biodiversity
NURTURING NATURE
Maintenance of genetically diverse germplasm of the crop is essential for the crop to meet changing needs of the future. Conservation of biodiversity in the estate and its surroundings is important, particularly where estates are located in areas of high conservation value.
Good Practice
Crop Genetic Diversity Ensure that company breeding programmes include conservation programmes for known seedling origins/jats. For example, where old fields are due for uprooting and replanting, consider leaving a small area (50 to 100 bushes) to ensure conservation of land races. Support and/or participate in industry efforts toconserve germplasm. Access and contribute as much as possible to the national gene bank programmes as, for example, held by the Tea Research Foundation of Kenya, and Tocklai and UPASI in India. Biodiversity Within and Around the Estate Enhance the farm environment for locally important, rare or endangered species by providing appropriate habitats and adopting the right cultural practices, including avoiding pesticide damage to beneficial flora and fauna. Before any extension of the planted area, a full environmental impact assessment should be carried out and recommendations subsequently followed. A full assessment is not appropriate for areas <1.0 Ha but the implications of all new planting must be considered before work is started. There must be no extension into areas of primary forest. Ensure that riparian strips are maintained and dominated by native species. Link wildlife habitats wherever possible through corridors and riparian strips. Native tree species can be planted more widely through estates and farms without hurting the other agricultural activities. Encourage the conservation of native forests and tree planting in areas that have been converted from forest. Emphasis should be on planting of native tree species in a manner that mimics the natural forest mosaics. Also plant trees that can be used to control pests (for example Neem) where possible. Only purchase fuelwood from commercial, renewable plantations or from farmer groups that have established commercial woodlots. Encourage individual farmers and farmer groups to plant woodlots that will produce appropriate firewood, while maintaining a diversity of native tree species. Potential Areas For Improvement Clearly establish the economics of cultivation of marginal areas (steep slopes, shallow soils, high pH areas, poorly drained land) and convert those which are not profitable to wildlife reserves. Work with international and local initiatives to encourage biodiversity, minimise use of ecotoxic pesticides, put in place IPM (page 08) and adopt conservation measures for rare or endangered species that use the farm as a habitat. Co-operate with national museums and biodiversity research programmes to assess and document biodiversity of estates and surrounding areas. Join efforts on a broader (landscape) scale to consider areas of forest, or similar reserve, which may be needed to support stable populations of desirable species. Achieving larger reserves to support biodiversity will usually require working with other estates/land owners and public sectorbodies.
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