Umbria is particularly rich in natural assets, including both popular attractions (like the Marmore falls) and hidden gems to discover. That is the case of the Sources of Clitunno, in Italian Fonti del Clitunno, which are beautiful springs located within a natural park in the lovely town of Campello sul Clitunno, nestled between Spoleto and Foligno. If you’re planning to go there for your next day trip, keep reading to find out more.

The Natural Park Of The Sources Of Clitunno

The park, which covers approximately 10.000 square metres, includes the sources of the river Clitunno, a tributary of Topino. By gushing from the springs, the water creates a wonderful crystal-clear body of water, which is the right place to house several animal and plant species.

Along the way you can admire the magnificence of the willow trees, but also the elegance of the swans, herons, and coots. You can also find ducks, gees, and other aquatic animals.

Other than being a real gem of biodiversity, the Sources of Clitunno are a true idyllic place, whose view has enchanted and inspired poets of the stature of Virgil, Pliny the Younger, Carducci, and Lord Byron. Specifically, the latter provides us with a wonderful description of the water of the river in the fourth book of “Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage”.

The Temple Of Clitunno

Situated about one kilometer from the Sources of Clitunno, the temple of Clitunno is in all likelihood un a Paleochristian place of worship that dates back to the 4th or 5th century. However, its shape, which resembles a Corinthian temple, has raised some doubts about its origin. As a matter of fact, some historians believe that it is actually a Roman temple, while others consider that it belongs to the Lombard era.

Despite the mystery associated with its origin, the temple of Clitunno is definitely a must-see for park visitors, who appreciate its lovely appearance and the sculptures and inscriptions that can be found inside.

Allow yourself to be charmed by the magic of the Sources of Clitunno and the close temple: discover a little-known area of Umbria that will definitely be able to amaze you!

The article Sources Of Clitunno: A Full Immersion In The Umbrian Nature was originally posted on Ecobnb.

Sustainable agriculture is an essential practice that harmonizes the needs of plants, animals, and humans while ensuring long-term ecological balance and resource conservation. By adopting environmentally friendly techniques and promoting ethical practices, sustainable agriculture aims to provide food security, protect biodiversity, conserve natural resources, and support thriving rural communities. This article delves into different facets of sustainable agriculture, including soil management and crop production practices, as well as water conservation, biodiversity conservation, animal welfare, social and economic considerations, technology and innovation, and policy and advocacy activities.

Soil Management and Conservation

The foundation of agriculture lies in the soil, with its vitality and well-being being paramount for sustained food production. Sustainable agricultural practices prioritize techniques like crop rotation, cover cropping, and organic farming methods to enhance soil quality, mitigate erosion, and facilitate nutrient cycling. By avoiding excessive chemical inputs and promoting organic matter accumulation, farmers can preserve soil health, reduce the risk of pollution, and maintain productive farmland for future generations.

Reduced-Risk Pesticides and Least-Toxic Alternatives  

Before, there have been numerous cases highlighting the negative effects of traditional chemical pesticides. Roundup, a widely used herbicide with glyphosate as its primary ingredient, has received substantial investigation due to its probable carcinogenic qualities. Numerous studies and legal proceedings have brought forth significant concerns regarding the development of different cancer types resulting from exposure to Roundup, such as non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, pediatric brain cancer, and several other illnesses.

To address the issues, the adoption of Least-Toxic Alternatives and Reduced-Risk Pesticides has become a pressing need. This approach prioritizes pest management methods with minimal adverse effects on human health and the environment. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques have gained prominence in this regard, emphasizing the reduction of chemical pesticide reliance and the promotion of sustainable practices. By implementing IPM and other least-toxic alternatives, individuals in agriculture, horticulture, and pest control can effectively manage pests while mitigating the potential negative impacts on soil health, biodiversity, and human health. These approaches strive to strike a balance between effective pest control and the preservation of environmental and human well-being.

