Agrobiodiversity Research Articles

Technologies of environmental engineering protection in the context of sustainable architecture development: alternative approaches

The development of the concept of sustainable architecture requires in-depth research due to the exceptional complexity and relevance of this problem. In this regard, the purpose of this article is to consider the technologies of engineering environmental protection related to measures to preserve the environment, maintain ecological balance, and reduce the negative effects of human activity on the natural environment. A selection of project proposals of objects is given, where technological developments are presented, characterized by a new alternative approach to creating an eco-sustainable habitat by means of its engineering protection. The technologies that ensure sustainable waste disposal are revealed recycling of urban waste using a closed system for the production of energy and materials from garbage. A wide range of engineering proposals for seawater purification and processing of floating debris accumulation has identified: technologies for the disposal of such waste and their conversion into energy, the elimination of islands from oceanic debris from the water surface. Alternative technologies of engineering environmental protection and climate adjustment for managing its changes, as well as habitat restoration in the sinking coastal areas of the city are presented. Attention is drawn to the problem of eliminating the consequences of negative impacts on ecosystems and restoring the natural environment: the transformation and recreation of forests and areas with drained swamps, as well as the formation of agricultural biodiversity in the context of food security. The results of the study can be useful for the theory and practice of sustainable architecture formation, as they open up completely new opportunities for creative search.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS OF AGRICULTURAL BIODIVERSITY DEGRADATION FROM THE ULTRA-PROCESSED FOOD INDUSTRY

This article analyzes the known environmental and social impacts caused by the degradation of agricultural biodiversity from practices by the “Big Food” and agro-industry associated with ultra-processed foods.Agriculture is the largest single source of environmental and biodiversity degradation, responsible for over 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions and has little or ineffective policy control. It intends to give a comprehensive analysis showing how each part of the ecosystem is negatively affected along with human health; through practices of monocropping, financialization of food systems and heavy use of fertilizers and pesticides. It takes a look at t he role governments and actors in international policy-making play in being a determinant of power for the spread of ultra-processed foods and the growth of “Big Food”, agro- corporations and monoculture farming. It looks at social factors such as health, agro-industry policy and global food agendas in regard to climate governance and our food system.Keywords: Agrobiodiversity, soil degradation, monocropping, big food, food policy, ultra- processed foods and health.

Updated Data on Wild Mammals of Algeria: Distribution and Conservation Biology

Algeria boasts diverse ecological, cultural, topographical and taxonomic diversity. The rich national natural and agricultural biodiversity comprises about 16,000 known species. There have been no updated scientific work regarding of the wild mammals of Algeria since the writings of Kowalski and Kowalska in 1991. Moreover many significant taxonomic and nomenclatorial always changes have appeared. For instance the Artiodactyla and Cetaceans were once grouped in the same order of the Cetartiodactyla, while the order Insectivora was divided on two separate orders Soricomorpha and Erinaceomorpha. The mammals of Algeria are represented actually by 111 species belonging to 11 orders and 37 families.

AN OUTBREAK OF Yponomeuta padella (LINNAEUS, 1758) ON Prunus cornuta (HIMALAYAN BIRD CHERRY) IN KULLU DISTRICT, HIMACHAL PRADESH, INDIA

Invasive insect pests are one of the greatest and fastest-growing threats to natural resources like agricultural biodiversity, animal sector and social progresses are profusely hampered through insect infestation. Through this present study, it was first recorded that Yponomeuta padella attack Prunus cornuta (Himalayan Bird Cherry) leaves in high altitudinal transition zone forests of North Western Himalaya in India. The first damage was observed duringthe month of July, 2022 and randomly collected egg masses form the infested leaves of Prunus cornuta. This species identified through its morphological and genital characteristics. A complete biology of ermine moth, morphology and genital characteristics were studied to update the taxonomic details of the species. More than 90% infestation in leaves was recorded in some trees in the study area. As an alternative, an integrated pest management system needs to be developed for better insect's sustainable management.

FAO Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture What it does and how it supports the livestock sector?

The Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, was initially established by FAO, in 1983, to address plant genetic resources (PGR). It became the primary permanent international forum for governments to discuss, negotiate and decide on matters specifically relevant to genetic resources for food and agriculture (GRFA). Over time, the mandate of the Commission expanded and now it deals with all sectors of GRFA, plant, animal, forest, aquatic, and microbial and invertebrates genetic resources, covering the vast scope of biodiversity for food and agriculture. The Commission also considers a number of cross-cutting topics, including food security, nutrition and human health, mitigation of and adaptation to climate change, access to genetic resources and benefit sharing (ABS); as well as digital sequence information (DSI) on GRFA and biotechnologies for the characterization, sustainable use and conservation of GRFA. The work of the Commission on animal genetic resources (AnGR) initiated in 1997, resulted in preparation of the first-ever Report on the State of the World AnGR in 2007; and led to negotiation and adoption of the Global Plan of Action for AnGR (GPA) also in 2007. The endorsement of the GPA by the FAO Conference provided for commitments at the national level. The Commission monitors progress in the implementation of the GPA and status and trends of AnGR on a regular and biennial basis. Preparation of the Second State of the World Report on AnGR in 2015, further strengthened commitment to implement the 2007 GPA. The Commission plays an important role in supporting animal breeding and the livestock sector. It was instrumental in building the knowledge base on AnGR, creating a framework for action, and supporting measures for its implementation. It has overseen important initiatives, including preparation of various technical guidelines and building global awareness of the importance of AnGR as well as the specific characteristics of the AnGR sector. The work of the Commission is helping to ensure the conservation and sustainable utilization of GRFA, the genetic base for food production, thereby contributing to food security and agriculture development.

Towards the new Common Agricultural Policy for Biodiversity: custodian farmers for sustainable agricultural practices in the Apulia region (South of Italy)

The international debate on biodiversity has become increasingly explicit and predominant in different disciplinary fields, requiring efforts especially on a regional scale. The future Common Agricultural Policy will be integrated and strategically connected with the objectives of the Green Deal and biodiversity protection, requiring new approaches, especially at local level. Through a review of the international literature and programming documents, the path of a significant case in the south of Italy, the Apulia region, characterized by a progressive loss of biodiversity in agriculture, will be traced. The regional government has launched a significant initiative called “custodian farmers” within the framework of the CAP in the two programming cycles 2007-2013, 2014-2020 for the protection and maintenance of biodiversity. Using a combination of different sources, we will focus on this initiative to evaluate its weight and significance at the regional level through cartographic analysis. The results will be critically analyzed and will provide reflections for the future.

Iconic Arable Weeds: The Significance of Corn Poppy (Papaver rhoeas), Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus), and Field Larkspur (Delphinium consolida) in Hungarian Ethnobotanical and Cultural Heritage

There are an increasing number of initiatives that recognize arable weed species as an important component of agricultural biodiversity. Such initiatives often focus on declining species that were once abundant and are still well known, but the ethnographic relevance of such species receives little recognition. We carried out an extensive literature review on the medicinal, ornamental, and cultural applications of three selected species, Papaver rhoeas, Centaurea cyanus, and Delphinium consolida, in the relevant Hungarian literature published between 1578 and 2021. We found a great diversity of medicinal usages. While P. rhoeas stands out with its sedative influence, D. consolida was mainly employed to stop bleeding, and C. cyanus was most frequently used to cure eye inflammation. The buds of P. rhoeas were sporadically eaten and its petals were used as a food dye. All species fulfilled ornamental purposes, either as garden plants or gathered in the wild for bouquets. They were essential elements of harvest festivals and religious festivities, particularly in Corpus Christi processions. P. rhoeas was also a part of several children's games. These wildflowers were regularly depicted in traditional Hungarian folk art. In poetry, P. rhoeas was used as a symbol of burning love or impermanence; C. cyanus was frequently associated with tenderness and faithfulness; while D. consolida regularly emerged as a nostalgic remembrance of the disappearing rural lifestyle. These plants were also used as patriotic symbols in illustrations for faithfulness, loyalty, or homesickness. Our results highlight the deep and prevalent embeddedness of the three iconic weed species studied in the folk culture of the Carpathian Basin. The ethnobotanical and cultural embeddedness of arable weed species should also be considered when efforts and instruments for the conservation of arable weed communities are designed.

