Agrobiodiversity

By Rajneesh Wadhwa, Sanrachana Agrobiodiversity in drylands has unquestionably played a crucial role in ensuring food and fodder security, as well as increasing dryland tolerance to climatic shocks. However, due to climate change caused by global warming as well as anthropogenic factors such as habitat destruction, high grazing/browsing pressure, unsustainable…

Cultural landscapes are reservoirs of biodiversity, traditions, and knowledge. They provide ecosystem values that contribute to human well-being and sustainable development. Our new team member Claudia Heindorf takes us on a journey around the world: from the agroecosystems of the tropical regions of Mexico to her current research on the cultural ecosystem services of peatlands in Northern Germany.

In this age of globalization, countries have added other cultural practices into their lifestyle. The introduction of non-native plant species into the local ecosystems has caused many issues. This particular global exchange is threatening traditional plants and agricultural practices. For example, modern practices like genetically modified seeds, excessive use of…

Employing an ancient human technology to reinvigorate agricultural biodiversity — The Seed Chest “In nature’s economy the currency is not money, it is life.” — Vandana Shiva Fort Collins, Colorado, January 1975 Dr. Donald William Denna scribbled notations on an envelope, dropped a few seeds inside and sealed it. He stood from his desk and winced at the familiar clutch of pain in…

Employing an ancient human technology to reinvigorate agricultural biodiversity — The Sacred Science of Seed Saving Read Seed Money part I here and part II here. “Telling a story is like reaching into a granary full of wheat and drawing out a handful. There is always more to tell than can be told.” ― Wendell Berry, Jayber Crow Estancia, New Mexico, April 2016 “Let ’em dance,”…

Employing an ancient human technology to reinvigorate agricultural biodiversity — The Seed Temple Read Seed Money part I here. My great great grandchildren / ask me in dreams what did you do while the planet was plundered? what did you do when the earth was unraveling? - Drew Dellinger, Hieroglyphic Stairway Agricultural biodiversity has shrunk an alarming degree over the last century, and…