Sustainable Crop Production Techniques

Sustainable agriculture encourages the use of diverse and resilient crop production techniques to ensure long-term productivity. Integrated pest management (IPM) strategies help reduce reliance on synthetic pesticides by promoting natural pest control methods, such as beneficial insects and crop rotation. Agroforestry, a practice that combines trees with agricultural crops, enhances biodiversity, reduces water runoff, and sequesters carbon dioxide. Precision agriculture, utilizing advanced technologies like sensors and drones, enables farmers to optimize resource use and reduce waste.

Water Conservation and Management

Water scarcity is a pressing global issue, making efficient water management crucial for sustainable agriculture. Implementing techniques like drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and precision irrigation can significantly reduce water usage and increase crop water-use efficiency. Sustainable agriculture also promotes the preservation and restoration of wetlands, rivers, and other natural water sources, ensuring water availability for ecosystems and future agricultural needs.

Biodiversity Conservation

Preserving biodiversity plays a crucial role in ensuring sustainable agriculture by fostering natural pest control, pollination, and ecosystem resilience. Farmers can encourage biodiversity by establishing wildlife habitats, creating buffer zones, and implementing agroecological practices. Farmers may enhance the presence of beneficial insects, birds, and other animals on their fields by protecting and restoring native ecosystems. These organisms are critical to the health and balance of the ecosystem.

Animal Welfare and Livestock Management

Sustainable agriculture places a strong emphasis on animal welfare and ethical livestock management. It promotes practices that ensure animals are treated with respect, have access to adequate space, and appropriate nutrition, and are raised in a stress-free environment. Pasture-based systems, rotational grazing, and humane handling practices are some examples of sustainable livestock management techniques that prioritize animal welfare while minimizing environmental impact.

Social and Economic Considerations

Sustainable agriculture recognizes the importance of supporting rural communities, promoting fair trade, and fostering social equity. It promotes a deeper connection between local farmers and consumers by emphasizing the significance of local food systems, farm-to-table initiatives, and community-supported agriculture (CSA). Sustainable agriculture contributes to healthy rural economies and societal well-being by paying fair salaries, supporting rural lives, and offering opportunities for small-scale farmers.

Technology and Innovation in Sustainable Agriculture

Advancements in technology and innovation play a significant role in terms of sustainable agriculture. From precision agriculture tools and remote sensing to genetic engineering and biotechnology, these innovations offer opportunities for more efficient resource management, reduced environmental impact, and increased productivity. Nonetheless, it is crucial to exercise prudent judgment when utilizing such technologies, considering both the potential hazards and ethical ramifications.

Policy and Advocacy for Sustainable Agriculture

To create a supportive environment for sustainable agriculture, policies, and advocacy efforts are essential. The notion of collaboration between international organizations, governments, and civil society is essential in constructing and implementing policies that promote the widespread adoption of sustainable practices. Additionally, these entities can provide financial assistance and facilitate research and education initiatives to further advance this field. The crucial role of advocacy cannot be overstated as it acts as a catalyst for raising awareness about the numerous benefits associated with sustainable agriculture. Moreover, advocacy serves as a powerful tool for influencing public opinion and propelling policy changes at various levels, be it local, regional, or global.

Conclusion

In conclusion, sustainable agriculture practices offer a viable path toward a more resilient and equitable food system. We can minimize the adverse effects of traditional farming, safeguard our natural resources, and even secure a sustainable future for generations to come by placing importance on the requirements of animals, plants, and humans. We can alter our agricultural systems and achieve a peaceful balance that benefits both human well-being and the health of our planet if we work together.

Foto di no one cares su Unsplash

The article Sustainable Agriculture Practices: Balancing the Needs of Plants, Animals, and Humans was originally posted on Ecobnb.

Let’s discover together the ranking of the most beautiful and richest naturalistic sites according to the World Economic Forum.

The World Economic Forum has ranked 136 nations on the basis of their natural resources, taking into account the number of natural sites, the total number of species and protected areas, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Here are the 15 perfect destinations for sustainable travel, for a real experience of ecotourism.

15. Kenya

Kenya, one of the places richer in naturalistic sites and one of the best ecotourism destinations in the world

Let’s fly to Africa, discovering the heart of the continent, between landscapes that change every few meters, between sea, savanna, and mountain. Kenya houses an amazing variety of fauna, including giraffes, gnu, cheetahs, lions, and rhinos. Here you will find Mount Kenya, the second-highest mountain in Africa, and white beaches that leave breathless. Then it will be impossible not to suffer desiring to going back.

