Mitigating the agricultural drivers of biodiversity loss

Mitigating agriculture’s role in biodiversity loss is more crucial than ever. Integrated solutions are needed to transform agriculture from a primary driver of environmental degradation into a force for nature preservation and sustainable development.

At an event featuring research on agriculture’s impact on biodiversity, experts discussed potential solutions for achieving better biodiversity outcomes. Partners from the World Bank and other organizations shared their experiences and insights.

Peter Goodman, Senior Agricultural Economist in the World Bank’s Global Engagement Unit, moderated the event. He emphasized that the World Bank is currently investing over $4 billion in biodiversity projects and developing a nature finance tracking methodology to systematically capture contributions to nature. Agricultural subsidies, he noted, contribute to the loss of 2.2 million hectares of forest annually. Additionally, the intensification of agriculture leads to soil degradation, runoff, and dead zones in ecosystems.

Goodman also highlighted the need to protect nature for agriculture, pointing out how the declining value of forest-related water services significantly impacts water availability for farming.

The need for biodiversity in agriculture is clear, as agricultural productivity has slowed. The World Bank is working with CGIAR to examine how agricultural practices at both farm and landscape levels affect biodiversity and ecosystem services like climate regulation and water management.

Panelists from CGIAR, India, and Colombia shared practical insights into sustainable agricultural practices. For instance, India’s BIF organization works with 4 million households to promote innovation in agriculture, while Colombia’s AgriSav focuses on implementing sustainable practices across the country. They underscored the importance of collaboration between stakeholders, particularly in addressing biodiversity and climate challenges.

The Nature Positive Initiative, part of CGIAR’s efforts, emphasizes conservation, restoration, circularity, and sustainable production systems. By focusing on integrating trees, diverse crops, and resource recycling, this initiative seeks to enhance productivity while preserving biodiversity.

The event provided a comprehensive look at the intersection of agriculture and biodiversity, offering actionable strategies to transform farming into a sustainable force for environmental conservation.

‘We are facing a dire situation in terms of environmental degradation. As we try to assess the actions we are taking, it is clear that the condition of our environment—both land and water—is deteriorating. Only 25% of what is happening on the terrestrial and water levels can be reasonably accepted, and the outlook is grim,’ stated Cargele

Climate events, particularly those in Asia, demonstrate how the overuse of underground water is exacerbating the problem. Pollution, which is often spoken about but overlooked in its severity, adds another layer to this complex crisis. Now, when we factor in climate change, the situation becomes even more complicated. On top of this, land degradation continues, and with the growing global population, the demand for food and additional land is inevitable.

While noting that there are solutions, Cargele emphasised that the proposed solutions must be both sustainable and measurable. And this is the approach taken by CGIAR’s Multifunctional Landscape Science Program that emphasizes the need for a holistic approach that involves not only technological solutions but also social innovations. It recognizes the critical need to involve all stakeholders—governments, local communities, and institutions—to ensure that the solutions reach those on the ground. Moreover, inclusive planning must be prioritized, ensuring that all actors—men, women, and youth—are involved in decision-making processes. The evidence collected must reflect this inclusivity, with the aim of providing solid data that can be used by national institutions and stakeholders to create effective policies.