WHAT IS
AGROECOLOGY?
Agroecology is much more than just a way of doing things; it is a movement that integrates ecological and social principles into agricultural production and the management of our food systems.
At its deepest core, it is based on a deeply rooted understanding of ecological processes and the complex intervention of the components of an agricultural ecosystem: plants, animals, rich soils, water and the microscopic life that links it all together, along with our social communities.
The goal of agroecology is clear and inspiring:
- To promote agricultural practices sustainable, resilient and in harmony with nature.
- Practices which are socially fair, economically feasible and result in benefits at all levels.
- It integrates crop diversity, the preservation of soil fertility, the careful conservation of our natural resources and the lowering of our dependence on external sources.
- At its core, agroecology embraces and celebrates biodiversity.
This holistic approach builds agricultural systems specialised in the use of natural resources. At the very heart of agroecology lies resilience, the strength to face the effects of climate change and the guarantee of our long-term food security.
But there is a vital part of the equation that we never overlook. Agroecology emphasises social equity and the active participation of our local communities as a key factor. In making decisions that affect food production and consumption, community voices are indispensable, working together to build a brighter, greener and fairer future for everyone.
At its deepest core, it is based on a deeply rooted understanding of ecological processes and the complex intervention of the components of an agricultural ecosystem: plants, animals, rich soils, water and the microscopic life that links it all together, along with our social communities.
The goal of agroecology is clear and inspiring:
- To promote agricultural practices sustainable, resilient and in harmony with nature.
- Practices which are socially fair, economically feasible and result in benefits at all levels.
- It integrates crop diversity, the preservation of soil fertility, the careful conservation of our natural resources and the lowering of our dependence on external sources.
- At its core, agroecology embraces and celebrates biodiversity.
This holistic approach builds agricultural systems specialised in the use of natural resources. At the very heart of agroecology lies resilience, the strength to face the effects of climate change and the guarantee of our long-term food security.
But there is a vital part of the equation that we never overlook. Agroecology emphasises social equity and the active participation of our local communities as a key factor. In making decisions that affect food production and consumption, community voices are indispensable, working together to build a brighter, greener and fairer future for everyone.
IMPACTS ON
SOCIETY
More than just a science and an agricultural practice, agroecology has become a movement that generates a whole series of benefits for society. These are the most relevant:
It strengthens local communities
Agroecology encourages the active participation of local communities in food production and consumption. It is a call for unity and joint responsibility.
It generates employment and rural development
Agroecological systems often involve more work, creating employment opportunities and boosting economic development in rural areas. It is an investment in local prosperity.
It improves social equity
Agroecology promotes fairer and more equitable food systems. By empowering small-scale farmers and local communities, it reduces dependence on large corporations and promotes a more equal distribution of resources and benefits.
It preserves traditional knowledge
Protects ancestral practices and knowledge passed down from generation to generation, enriching our cultural diversity and preserving our rich local heritage.
It improves food security
Promotes diversified food production, increasing our food security and reducing dependence on imports. It also provides us with an abundance of local, nutritious and high-quality food.
It enhances resilience and food sovereignty
With more resilient and adaptable agricultural systems, communities are better prepared to face climate and environmental challenges. It also promotes local production, ensuring food sovereignty and the right to access culturally appropriate food.
Agroecology is not only an agricultural practice, but a source of positive change that benefits our communities and helps us build a fairer and more sustainable future for everyone.
IMPACTS ON THE
ENVIRONMENT
No doubt, agroecology is much more than an environmentally friendly way of producing food. It is a commitment to a green and sustainable future that provides us with invaluable added values, such as:
Biodiversity preservation
Agroecology is the dance of life. It encourages crop diversity and the preservation of local varieties, protecting indigenous plant and animal species that are an essential part of our natural heritage.
Soil quality improvement
Our soil is the basis of everything. Agroecology takes care of it with organic fertilisers, crop rotation and maintaining vegetation covers, giving it a new vitality and a capacity to retain water, which is vital for our survival.
Water preservation
With efficient irrigation, water management and soil moisture conservation, agroecology minimises water consumption and protects our water resources from pollution.
Farewell to agrochemicals
Agroecology says goodbye to chemical pesticides and fertilisers. This not only reduces soil, water and air pollution, but also protects human health and wildlife from unnecessary hazards.
Climate change mitigation
Agroecology is a vital ally in our fight against climate change. With its focus on capturing and storing carbon in the soil, it helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening our resilience to climate impacts.
Agroecology is not just an agricultural option; it is a demonstration of love to the Earth and a commitment to a greener, healthier future for everyone.
