Event

How can agroforestry contribute towards biodiversity conservation?

Date : 20th October, 2021 1:00 pm
Venue : Online
Online discussion to explore the opportunities that trees can deliver in terms of biodiversity and production in the farmed landscape

About this event

How can agroforestry contribute towards the conservation and restoration of biodiversity?

In October this year, national representatives will gather for the fifteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15). During which they will work to review progress in the implementation of the Convention, its Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020, and the achievement of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets, such as Target 7: “By 2020 areas under agriculture, aquaculture and forestry are managed sustainably, ensuring conservation of biodiversity”.

It is widely acknowledged that none of these targets have been met (Global Biodiversity Outlook 5, 2020). In the UK, the RSPB State of Nature Report 2019 concluded: “There has been no let-up in the net loss of nature in the UK” (State of Nature: A Summary for the UK, 2019). With the spotlight on national authorities to do more, and draw up frameworks for biodiversity post-2020, we are inviting you to a workshop to explore how agroforestry can contribute towards the conservation and restoration of biodiversity, and the policy options that can support the realisation of these benefits.

How can agroforestry contribute to the achievement of future targets and what policy environment can support it? We will explore this question with a panel representing the latest research, on-farm experience, and policy developments, followed by an open discussion for all attendees to input on issues and shape the development of a policy guide on the subject.

Confirmed speakers:

Tom Staton – Researcher at the University of Reading, will discuss how agroforestry influences natural enemy and pollinator biodiversity.

Carolyn Richards – Devon-based farmer, will discuss her own experiences of developing silvopasture with a view to better managing her herd and enhancing biodiversity.

Helen Chesshire – Senior Farming Advisor for the Woodland Trust, @chesshire_helen, will talk on how policy can help agroforestry achieve biodiversity goals.

This is an online event, organised as part of the Farming the Future programme. Links to join will be emailed out alongside the agenda beforehand and recordings will be made available via Agricology afterwards.

*Register here*

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