Agriculture, environment and natural resources management — linkages
Extract out of  Hot topics: Platform consensus on rural development issues of global significance
Environmental issues are as diverse as they are numerous. Issues surrounding water (including tenure, scarcity, competition, climate change, security, upstream-downstream effects, and the concepts of “blue” and “green” water) are crucially linked to agriculture and rural development. Members also noted the importance of natural resource management and highlighted the need to focus on sustainable land and water management, resource competition, desertification, and environmental degradation.
As soil is a major foundation for increasing productivity, it is a key concern of members. Soil mining, fertiliser use, policies of integrated soil fertility management, and the rehabilitation of degraded soils, were all identified as important issues. Organisations are also paying greater attention to the importance of biodiversity. Members noted that integrated approaches, which include agro-, marine and terrestrial biodiversity are needed. They also note that communities need to take greater responsibility for conserving biodiversity.
As fuel prices rise and supplies decrease, “peak” oil scenarios, carbon emission ceilings and carbon trading are all gaining in importance. The links between climate change and energy security, trade, and agriculture will only grow more important over time. These issues are also linked intrinsically with unsustainable consumption patterns and the need for environmentally sustainable technologies.
Summary of Platform Policy Brief on Agriculture, environment and natural resources management — linkages
Preparations to draft the brief have commenced.
Further Reading
Climate Change
Member Policies
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