14. Indonesia

Rainforests, white beaches, fragrances, and indelible flavors. And also the amazing Komodo National Park. Indonesia is a wonderful place to discover, where the only world-famous dragonflies in Komodo live, the world’s largest Sauro.

13. France

Perhaps the most when thinking about France does not think about nature, but in the country, you find the largest canyon in Europe, the beautiful Bordeaux vineyards and the beaches of the Côte d’Azur and much more. In addition, the Reunion Island, the Indian Ocean, and New Caledonia, the Pacific Ocean, are part of the French state and offer incredible naturalistic scenarios.

12. Italy

We have said and repeated so many times: Italy is not only art and culture, but also immense natural landscapes, from mountain to sea. The country houses half of the plant species and about a third of all animal species in Europe.

11. Ecuador

In Ecuador, you will find rich biodiversity and a wide variety of ecosystems. The Galapagos Islands are then one of the few places left in the world where nature reigns uncontaminated, and the man remains little more than a guest.

10. United States

The United States, with its amazing natural parks, is one of the best ecotourism destinations in the world

The United States has its tenth position thanks to its 58 national parks, including the Grand Canyon, Yosemite National Park, and Papahānaumokuākea. A wild beauty that spans between different ecosystems and really deserves to be seen and lived.

9. Spain

Here we are again in Europe, discovering nature and the National Parks of Spain, such as Doñana National Park, in Andalusia, which hosts five species of threatened birds, and the Garajonay National Park in the Canary Islands.

8. Tanzania

We return to Africa to discover Mount Kilimanjaro that with its 5,895 meters is the highest mountain on the continent and Serengeti National Park, one of the world’s most important natural protected areas and where one of the most important natural events in the world can be admired, the migration of thousands of gnu, antelopes, and gazelles.

7. Thailand

14% of the surface, both terrestrial and marine, of Thailand, is made up of protected areas. The country has over 110 national parks and protected areas, ranging from plains to rainforests, mangroves to some of the world’s most beautiful islands.

6. Australia

Australia, one of the best ecotourism destinations in the world

If we talk about bizarre and sometimes dangerous animals, Australia is always the protagonist. In fact, here there are many endemic species of animals. Here is also the Great Barrier Reef, an extraordinarily rich ecosystem and fundamental to the biodiversity of the planet, but it is dying because of climate change.

5. China

Despite being one of the most polluting countries in the world, China also has a large number of natural resources. Stunning bamboo forests, the Blue River, Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong, the incredible Sichuan National Parks are just a few examples.

4. Peru

Not only is there an incomparable archaeological wealth, but also immense natural landscapes, especially mountainous. In the Huascarán National Park, there are several endangered species, such as the eyewear bear and the Andean condor.

3. Costa Rica

Costa Rica, one of the greenest countries and one of the best ecotourism destinations in the world

We got to the podium. In the lowest step, we find Costa Rica, which hides, despite its small size, invaluable naturalistic heritage. The country boasts the largest biodiversity per square kilometer of land.

2. Mexico

Virgin forests, biosphere reserves, and truly unbelievable native nature: Mexico is perhaps the most eager destination for eco-travelers, so it’s no surprise the second place’s win.

1. Brazil

Brazil and Amazonia Forest, one of the most relevant ecotourism destinations in the world

And in the first place of the ranking, we find Brazil, characterized by a wealth of natural resources among the most diverse in the world. There are very few places in the world that have not yet been fully explored, and the Amazonian Forest is one of these.

The article Ecotourism: the best destinations in the world was originally posted on Ecobnb.

“If the bee disappeared off the face of the Earth, man would only have four years left to live”. This famous quote, usually attributed to Albert Einstein, explains well how the future of the planet depends on these insects. Find out what you can do to protect them!

For some people, bees are just small insects that fly from flower to flower and produce honey. Actually, the future of the planet and the maintenance of global biodiversity depend on these small animals. Then, what would happen in a world without bees? Why are these insects so important and what can we do to preserve them? Keep reading to find out!

