Scientists Propose Rewilding and Wildlife-friendly Agriculture to Preserve Biodiversity

A study from the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology found that setting aside at least 20% of agricultural landscapes for rewilding and adopting wildlife-friendly practices on remaining farmland could reverse biodiversity declines while maintaining food production. One of the study authors explains, “Our proposed approach moves beyond land sparing versus land sharing. We believe rewilding can be interwoven into agricultural landscapes and could be key to maintaining food production in a way that is sustainable in the long term for people and the planet.” The study’s authors propose practices such as creating “green corridors,” reduced fertilizer and pesticide use, flower strips for pollinators and invertebrates that provide natural pest control, and free-range grazing. The researchers point out that rewilding can increase crop yields on surrounding agricultural land through greater soil protection, natural pest control and pollination. They say farmers can also compensate for potential loss of production by reducing inputs, increasing resilience, and earning incentives for protecting biodiversity.