through agroforestry are just a few examples of how ecological farming practices and diversity could directly contribute to GHG reduction and help agriculture reduce the effects of climate change,” says the article.

Research is needed that creates new knowledge on “biodiversity-rich ecological farming and services to disseminate diversified practices that are locally relevant.”

Read the full story: The food system we choose affects biodiversity: do we want monocultures?