Why are Bees so Important?

Bees are fundamental insects for us and our planet. More than 70% of the food we eat every day depends on their daily activity of pollination.
Apples, pears, chestnuts, citrus fruits, cherries, apricots, watermelons, plums, melons, almonds, zucchini, carrots, cabbages, onions, and garlic are just some of the many foods which would not exist without bees.

But not only: there are cultures that do not exclusively depend on bees for pollination, but that produce a larger harvest when these insects transport the pollen from flower to flower.

In addition, we do not have to forget the key role that bees play in the production process of new seeds of horticultural plants.
Bees are also fundamental for the pollinations of forage plants, like clover and alfalfa, essential for livestock nutrition.

Without bees, we could not even drink coffee and eat chocolate.

Bees and Biodiversity

Bees are very important also for the environment. Almost 90% of wild and spontaneous plant species depend, for its reproduction and diffusion, on the pollination of bees. This role has become more central due to the progressive disappearance of other wild pollinators.

Counting that in the world there are about 350,000 wild plants and those cultivated are around 200, it is clear how the impact of these small insects is substantial and fundamental for our planet, biodiversity and ecosystem preservation.

According to the data collected by 3Bee, an agri-tech startup that develops remote monitoring systems for hives, this year a loss of more than 30% of bees was registered.

But what do we mean when we talk about biodiversity?

We can define biodiversity as the richness of life present on the Earth: plants, animals, microorganisms, fungi, biotic agents… Basically, all the variety of life that characterizes our planet.

The complex ties and the interactions between the environment and this community of organisms, which live in harmony, constitute the different ecosystems of our planet, which are deeply interconnected with each other.

Bees, therefore, as well as pollinators in general, provide a daily ecosystem regulation service, and, in this way, also a service of biodiversity preservation.

Bees Measure the Health of the Planet

This quote underlines the importance of bees for our life and biodiversity

Bees are important to understand the state of health of the environment in which they live. By flying from flower to flower to collect nectar, pollen, honeydew, water, and propolis, they can also intercept any kind of pollutants, that can also lead to the death of the hive.

For this reason, an environment where bees flourish is a safe environment, where we too can live well.

Threats and Risks for Bees

However, environmental pollution it’s not the only problem that bees are facing. Climate change, depletion of natural habitats, diseases, parasites, and overuse of pesticides represent a constant and growing threat to the survival and wellbeing of bees.

Several species of wild and solitary bees are already at risk of extinction, but even the most common honey bees do not farewell.

What are the main threats to bees?

1. Climate change: swings in temperature and a crazy climate have disastrous consequences on the life of bees.
2. Pesticides: some pesticides used in agriculture, the neonicotinoids, besides driving the nervous system of some insects crazy, lead also bees to death
3. Intensive agriculture: monocultures greatly reduce the variety of plants and flowers, which are fundamental resources for the survival of bees.

The Key Role of Beekeepers

photo via Canva PRO

Thanks to beekeepers the situation is not catastrophic. The beekeeper, by treating the hives, is taking care also of their health and survival. The intervention of beekeepers is fundamental to protect bees from those parasites that, if not kept under control, could lead to the collapse of entire apiaries, and not only.

Beekeepers give fundamental support to their bees during the most difficult periods of the year. When, due to the crazy climate, bees can not find nourishment anymore, the beekeeper save them from certain death by providing them with support nutrition. The work of beekeepers is therefore fundamental for bees. Without them, there would be unimaginable consequences. But being a beekeeper becomes increasingly difficult.

5 Things you can Do to Protect Bee

1. Plant Flowers and Trees that Attract Bees

As we have already seen, one of the main threats to bees is the loss of biodiversity and the lack of places where they can find food. In the cities, flowers and green areas are increasingly rare. For this reason, if you have a terrace or a garden you can plant some of the favorite flowers of these insects. If instead, you have more space, planting a tree is a fantastic way to protect bees and fight climate change. In fact, bees take the majority of their nectar from flowers and trees. In addition, the resin and the leaves provide to these insects a fundamental material for building their nests. Always remember to choose local plants and flowers with various periods of blooming.

