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B I O D I V E R S I T Y : D E L I V E R I N G R E S U LT S I N E U R O P E A N D T H E C I S
4.5 Conserving agrobiodiversity, agro-ecosystems and traditional ďŹ sheries Agrobiodiversity includes all components of biological diversity relevant to food and agriculture, including both the diverse species of plant and animal used in agriculture and the genes that those species contain. Agrobiodiversity is important in the Europe and CIS region for many reasons. The wild relatives of many of the world’s most important crop plants originate from Central Asia and the Caucasus, and the local races used by farmers in those regions are among the first domesticated species. Such ancient varieties can be important for local livelihoods and food security, being better suited than commercial varieties to specific local environmental conditions, and containing genes that may convey resistance to pests and diseases. Such properties may be of great importance too for modern agricultural plant and animal breeding, increasing yields, helping global food security, and possibly generating revenue for the communities that have conserved the genes. In much of Eurasia, human activity over thousands of years has gently modified natural ecosystems so that they are agriculturally productive, while at the same time supporting and even enhancing their natural biodiversity. Typical examples of such agro-
ecosystems include meadows managed through seasonal haymaking and grazing in mountain areas, wet grazing meadows in the lowlands, and organically farmed cultivated land on agricultural plains. In these areas, avoidance of monocultures, commercial species and agrochemicals, combined with harvesting regimes that respect nesting and flowering seasons, have all served to generate productive habitats, rich in plants, birds and insects. Agricultural modernisation and intensification are now threatening many agro-ecosystems and the wildlife and cultures they sustain; urgent action is required to preserve these traditional, nature friendly forms of agriculture. Because the region is the origin of so many important agricultural crops and contains extensive agro-ecosystems of such high conservation value, UNDP and its partners have developed a suite of GEF projects to protect agricultural heritage and its associated biodiversity, cultures and livelihoods. The regional programme is also pleased to have supported two projects specifically aimed at fisheries conservation. These projects have learned some valuable lessons from their experience so far:
Traditionally managed farmland is one of the most important ecosystems, particularly in the more populated west of the region, where areas of natural wilderness are much smaller and scarcer. It provides particular opportunities for protecting biodiversity, maintaining local cultures and improving livelihoods. Farmers and fishers are a valuable repository of knowledge about agrobiodiversity, traditional management and wildlife. Many of them are true nature lovers, possessing a deep understanding of the ecosystems they depend on and of the importance of sustainability. Given the right opportunities and incentives, local people are willing participants in maintaining biodiversity-friendly traditional management regimes. Projects are much more effective when these local people are fully involved from the start. Projects can provide a much-needed link between farmers, fishers and responsible authorities, promoting mutual understanding and linking policy to practice on the ground and the realities of day-to-day rural livelihoods.