Protecting Biodiversity in Production Landscapes

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Protecting Biodiversity in Production Landscapes

December 1, 2015

The report examines the impact of agricultural supply chains on biodiversity and provides recommendations for conservation policies to protect vital ecoystems.

The ever increasing world population is placing great strains on biodiversity and the ecosystem services that support the production of agricultural commodities needed to meet current global demand. Problems arising from the continued degradation of ecosystem services are already apparent with commodity prices rising dramatically and food shortages becoming common in many countries. While climate change is partially responsible, much of the blame can be placed on the continued use of unsustainable farming practices that have reduced farm yields in many developing countries. The reduced production is a two edged sword; not only does it lead to food shortages but it also negatively affects social and economic development in the effected countries – all factors that have a major impact on the rural poor.