ABSTRACT
Growing numbers of studies and farmers’ initiatives reveal that biodiversity is fundamental to agricultural production, food technology innovations, and food security, as well as being an ingredient of envi ronmental conservation (Brookfield and Padoch, 1994; CBD, 2001; FAO, 1998, 1999; Forno and Smith, 1996). Yet, studies have shown biodiversity in agroecosystems has been declining and has become eroded at the genetic, species, and ecosystem level-in plants, animals, and soils. This decline of agricultural biodiversity has caused economic losses, jeopardizing productivity and food security, and leading to broader social costs. Also of concern is the loss of biodiversity in “natu ral” habitats from the expansion of agricultural production to frontier areas.
