Agroecology: Important Tool for Biodiversity Conservation

Agroecology is an important tool for biodiversity conservation. It contributes to ecosystem resilience, promotes food security, and supports sustainable agriculture.

“We face a high level of ecosystem vulnerability. Up to 81% of the country’s territory is at risk of desertification, while biodiversity is under significant pressure due to a range of environmental and agricultural factors. For example, land degradation affects approximately 70% of land resources; nearly 29% of agricultural land remains uncultivated; more than 50% of pastures are degraded; around 50% of arable land is used inefficiently; and water resources are not managed effectively,” noted Knarik Grigoryan, an expert from the NGO Armenian Women for Health and Healthy Environment, during a working meeting held in Yerevan.

She emphasized the role of agrobiodiversity in agriculture, highlighting its contribution to crop resilience, food security, and the maintenance of ecological balance.

“There is a noticeable loss of agrobiodiversity in agriculture, including the disappearance of local varieties, a decline in genetic diversity, and increasing vulnerability. The reasons include competition from low-cost imported products, high production costs, a shortage of agricultural machinery, and limited knowledge among farmers. Faced with high expenses, low productivity, and insufficient income, many rural residents are abandoning agricultural activities,” said Knarik Grigoryan.

The expert proposed wider application of agroecological approaches to address challenges in the agricultural sector.

“There are approximately 387,000 farms in Armenia, the majority of which are small-scale holdings. It is necessary to diversify crops, use traditional varieties, develop agroforestry practices, improve pasture management, and minimize the use of pesticides,” Knarik Grigoryan noted.

The workshop was organized by the NGO Armenian Women for Health and Healthy Environment within the framework of the project “Enhancing the Role of Women in Communities Adjacent to Protected Areas in Armenia,” funded by the international organization Women Engage for a Common Future (WECF).