Farming for Biodiversity (dev)

Congratulations to our ten finalists and to our winners! 

People's Choice: Apis Agribusiness (Ethiopia)

Judges' Choice: National Disaster Risk Reduction Centre (Nepal)

Biodiversity Impact: Fundación Ecotop (Bolivia)

Community & Social Impact: Fairventures Worldwide (Indonesia)

Food Security & Nutrition Impact: Desarrollo Alternativo e Investigación A.C. (Mexico)

Water Impact: The Mountain Institute (Peru) 

Unsustainable agricultural practices remain one of the greatest threats to ecosystems and biodiversity. As the global population grows, so too does the demand for food – requiring production increases and potentially even greater impacts on the environment. Widespread land use and agricultural practices must change to reduce these losses. Yet, behavior change in this field is often inhibited by lack of awareness of solutions and of biodiversity’s value for the agricultural sector. 

Solution Search is designed to change that. Some innovative solutions have recently emerged that bring farming in harmony with the natural environments that surround. Some have increased the biodiversity of plants, animals, insects and more on the agricultural land itself. This contest seeks to identify, reward and spotlight those successful approaches. In doing so, Solution Search will also increase awareness of biodiversity, its value and the many ways to conserve and sustainability use/manage it. 

We want you to tell us: How have you promoted changes in human activities (including your own practices) to ensure sustainable harvests/food security while also conserving, strengthening and/or restoring biodiversity on your agricultural lands and/or the surrounding environment?

Examples of potential entries include:

• Sustainable land use management that integrates the consideration of biodiversity and ecosystems
• Alternative pest control practices that reduce toxic run-off into local water sources
• Organic farming methods that increase soil biodiversity (or other species)
• Livestock control measures that protect local flora and fauna
• Innovative approaches that reduce human-animal conflicts in agricultural zones

This Solution Search focuses on behavior changes in agriculture that are primed for broad adoption, not simply those concepts identified in a scientific lab nor those that do not have holistic benefits (farmer, community, nature, water, climate resilience, etc.).