by Annelise Halafihi, Senior Agriculture Officer, Tonga Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry

Contemporary intensive agriculture enables abundant and cost-effective food production but relies heavily on agrochemicals, harming wildlife populations. This farming approach poses significant challenges to biodiversity conservation, as farmers increasingly neglect such efforts. However, biodiversity is vital for supporting agriculture and ecosystems. It involves incorporating plants, animals, and microorganisms, further  creating sustainable and vibrant ecological farming spaces to boost the social and economic value of farming

Key Benefits of Biodiversity in Farming in Tonga

1. Healthy Soil and Nutrient Cycling

Biodiversity contributes to creating healthy, nutrient-rich soil, promoting nutrient cycling, and allowing necessary rehabilitation periods for soils and farming areas. This process reduces land fragmentation and degradation, ensuring long-term agricultural productivity.

2. Pest and Disease Control

A diverse ecosystem supports natural pest and disease control, reducing the need for chemical pesticides. Farmers can promote organic farming practices that are safer for the environment and human health through proper management and understanding of biological interactions.

3. Pollination and Genetic Diversity

Biodiversity provides essential pollinators for the natural development of plants and crops, preserving their genetic diversity. This genetic variation is crucial for plant species’ resilience and ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions.

4. Food Security

A diverse array of crops ensures food security by offering various types of food grown in an area. This diversity includes resilient genetic resources that can withstand climate change, securing the food supply against potential environmental challenges.

5. Hydrological Cycle Maintenance

Biodiversity plays a significant role in maintaining the hydrological cycle, ensuring the availability and quality of water resources essential for farming and other ecological functions.

6. Carbon Sequestration

Biodiverse ecosystems secure carbon sequestration, helping to offset carbon emissions and mitigate climate change. This process is vital for maintaining atmospheric balance and reducing the overall carbon footprint of agricultural practices.

7. Knowledge Enhancement

Engaging with a biodiverse ecosystem enhances farmers’ knowledge of various biological interactions. This understanding is crucial for effective ecosystem management and sustainable farming practices.

8. Natural Habitats

Biodiversity provides natural habitats for animals, supporting wildlife conservation and contributing to a balanced and healthy ecosystem.

9. Sustainable Livelihoods

Incorporating biodiversity into farming practices ensures sustainable livelihoods for farmers. Farmers can achieve long-term economic stability and environmental sustainability by fostering a resilient and productive ecosystem.

I call on farmers in Tonga and the Pacific to invest in biodiversity conservation as it is fundamental to the health and sustainability of farming ecosystems. Tonga’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry is proud to partner with SPC’s Pacific Organic and Ethical Trade Community under the Kiwa Initiative Pacific Organic Learning Farms Network (POLFN) Project that will train close to 100 farmers in Tonga on biodiversity as an element of agroecology. In conclusion, fostering biodiversity enriches farmers’ knowledge and understanding of ecosystem management ensuring sustainable livelihoods. Moving away from intensive industrial farming towards practices that value biodiversity is crucial for agriculture’s future and our environment’s well-being.