THE FUTURE of global agricultural development depends on the conservation of biodiversity in Ireland and abroad, a bio-agricultural conference has been told.
The first annual AgroBiodiversity Conference, at NUI Galway’s plant and agribioscience centre, focused on strategies to sustain Ireland’s rich variety of species of plants and animals. Nineteen international speakers covered a range of topics pertaining to biodiversity, covering threatened breeds of crops and livestock, seed and trees and other natural resources.
Dr Danny Hunter, adjunct lecturer in plant and agribiosciences, said a recent report, State of Knowledge, Ireland’s Biodiversity 2010, highlighted the “importance of biodiversity to the national economy with an estimated contribution of over €2.6 billion.”
“The pollinators of our crops alone contribute about €80 million,” Dr Hunter added. “Irish agriculture and food security depends on this diversity of animal, plant and microbial genetic resources. However, these biological resources are increasingly threatened and this requires urgent action to ensure they are effectively conserved for future generations.”
The need to protect Ireland’s rare breed varieties has received increased attention over the last decade, resulting in a number of organisations dedicated to maintaining the vibrant array of native plants and animal life.