Assessment of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) Landraces for Their Agronomic, Biochemical Characteristics and Resistance to Phytophthora infestans

Genetic diversity in crop plants is the conditio sine qua non for sustainable agriculture and long-term food security. Our research carried out the morphological, agronomic, and physico-chemical characterization and resistance to late blight of 35 tomato landraces from seven countries. These landraces have been approved and appear in the Official Catalog of Varieties. The International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI) descriptors have been used to describe the tomato’s morphological and agronomic characteristics. For the physico-chemical characteristics, the dry matter, the pH, and the carotenoid content (lycopene, lutein, and β-carotene)) were analyzed. Carotenoids were monitored by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results showed that the morphological diversity of landraces was very high. Three landraces of remarkable commercial value have shown increased resistance to late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans, one of the most damaging diseases of tomato. Also, six landraces had a lycopene content exceeding 100 µg/g sample. The carotenoid content ranged between 0.769 (Marmande-FR 166) and 140.328 mg kg−1 FW (Răscruci). The landrace with the highest β carotene content was PT 308 with 65.499 mg kg−1 FW, while the lowest values were registered for Marmande-FR 166 with 0.105 mg kg−1 FW. The present study provides essential information on the morphological and agronomic qualities of these tomato landraces and their lycopene and other carotenoid content. The results are discussed in light of the importance of tomato landraces in meeting the preferences of different producers and consumers, the choice of the most suitable landraces for specific pedoclimatic conditions, and the supply of carotenoid pigment sources for the pharmaceutical industry. Our research responds to humanity’s great global challenges: preserving agricultural biodiversity, protecting the environment by identifying pest-resistant varieties, and also protecting consumer health by finding important sources of antioxidants.

FINANCING STREAMS OF POST-REGISTRATION VARIETY TESTING: A CASE STUDY FROM POLAND

This paper addresses the measures taken to implement progress in agriculture, with particular emphasis on the role played by Post-Registration Variety Testing (PRVT). Special attention was paid to assessing the structure of financing streams for PRVT in Poland, how they evolve over time and how they differ between locations. The Reports on the Implementation of the Post-Registration Variety Testing (PRVT) Program in 2010-2021 were used as source materials. Studies were carried out using 2010 constant prices. This paper found an increase in the number of PRVT research projects and experiments over the study period, which contributed to promoting biological progress, although the uses of PRVT findings differed between regions. Focus was also placed on the restructuring of financing for post-registration testing, with two leading streams being identified, namely the state budget and funds delivered by third parties, including private operators. The authors emphasized the importance of earmarked subsidies allocated to PRVT in the state budget, and the role they play in stimulating the transfer of knowledge and in promoting advancements and preserving biodiversity in Polish agriculture. The conclusion also points out the importance of PODs also in terms of the suitability of varieties for production in particular regions and under given technological conditions, which is in line with, among other things, the goals of the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, i.e. SDG 12 (ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns) and SDG 15 (protecting, restoring and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably managing forests, combating desertification, halting and reversing land degradation, and halting biodiversity loss).

