Sylva Foundation’s Post

Last round of workshops during the #synergydays2024. And I devote my time to a topic that really is at my heart being a female researcher in the field of innovations in the agriculture & forestry sector: how to enable healthy and impactful Equality, Diversity & Inclusion practices. #GAIA #agrifoodtef #buildingbridges

Important, indeed. This study supports and builds upon one previously conducted by Borneo Futures Sdn Bhd scientists Nabillah Unus, Thina Ariffin, Rona Dennis and Erik Meijaard, which evaluated the interactions between great apes and agriculture worldwide, and how these interactions influence great ape behaviour - for better or for worse. The study aims to inform conservation strategies that protect great apes in and around agricultural lands whilst ensuring that socioeconomic and food security targets are met. Considering this latest study, advocating for and investing in such strategies is paramount if we want to continue feeding a growing global demand without compromising the state of the environment. https://lnkd.in/dwdFnxAE

We often think of agriculture as a clear divide: humans either cultivate plants or they don’t. But new research led by Penn State challenges that view. It turns out, that hunter-gatherer practices like those of the Martu Aboriginal people in Australia have been shaping the landscape—and even plant genetics—for thousands of years. The study found that plants like the wild bush tomato thrive with human involvement, especially through seed dispersal and intentional burning. This blurs the line between traditional agriculture and the idea of humans impacting ecosystems without formal farming. The implications of this research go beyond academics—it also highlights the vital role Indigenous practices play in biodiversity and conservation efforts. Recognising their impact can help us create more effective conservation policies and support Indigenous rights to their land and resources. It’s a humbling reminder that humans have always been connected to the natural world in complex ways, long before the term “agriculture” even existed. #IndigenousKnowledge #Conservation #Agriculture #Sustainability #Biodiversity

30 summers ago this month, I started my career in the wetland, regulatory, native plant nursery and ecological restoration industry. Fresh off my botany degree and a summer doing research with a PhD candidate on wetland restoration techniques at Indiana Dunes National Park, little did I realize at the time that I was at the front end of so many changes to come in this growing field of science and industry. One of my colleagues recently asked me what some of the biggest changes are that I’ve seen in the last 30 years. I’ll mention two that I have been thinking about regularly. 1) The growing number of women who have entered this field of study, this career and who are in a leadership role. I had few (but extremely strong and resilient) women role models when I started my career in 1994. I’m grateful to all of the women who influenced me and consider myself extremely fortunate today to be surrounded by amazing women studying ecology, sustainability and science or within an ecological career who set examples to others. Though I would not be where I am today without the male leaders around me who provided opportunities; as a woman, I am thrilled to see so many more women studying and working in this industry. 2) The incredible amount of scientific knowledge and real world examples that have allowed those of us in this industry to do better work. The understanding of how wetlands function to improve our collective landscape, the improvements in ecological restoration techniques, the progress in the nursery trade and the geospatial advancements blow me away. At my core I still believe that we are all better when we work together to solve problems - to at a minimum consider and where possible integrate healthy thriving ecological and human communities into the places where we live, work and play. And where we realize the impact that each of our actions has on the people and places around us. Circa 1994 Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore (now National Park). The richest biological diversity of any national park (by square mile). Truly a botanist’s haven, and yes, surrounded by steel mills.

VERY IMPORTANT ! 💚💥🤔🧩🧬🌾💚💥👨🎓🌾💥🧑🌾💚 ➡️5 June is #WorldEnvironmentDay RT: UN Environment Programme - The future of planet Earth is at risk – now and for future generations – and taking care of soil is a critical way to turn things around. We are not just Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, or Gen Z. No matter your age, we are all #GenerationRestoration with one future. Everyone is invited to come together for land in the lead up to 5 June, #WorldEnvironmentDay, and every day. Get involved: https://lnkd.in/d5EgPCjZ **** #MotherNature #MatkaNatura #environment #OneHealth #biodiversity #agrobiodiversity #ecology #ecosystems #agroecosystems #MontrealProtocol #botany #plants #flowers #biodiversity #climatechange #nature #conservation #genebank #botanicgarden #germplasm ... #ecology #ecosystem #agrobiodiversity #agreecosystems #AKIS #children #students #teachers #researchers - #wisdom #strength #beauty - #onehealth - #science #knowledge #nature #society #prosperity

Excited to share my latest accomplishment! I've just completed the Mastering SDGs online workshop and received my certificate! This workshop helped me develop skills in - Economic development Agriculture & nutrition - Healthcare management - Education leadership -Gender studies Water management Renewable energy - Entrepreneurship Innovation management Social justice Urban planning Sustainable consumption Climate science - Marine biology - Forestry & conservation

