Biodiversity is the foundation of functioning ecosystems and ensures clean water, healthy soil and food. However, it is rapidly declining worldwide – wild animal populations have fallen by an estimated 60–70% since 1970. Such Biodiversity loss is as serious as climate change. Healthy forests and wetlands sequester carbon and mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events. Maintaining species diversity therefore means strengthening the resilience of agriculture to climate change and ensuring food security.

Agriculture and biodiversity loss

Intensive agriculture directly destroys biodiversity. Vast fields and pastures replace natural habitats – over the past 50 years, agriculture has been linked to the conversion of up to 80% of the land. For example, in the Amazon, about 150 million ha of rainforest have been destroyed for cattle and soy, leading to widespread species loss. Monocultures and chemical spraying further destroy insects and native plants that are beneficial to ecosystems.

Climate change and biodiversity

Climate change is increasing pressure on biodiversity: droughts, floods and fires destroy habitats and threaten species. Conversely, healthy forests and wetlands mitigate the impacts of extreme events – they sequester carbon, regulate water and stabilise the climate. Destruction of ecosystems releases additional carbon into the atmosphere – research shows that deforestation can release more CO₂ than burning fossil fuels.

Biodiversity for sustainable agriculture and climate resilience

Biodiversity brings fundamental benefits to agriculture:

• Pollination: Bees, butterflies and other pollinators pollinate approximately 75 % crops (about 35 % of global production). Without them, yields of fruits, vegetables and cocoa would decline.
• Biological protection: The diverse force of animals (predators, parasites) naturally keeps pest populations in check, reducing the need for pesticides and maintaining healthy ecosystems.
• Healthy soil and water: Agroecologically managed farms have more fertile soil. Microbes and plants convert organic matter into nutrients, retain water and prevent erosion. Such soil also sequesters more carbon.

Examples from around the world

• South America (Amazonia): About 150 million hectares have been cleared for cattle pastures and soy plantations, representing a huge loss of rainforest. This means the disappearance of hundreds of plant and animal species and the disruption of the local water cycle.
• Southeast Asia (palm oil): In Indonesia and Malaysia, monoculture oil palm plantations have replaced native forests with rich biodiversity. Orangutans, tigers and elephants in particular have lost their homes, while the monoculture plantations have attracted only weeds and a few tolerant species.
• Africa: Farmers in some parts of Africa are restoring biodiversity and soil fertility through agroforestry. For example, in Kenya and Uganda, they are creating so-called "edible forests," where they grow complementary crops and herbs among a variety of trees, shrubs, and vegetables, increasing yields and water retention.
• Europe: Intensive farming methods are also reducing biodiversity in Europe. For example, the number of typical farmland birds across Europe has fallen by an average of more than 50 % since the 1980s. In response, meadows, trees and hedges are being planted along fields, and the use of chemicals is being reduced – all of which is helping farms welcome back pollinators and other species.

Challenges and solutions

It is already internationally emphasized that biodiversity, agriculture and climate protection must go hand in hand. For example, the Kunming-Montreal Agreement (2022) sets a target of protecting 30 % of land and oceans by 2030. International agreements (Paris, Biodiversity Agreement) call for synergistic strategies that restore natural habitats while limiting emissions. The FAO and other experts recommend agroecological approaches – for example, growing crops together with trees (agroforestry) improves soil, sequesters carbon and increases farm resilience to drought and flooding. Other solutions include protecting old-growth forests and wetlands, limiting pesticides and supporting traditional economies – all of which will lead to more stable farms and sustainable production.

Biodiversity is not a luxury or a side issue – it is the foundation for healthy farms and a more stable climate. Protecting and restoring nature will allow us to better adapt to a changing world and secure a food future for generations to come. Spring

Source: The cited data and recommendations are taken from studies and reports by international organizations (WWF, FAO, WEF, UN, etc.) on the links between biodiversity, agriculture and climate change.