사천 선상지 ‘새미’의 이용 실태 및 가치 고찰

This study is about the story of ‘Saemi’, existing in the Sacheon Alluvial fan area. Saemi is a local word for Dumbeong, which is the traditional water irrigation facilities in this area that could be formed according to the geographical characteristics of a Alluvial fan site. In the meantime, although Saemi has been an important source of water, related research has been mainly done from an ecological point of view. Accordingly, the researcher paid attention to the functional aspects of Saemi itself, grasped its location, distribution status, and usage including the construction method, and considered its intrinsic value through classification and characteristic analysis of Saemi. As a result of five field surveys from September 2021 to October 2022, 129 Saemies remained in the Sacheon alluvial fan area. According to the structure and shape, Saemi could be divided into basic type, complex type, and buried type. The basic type was subdivided into bucket-type and stairs-type along with the complex type, and the buried type was subdivided into all buried-type and some buried-type. Saemies were mainly distributed at the distal end of the Sacheon alluvial fan site, individual Saemies were built on farmland, and common Saemies were usually built along roadsides adjacent to villages. The reason why the Saemies are concentrated at the distal end is the geographical characteristics of the alluvial fan where the water underflows. Saemi was an important multifunctional water supply source equivalent to the main water source for people at the distal end of the pond who did not receive a stable supply of water from the reservoir. Saemi was at the center of the underground water irrigation network agricultural system in the Sacheon alluvial fan area according to the principles of ‘bbaeim(drop out)’ and ‘gaepim(pooling)’ It has provided a foundation for establishing itself as an appropriate technology in this area. Such Saemi contributed to the rural landscape and agricultural biodiversity through its own system and served as a public interest function. It is necessary to know, conserve, manage, and continuously utilize the value of this Saemi as an agricultural heritage.

Intensified rice production negatively impacts plant biodiversity, diet, lifestyle and quality of life: transdisciplinary and gendered research in the Middle Senegal River Valley

A major programme of irrigated rice extension in the Middle Senegal River Valley has further limited the river’s natural flooding in the floodplain (Waalo), initially reduced by drought. We conducted a transdisciplinary (TD) and gendered study in the region to explore links between agricultural biodiversity and family diets using a social analysis of women’s practices. The results showed how rice expansion impacts local agrobiodiversity, diet quality and the cultural way of life. Disappearance of the singular agropastoral and fishing system of the Senegal River Valley is profoundly modifying the landscape, limiting wooded riverine settings, and is undermining the traditional diversified flood-recession cropping system in the Waalo. This is causing an overconsumption of rice by reducing alternative food sources, such as sorghum, vegetables and animal products (fish, milk and meat). In particular, flood-recession sorghums are in danger of disappearing, yet they are more nutritious than rice and now sell for twice as much, or more. The way of life is being disrupted, notably sociabilities previously based on territorial complementarities, and women are disadvantaged in terms of recognition and added workload. Women’s groups have launched collective irrigated gardens, organic or not, only supported by the local NGO, but any surplus is hardly ever sold on the weekly markets in the neighbourhood. Moreover, this diet imbalance increases nutritional risk factors for health, such as vitamin and iron deficiencies, especially for women, hypertension and diabetes. We argue that, firstly, gendered TD experiences are relevant for documenting women’s activities in order for them to gain political support and, secondly, that targeting women’s care tasks gives more value and impact to TD research results.

Biodiversity Agenda Congruent with ‘One Health’: Focusing on CBD, FAO, and WHO

The decrease in biodiversity occurs across national borders and has mutual influences on food and health. In this study, we analyzed the links and relationships between the decisions made by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)—the highest decision-making bodies in each field—from 1994 to 2018. We aimed to determine how each regime related to the decisions of others and identify the critical agendas that mediate the three regimes. Consequently, critical agendas, including agricultural biodiversity, taxonomy, traditional knowledge, access and benefit sharing, antimicrobial resistance, and marine biodiversity, were observed. In the order of degree centrality, the top six agendas were discussed in terms of the cooperation history of ‘One Health’ and its implications.