Hello from Garajonay National Park in La Gomera! It's great to hear about the efforts being made to preserve and reforest this beautiful and endangered area. Nurseries like the one you're at play a crucial role in conserving and propagating plant species that are facing challenges. Research on germination and propagation methods is indeed vital to ensure the successful reproduction of endangered plants. The knowledge gained can be used to multiply these plants efficiently, giving them a better chance of survival. Once propagated, these plants can then be reintroduced into areas that have been disturbed or are in need of restoration. It's heartening to see the dedication to preserving the unique flora of La Gomera and contributing to the overall health of the ecosystem. Efforts like these are essential for biodiversity conservation. If there's more to share about the ongoing work or any specific plants in the nursery, feel free to provide additional details! 🌿 #GarajonayNationalPark #ConservationEfforts #PlantPropagation #LaGomera #FoodForests #Permaculture #SustainableAgriculture #CanaryIslands #ExploreNature #IslasCanarias #Spain #Island #Tenerife #GranCanaria #LaPalma #Agriculture #landscapedesign #landschapsarchitectuur #tuinontwerp #tuinarchitectuur #voedselbos #permacultuur #agroecology #agroforestry #design #commensalist #landscapearchitecture #love #nature #louisdejaeger

Here is an important new study, fresh off the press, about growing overlap between humans and wildlife in the 21st century. The study's key findings are that: 1. Global expansion of human-wildlife overlap is driven by human population growth, which is especially increasing in the Americas, Africa, the Middle East and central Asia. 2. Changes in human-wildlife overlap vary by geography, land type, and taxon. In Africa, for example, ~9,364,598 km2 of forested land area is projected to experience an increase in overlap compared to 918,022 km2 projected to experience a decrease 3. Agricultural round the world will see extensive increases in human-wildlife overlap. For example, over two-thirds (70.2%) of croplands projected to have increasing human-wildlife overlap by 2070 are expected to see a decline in insectivorous bird richness. We suspect strong linkages between agricultural expansion, human population growth, and human-wildlife overlap. Which is why we keep banging on about the importance of minimizing land to agriculture, or, in our specific case, the 37% of crop land allocated to the production of vegetable oils: https://lnkd.in/eykuPJQG. Yields and land needs for agriculture are probably the most important factors determining the survival of Earth's wildlife.

👨🌾 🌽 Unlocking Agricultural Opportunities with Native Plants: A STEM Career Pathway for Biology and Ecology 🌱 🔬 For biologists specializing in botany, ecology, and environmental science, the opportunity to use native plants in local ecological contexts is transforming agriculture. These native flowering plants are crucial in supporting beneficial pollinators and predator insects, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional, non-native species that may be invasive and less adapted to local conditions. The accompanying chart by Isaacs et al. (2009) demonstrates the superior ability of native plants to attract pollinators and beneficial predators compared to non-natives. Despite challenges such as longer establishment periods and initial higher costs, the long-term value and demand for native plants is clear: 🏵Local Adaptation: Native plants thrive in local climates with minimal need for water, nutrients, and pest control. 🏵 Year-Round Support: They offer continuous habitat and resources for beneficial arthropods, including shelter and overwintering sites. 🏵 Biodiversity and Restoration: These plants play a key role in restoring declining native plant communities and enhancing overall plant diversity in agricultural landscapes. 🏵 Cost-Effectiveness: Once established, many native species can reseed themselves, minimizing the need for frequent replanting. The chart reveals that early in the season, there are zero non-native alternatives to provide pollinators or beneficial predators, emphasizing the importance of local adaptation in native plants. This model successfully applied in Michigan is now being replicated worldwide, indicating strong potential for botany and ecology careers to leverage native plants and their ecosystem services to foster more profitable agricultural systems. Read More: https://lnkd.in/gQybGWQu Isaacs, R., Tuell, J., Fiedler, A., Gardiner, M., and Landis, D., 2009. Maximizing arthropod‐mediated ecosystem services in agricultural landscapes: the role of native plants. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, 7(4), pp.196-203. #SustainableAgriculture #NativePlants #EcosystemServices #BiologyCareer #STEM

The world of agricultural entomology holds immense promise for sustainable agriculture and biodiversity conservation. However, investing in women scientists and researchers is key to accelerating progress in this field. Investing in women within the realm of agricultural entomology is not just an investment in individuals; it is an investment in the future of sustainable agriculture. Let us commit to supporting and empowering women scientists and researchers in agricultural entomology, recognizing their invaluable contributions, and ensuring a brighter, more sustainable future for farming communities and ecosystems. Happy International Women's Day #agricultiralentomology #womeninagriculture #womeninentomology #entomology #femalescientist