Biodiversity @WUR: our work to prevent the loss of species

Summary

This video highlights the urgent need to address biodiversity loss, focusing on the efforts made at Wageningen University & Research. It emphasizes the importance of biodiversity in both natural ecosystems and agricultural systems, where crops and soil health play a crucial role. The speaker shares success stories of wildlife conservation, including the increase in partridge numbers. The video also discusses how research is translated into actionable policies and practices that help farmers adopt wildlife-sensitive farming techniques and nature-inclusive business plans, aiming to reverse the impacts of biodiversity loss.

Takeaways

• 🌿 Biodiversity is essential for the health of our planet, encompassing plants, animals, and ecosystems.
• 🌱 The biodiversity garden at Wageningen University & Research showcases various forms of biodiversity.
• 🌍 Crops also contribute to biodiversity, as do the organisms found in the soil, which are critical for food production.
• 🌾 Farm systems are being managed with a focus on increasing biodiversity and reversing the loss of species.
• 🐦 The number of partridges on the farm has increased dramatically, from fewer than five pairs to over 20 breeding pairs.
• 🌸 The research conducted on biodiversity is applied to policy and practice for real-world impact.
• 💡 Policymakers are supported to target funding to farmers to encourage wildlife-sensitive farming practices.
• 📈 Business plans are being developed to be nature-inclusive, ensuring the integration of biodiversity into agriculture.
• 🧑‍🌾 The process of supporting farmers to make these changes is described as 'magic' due to its effectiveness.
• 🌾 The work being done on the farm is an example of practical efforts to enhance biodiversity and support sustainable farming.

Q & A

What is the main concern discussed in the video?

The video discusses the looming crisis in biodiversity, specifically the loss of plant and animal species that are valuable to the environment and humanity.

Where is the speaker located at the beginning of the video?

The speaker is in the biodiversity garden behind the buildings at Wageningen University & Research.

What is meant by 'biodiversity' in the video?

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms in an ecosystem, including plants, trees, birds, and animals in both land and water environments.

What is the significance of the farm mentioned in the video?

The farm mentioned is used for growing biodiversity, with crops and soil biodiversity being essential for food production and maintaining human health.

How is the farm contributing to biodiversity?

The farm is exploring different land management techniques to increase biodiversity and reverse the negative impacts that have led to the loss of many species.

What notable success has been achieved on the farm?

A notable success is the increase in the number of partridges, from fewer than five pairs to over 20 pairs breeding in recent years.

Why does the speaker mention the transition from the farm to the office?

The speaker transitions to the office to emphasize the importance of applying research findings to policy and practice, making an impact beyond the farm.

What role does the speaker's team play in policy-making?

The team helps policymakers allocate funding to farmers for wildlife-sensitive farming practices and assists in creating business plans that are nature-inclusive.

What is meant by 'nature-inclusive' business plans?

'Nature-inclusive' business plans integrate environmental and biodiversity considerations into agricultural and business practices to promote sustainability.

Why does the speaker refer to the process as 'magic'?

The speaker refers to the process of turning research into policy and practice as 'magic' because it involves a transformative approach that benefits both the environment and farming communities.