Evidence on the multidimensional performance of agroecology in Mali using TAPE

CONTEXTIn 2019, FAO and partners launched the Tool for Agroecology Performance Evaluation (TAPE), an innovative and comprehensive framework to produce global and harmonized evidence on the multidimensional performance of agroecology and on its potential to contribute to sustainable food systems and the achievement of the SDGs.In 2020, TAPE was used in Mali to assess the status of agroecological transition of local farms and to identify its correlation with farms' quantitative performance across the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of sustainability. OBJECTIVEThe aim of this study is to present the evidence on the multidimensional performance of agroecology produced through the implementation of TAPE in 233 farms in the region of Kayes, in Mali. METHODSThrough a standardized survey filled during farm visits, TAPE provides a characterization of the level of agroecological transition of local farms and an assessment of their performance across the economic, environmental, and social dimensions of sustainability. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSThe use of TAPE in this study shows that agricultural systems in the region of Kayes are at very different levels of agroecological transition and that more advanced agroecological types of farms have better performances across the different dimensions of sustainability:-produce more and create more wealth from agropastoral activities using less external and industrial inputs;-use less pesticides, have better soil health, have more agricultural biodiversity, and higher presence of natural vegetation and pollinators on farm;-have more empowered youth more prone to continue as farmers and less prone to emigrate, and more family members directly employed in agropastoral production;-enjoy an improved dietary diversity and a higher level of food self-sufficiency. SIGNIFICANCEThere is a growing global interest in agroecology and a growing demand for evidence on its performance across the different dimensions of sustainability and on its potential to contribute to the achievement of the SDGs. TAPE has been created with the goal to fill this knowledge gap through the creation of global and harmonized evidence on the multidimensional performance of agroecological systems. The presentation of TAPE's results from Mali is meant to inform all interested stakeholders on the performance of agroecology in the context of Sub-Saharan Africa, to support the transition of different types of agricultural systems towards more sustainable production, and to encourage the formulation of adequate programs and policies enabling different processes of transition that take into consideration agroecological practices and principles. Such evidence is particularly needed in Sub-Saharan Africa where agroecology as a science, a practice and a social movement has been less promoted than in other regions.

Mapping Agricultural Biodiversity: Legacy data and tensions between ways of seeing fields

Mapping is a core approach used to investigate and display spatial dynamics of biological diversity and habitats. In the Netherlands, agricultural lands occupy nearly two-thirds of the land surface and provide the greatest potential for habitat restoration; particularly in grassland-based dairy production systems, which comprise the largest share of these agricultural lands. When a crop rotation is applied to a long-term grassland, the resulting disruption of ecological complexity requires years–if not decades–to restore, even after reconversion. The availability of high-quality land-use data for measuring the spatio-temporal distribution of grassland legacies is thus essential for monitoring the dynamics of biodiversity in production grasslands. In this study, we reflect on the Basic Crop Registration (BRP) of the Netherlands, an open spatial data infrastructure developed for parcel-level crop registration and examine how it shapes our spatio-temporal understanding of land use. The BRP serves as an administrative basis for numerous national and local-level regulatory and financial arrangements, mainly aimed at agricultural actors. In this study, we repurposed BRP data to introduce a new perspective on depicting the stability of grasslands in a high-intensity agricultural region. We used this data to map the frequency of grassland-to-cropland conversions using 17 years of longitudinal crop records in southwest Friesland, Netherlands. The legacy effects of grassland-to-cropland conversion were investigated in a field study, where significant differences were found between new and long-term grasslands in plant community composition, soil organic matter content, bulk density, soil penetration resistance, and pH. In our analysis of BRP data, we discovered a significant number of grasslands that were recently converted from cropland but that were recorded as long-term grasslands. This affected approximately 12% of the study area from 2005–2021, which prevents the accurate tracking of grassland stability over time. This misclassification also adds uncertainty to the temporal context of the decline in grassland-dependent species in the region. However, using a spatially-explicit mapping approach, these misclassifications can be corrected and help produce an effective measure of grassland stability with potential as an agroecosystem monitoring tool for researchers, land-use planners, and policymakers.

Agricultural biodiversity, proteas as instrument of integral development in the conservation area SieteLomas, southeast of Tenerife, Canary Islands

Agricultural biodiversity, proteas as instrument of integral development in the conservation area Siete<i />Lomas<i>,</i> southeast of Tenerife, Canary Islands

Selected Aspects of Invasive Solidago canadensis with an Emphasis on Its Allelopathic Abilities: A Review.

Solidago canadensis L., native to North America, is now an invasive plant worldwide. Its abundant seeds, rapid vegetative reproduction ability, and allelopathy to other plants are the main reasons for its successful invasion. It has negative impacts on the ecological environment of the invaded area and causes a reduction in local biodiversity and economic losses of agriculture and stock farming. Each part of the plant contains a variety of allelochemicals (terpenoids, phenolics, and flavonoids), including a large number of essential oil components. These allelochemicals can be released in various ways to inhibit the growth of adjacent plants and promote their invasion; they can also affect soil properties and soil microorganisms. This article summarizes the allelopathic effects of S. canadensis on other plant species and the interaction mechanism between it and the ecosystem.

