Preventing biodiversity loss through seed saving

To correspond with the UN CoP11 conference taking place in Hyderabab at the moment, another important event has been elevated onto the biodiversity agenda.

Author Carrie Byrne, 10.10.12

To correspond with the UN CoP11 conference taking place in Hyderabab at the moment, another important event has been elevated onto the biodiversity agenda. The Seed Freedom Fortnight has been launched by the Global Alliance for Seed Freedom and takes place from 2nd October (Gandhi’s Birth Anniversary), to 16th October (World Food Day).The plan is to awaken a global response in citizens and governments through intensive action with regard to the important issue of seed saving.

Every year, 1-2% of crop diversity is lost and around 75% of crops present during the early 1900’s have disappeared. In India, ever since the green revolution and due to various impacts of economic globalisation, moves towards genetic engineering and seed patening (by a handful of multinationals) have impacted the ability of citizens to access, save and cultivate seeds , directly affecting the ability of citizens to access valuable sources of basic foods.

Simple actions by ordinary citizens can contribute to this movement and can have an enormous material as well as symbolic impact on this important cause in the fight for biodiversity protection.Events taking place during the Seed Freedom Fortnight as well as possible actions that can be taken by ordinary citizens and activist groups can be accessed here. Watch the video above  for more information on the issue of seed freedom and the importance of seed saving.

Author: Carrie Byrne/ RESET editorial

TAGGED WITH
Measuring Terrestrial Water Storage With Satellites Shows the Impact of Climate Change

Floods and droughts are increasing, while groundwater levels decline. Measuring Terrestrial Water Storage helps track these changes.

Eine Person, die ein iPad nutzt, auf dem Klix³ ausgeführt wird
© Pixabay / sakurayim
Calculate and Reduce CO2 Footprint: Klix³ Toolbox Motivates People to Protect the Climate Through Gamification

How much CO2 does my lifestyle produce each year? Klix³ project aims to communicate climate protection measures with gamification.

Berlin Rewards the Repair of Smartphones and Other Devices: How the New Repair Bonus Works

Since September 2024, Berlin's repair bonus has been helping consumers with the cost of repairs. It's high time it was introduced nationwide.

Fashion Brands Are Offering Resale Platforms Thanks to Resale-As-A-Service Software

Resale-as-a-service software is the technology powering resale fashion platforms—and keeping clothes in the loop for longer.

© Kunaljit Chadha / ETH Zurich - Gramazio Kohler Research, Chair of Sustainable Construction and Robotic Systems Lab
Impact Printing: Will We Print Our Houses From Clay One Day?

Impact printing produces houses from clay with minimal composite materials. Are they an alternative to highly emitting concrete buildings?

Reduce the Impact of Your Wardrobe With These Sustainable Fashion Apps

The fashion industry is one of the world’s biggest polluters. These sustainable fashion apps are here to help you fight back.

A New Process Makes Lithium Extraction Cheaper and More Sustainable

A new process of lithium extraction filters lithium out of brines more efficiently - and is less harmful to the environment.

Are Virtual Servers Sustainable? Open Source Tool “Aether” Measures Their Energy Consumption

How do you measure the power consumption of virtual servers? “Re:cinq” has developed open source tool "aether" for precisely this purpose.