Agrobiodiversity, the variety and variability of plants used for food and agriculture, is facing a significant decline as farmers worldwide abandon local varieties for high-yielding cultivars. However, a beacon of hope shines through the empowering role of women in reversing this trend.
Zhang Linxiu, director of the United Nations Environment Programme-International Ecosystem Management Partnership, emphasizes the pivotal role women play in preserving agrobiodiversity. \"It all begins with a seed,\" she states, highlighting the profound impact women can have on agricultural sustainability.
Take the story of Stone Village in Lijiang, Yunnan Province. Zhang Xiuyun, a dedicated farmer breeder, once practiced traditional farming methods passed down through generations. A decade ago, partnering with the Farmers' Seed Network, an NGO, provided local women like Xiuyun with training in agrobiodiversity conservation. Through these sessions, Xiuyun mastered the art of collecting, classifying, and selecting landrace varieties, ultimately breeding 49 varieties of corn, including the renowned \"Xiuyun No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3\".
These seeds have not only thrived in China but have also found their way to the United States, Peru, and India. Xiuyun's expertise has led her to lead a team of women breeders who develop seed varieties tailored to their region's natural conditions, enhancing climate resilience and ensuring plentiful harvests.
The establishment of community seed banks, managed by women in Stone Village, underscores the critical role women play in safeguarding traditional varieties. To date, 113 local varieties have been preserved, with 63 officially registered. These seed banks are vital in maintaining genetic diversity, which is essential for crop resilience against pests, nutrient deficiencies, and climate change.
Globally, the loss of agrobiodiversity poses significant risks to food security and ecosystem health. Empowering women in agriculture not only preserves crop diversity but also contributes to economic growth. A recent UN FAO report indicates that enhancing women's decision-making power in land and resource management could boost global GDP by nearly $1 trillion, reduce food insecurity, and mitigate biodiversity loss.
During the COVID-19 lockdowns, community seed banks proved invaluable, allowing farmers to continue planting despite disruptions in the supply chain. This resilience highlights the indispensable role women play in sustaining agricultural communities.
As China chaired the COP15 of the Convention on Biological Diversity, the emphasis on gender inclusion in biodiversity goals was strengthened. Empowering women through education, skill training, and access to resources is essential for building resilient social-ecological systems capable of withstanding environmental challenges.
\"Let's equip women with the tools they need to protect our ecosystems and biodiversity. Their leadership is crucial in the fight against climate change,\" Zhang Linxiu concludes, urging global support for women-led conservation initiatives.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