Pervasive exposure of wild small mammals to legacy and currently used pesticide mixtures in arable landscapes

Knowledge gaps regarding the potential role of pesticides in the loss of agricultural biodiversity worldwide and mixture-related issues hamper proper risk assessment of unintentional impacts of pesticides, rendering essential the monitoring of wildlife exposure to these compounds. Free-ranging mammal exposure to legacy (Banned and Restricted: BRPs) and currently used (CUPs) pesticides was investigated, testing the hypotheses of: (1) a background bioaccumulation for BRPs whereas a “hot-spot” pattern for CUPs, (2) different contamination profiles between carnivores and granivores/omnivores, and (3) the role of non-treated areas as refuges towards exposure to CUPs. Apodemus mice (omnivore) and Crocidura shrews (insectivore) were sampled over two French agricultural landscapes (n = 93). The concentrations of 140 parent chemicals and metabolites were screened in hair samples. A total of 112 compounds were detected, showing small mammal exposure to fungicides, herbicides and insecticides with 32 to 65 residues detected per individual (13–26 BRPs and 18–41 CUPs). Detection frequencies exceeded 75% of individuals for 13 BRPs and 25 CUPs. Concentrations above 10 ng/g were quantified for 7 BRPs and 29 CUPs (in 46% and 72% of individuals, respectively), and above 100 ng/g for 10 CUPs (in 22% of individuals). Contamination (number of compounds or concentrations) was overall higher in shrews than rodents and higher in animals captured in hedgerows and cereal crops than in grasslands, but did not differ significantly between conventional and organic farming. A general, ubiquitous contamination by legacy and current pesticides was shown, raising issues about exposure pathways and impacts on ecosystems. We propose a concept referred to as “biowidening”, depicting an increase of compound diversity at higher trophic levels. This work suggests that wildlife exposure to pesticide mixtures is a rule rather than an exception, highlighting the need for consideration of the exposome concept and questioning appropriateness of current risk assessment and mitigation processes.

A Comprehensive Review of the Potential of Stepwells as Sustainable Water Management Structures

Throughout history, many water conservation and management strategies have been employed, but only a few have proved successful. Stepwells were one such effective water management technologies used in India. Stepwells were constructed based on their geographical and topographical suitability, which revealed socio-cultural behaviors and beliefs. They form a unique, efficient system of hydraulic engineering that demonstrates the region’s traditional understanding of the sustainable use and management of its land, water, and agricultural biodiversity. Ancient water harvesting techniques integrated stepwells into agricultural and irrigation networks using prefabricated structures, to allow open channel flow, networked with surface water bodies. They demonstrated the use of Persian wheels, non-mechanized farm machinery, other agricultural implements, etc., and their structure utilized a vast array of local building materials, including granite, marble, sandstone, bricks, lime, mud, wood, etc. The utilization of agricultural wastes, such as rice husk, in the production of lakhori bricks is strongly associated with circular economy principles. They not only communicated and guided communities regarding water management and cleaner production, but also revealed historic knowledge regarding how ancient societies achieved social-ecological resilience. In addition to that, in almost all types of stepwells, aesthetics and ornamentation played an important role and served as a rich source of history to disseminate knowledge of governance, political ideas, social practices and lifestyle. Just a few studies on these stepwells have been published and they have generally focused on their history or on the construction materials of a specific stepwell, rather than offering a wide perspective. This review article will explore the scientific, architectural, artistic, and functional dimensions of all major stepwells in India that have either disappeared or lost their relevance owing to expanding human population and environmental stress. Additionally, this will provide an opportunity to rethink modern water engineering systems and redesign water infrastructure with less negative environmental impacts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and ensure water for all.

Functional diversity of farmland bees across rural-urban landscapes in a tropical megacity.

