How to conserve native plants and agrobiodiversity?

Native plants have adapted to the climate conditions of an area through years of evolution. They grow long roots that can tap water from water tables at relatively lower depth. Thus, they require less water which saves water, time and money. They can survive droughts and require less maintenance. Native plants are usually non-invasive. Having evolved with the community, they have natural predators that help to keep them in check. Native plants and wildlife have evolved together over centuries to form symbiotic relationships. They provide food and shelter to various butterflies, birds and mammals. In return, insects, birds and mammals help in pollination. Non-native species disturb the local food web. This can even cause the extinction of plant and animal species. It is a well-recognized fact that the bee population is declining. Bees provide their essential service to get food on our tables. Without them, humans will have to resort to artificially pollinating plants. So, it is necessary to bring focus on native plants and traditional practices.

These people’s biodiversity registers can be a unique guide for people to refer to and understand indigenous species in their area. Plants can be grown based on that knowledge. Food, nutrition and, livelihood security depend on the sustained management of diverse biological resources. Thus, the most important aspect of this initiative has been to document the agrobiodiversity.

Many components of agrobiodiversity depend on humans and local knowledge is an integral part of agrobiodiversity management. Agrobiodiversity conservation includes setting up community seed banks, kitchen and community gardens. Farmers are encouraged to use indigenous seeds and adopt soil and water conservation techniques. Traditional varieties of seeds should be conserved for future use because they are more resilient to droughts and unpredictable weather conditions.

Individuals can add a native plant to one’s garden or balcony. Plant nurseries are a great source for native plants and gardening information specific to any area. People can identify plants, learn about them, observe gardens and note the biodiversity that the plant attracts. Each community should take responsibility to collect stories and revive traditional practices. People of all ages should be welcome to participate in discussions. Essentially, humans need to create symbiotic relationship with plants just like that among bees and plants.

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