by Janet Muir on Informaconnect
The importance of conserving natural capital
We are surrounded by the abundance of nature, or we like to think so. Yet too much of the world is underfed or overfed. How have we come to this?
The foundation of our food system is the diversity of seeds, the myriad different types of wheat, beans, sunflowers, potatoes, eggplants and dozens of other crops. These food crops contribute an astonishing array of colours, textures, flavours and, most importantly, vital nutrients to our diets. They are just as much the bounty of nature as mangrove forests, coral reefs and panda bears.
Yet, like mangrove forests, coral reefs and panda bears, many crops and crop varieties are under threat, from changes in agricultural practices, climate, pests and diseases. We are losing this crop biodiversity at an alarming rate. And once lost, it is lost forever.
If we want to ensure that the grains, pulses, oils, fruits and vegetables we eat today remain on our dinner tables, and those of our grandchildren, we must reverse this trend.