Urbanization poses a major threat to biodiversity and food security, as expanding cities, especially in the Global South, increasingly compete with natural and agricultural lands. However, the impact of urban expansion on agricultural biodiversity in tropical regions is overlooked. Here we assess how urbanization affects the functional response of farmland bees, the most important pollinators for crop production. We sampled bees across three seasons in 36 conventional vegetable-producing farms spread along an urbanization gradient in Bengaluru, an Indian megacity. We investigated how landscape and local environmental drivers affected different functional traits (sociality, nesting behavior, body size, and specialization) and functional diversity (functional dispersion) of bee communities. We found that the functional responses to urbanization were trait specific with more positive than negative effects of gray area (sealed surfaces and buildings) on species richness, functional diversity, and abundance of most functional groups. As expected, larger, solitary, cavity-nesting, and, surprisingly, specialist bees benefited from urbanization. In contrast to temperate cities, the abundance of ground nesters increased in urban areas, presumably because larger patches of bare soil were still available beside roads and buildings. However, overall bee abundance and the abundance of social bees (85% of all bees) decreased with urbanization, threatening crop pollination. Crop diversity promotes taxonomic and functional diversity of bee communities. Locally, flower resources promote the abundance of all functional groups, and natural vegetation can maintain diverse pollinator communities throughout the year, especially during the noncropping season. However, exotic plants decrease functional diversity and bee specialization. To safeguard bees and their pollination services in urban farms, we recommend (1) preserving seminatural vegetation (hedges) around cropping fields to provide nesting opportunities for aboveground nesters, (2) promoting farm-level crop diversification of beneficial crops (e.g., pulses, vegetables, and spices), (3) maintaining native natural vegetation along field margins, and (4) controlling and removing invasive exotic plants that disrupt native plant-pollinator interactions. Overall, our results suggest that urban agriculture can maintain functionally diverse bee communities and, if managed in a sustainable manner, be used to develop win-win solutions for biodiversity conservation of pollinators and food security in and around cities.

Agricultural heritage systems and agrobiodiversity

Agriculture is one of the main human activities with direct and indirect effects on the environment. The abandonment of many traditional agricultural practices, mainly for their inability to meet the current requirements of industrial agriculture, has brought to unsustainable agricultural systems characterized by high external energy inputs and by a high fragility to environmental and political shocks. Therefore, sustainable agriculture is nowadays crucial for preserving the environment. Agricultural heritage systems are receiving increasing attention at the international level, as testified by the establishment of the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) Programme by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The aim of the GIAHS Programme is, in fact, to identify and safeguard agro-silvo-pastoral systems resulting from the co-existence between humans and nature, which survived using traditional techniques are still providing many ecosystem services, while maintaining magnificent landscapes, wild and agricultural biodiversity, ancestral knowledge, and strong cultural and social values. These systems, based on sustainable practices, are still able to provide food and livelihood security, resources and services to local communities, but are also examples of adaptation and mitigation to climate change and to different and often difficult environmental conditions, as well as models of resilience and sustainability. In 2018 the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), together with the Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry (DAGRI) of the University of Florence, developed a project called “GIAHS Building Capacity”, aimed at identifying agricultural heritage sites in different parts of the world. This Special Issue collects the results of investigations carried out in thirteen sites in Central and South America, Europe, Africa and Asia offering a wide an coherent perspective on agricultural heritage systems across the world. The papers included in the Special Issue proved that agricultural heritage systems, despite some vulnerabilities mainly due to socio-economic causes rather than to environmental ones, still provide different ecosystem services to local communities, including: food and byproducts supply, soil erosion protection, hydrogeological risk and deforestation defense, agrobiodiversity and biodiversity conservation, cultural landscape preservation, agro-tourism; at the same time they can be important for transmitting traditional knowledge to new generations and for the local identity. The GIAHS programme can play a key role in preserving traditional agricultural systems, and their related agrobiodiversity and ecosystem services, both in developing and developed countries. In fact, its aim is not limited to the conservation of these systems, but the whole Programme is based on the concept of dynamic conservation, as sustainable innovations are needed for the preservation of agricultural heritage systems and, therefore, for the future of rural areas and of rural communities. The research is part of the activities promoted by the UNESCO Chair on Agricultural Heritage Landscapes established at the University of Florence.