Photo by T S on Unsplash

2. Support Bees and Beekeepers

Do you want to do something to protect bees? One of the most important things is sure to support beekeepers, who take care of the well-being of pollinating insects every day. For example, by buying organic honey from local beekeepers you can support them and their work. In this way you can support the virtuous beekeeping realities, which take on the well-being and the survival of bees, and therefore also of the planet.

Photo by Marian Holub

3. Cultivate the Garden in an Organic and Natural Way

If you have a garden, do not use chemicals. Follow the permaculture and the principles of organic agriculture instead. Pesticides, herbicides (in particular the neonicotinoids) and fertilizers are harmful to bees and cause their death. Use organic products and natural fertilizers, like compost or coffee grounds. In addition, you can use beneficial insects, like ladybugs, which keep the parasites away.

And then, let the grass grow. The lawn is poor in biodiversity, while a wilder garden, with grass and flowers, besides being eco-friendly, will make bees happy!

Photo by CanvaPro

4. Choose Local, Organic, and Seasonal Food

Even if, apparently, it may seem off-topic, this tip is actually really bee-friendly. By buying organic and local food, you will support fair and sustainable supply chains. At the same time, you will not encourage industrial agriculture, which uses pesticides, chemicals, and herbicides, threatening our little friends, the bees.

photo via canva pro

5. Build a Hotel for Bees

Honeybees are not the only existing species. There are also other species of solitary bees that are equally fundamental for pollination. In order to help these bees, which do not manage to find the right place for building a refuge, you can easily build a perfect tiny house for wild bees, and place it in your garden or balcony. In addition, you can create a small pond for thirsty bees by putting some water in a bowl and some rocks where bees can land and drink during hot days.

The article Bees, the Queens of Biodiversity: How and Why to Protect Them was originally posted on Ecobnb.

According to a study of the University of Sydney, 64% of agricultural fields around the world are in danger due to pesticide pollution, and one-third of these areas are at very high risk. This research has analysed the usage and spread of 92 active pesticide ingredients in 168 Countries and has examined the danger of contamination for the soil, the atmosphere and the surface waters. The results are clearly worrying, such a high probability of pollution involves serious damage to human health and to the natural environment. Moreover, the consumption of pesticides is expected to increase with population growth, which is estimated to reach 8.5 billion people by the year 2030.

Consequences of Pesticides on Biodiversity

Photo by Coralie Meurice on Unsplash

A recent conveign of ISPRA (Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research) has underlined pesticides consequences on biodiversity. 108 types of natural habitats have been indicated as sensitive to pesticides and half of these appear in a very poor condition. A research on three crop types (rice fields, vineyards and hazel groves) has been developed and, as markers pesticide impact, some groups of species have been searched: soil microorganisms, plants, wild bees, dragonflies, butterflies, reptiles, amphibians and bats. A higher number of species and larger populations have been found in the farms with organic agriculture.

Still regarding pesticides consequences on biodiversity, WWF has identified pollution as the major factor of pressure on habitats. Specifically, agricultural activities that involve pesticides are responsible for 48% of pollution-related pressures.

Where do pesticides end up?

Photo by Dan Meyers on Unsplash

Plants absorb half of the dose directed to them, and, while infesting plants usually degrade the herbicide to nontoxic products, cultivated plants don’t always metabolise it and as a consequence the pesticide remains as a residue.

Other parts of the plant protection product end up in the soil, in the water and/or in the air, causing damage both to humans and wild animals: two examples of this are the difficulty of hatching pheasant and partitrice eggs and/or the birth of malformed chicks.

Pesticides in the Water

As regarding waters, those affected by pesticide leaching are groundwater, where it goes a percentage between 0.5% and 2%, and surface runoff, where it ends a percentage between 0.01% and 1%.

Pesticides in the Air

Talking about air, the percentage of pesticide released in the atmosphere varies depending on the physical state of the pesticide itself. A percentage up to 5% of the total is spread from substances in the form of spray, while the quantity is minimal from liquid and solid substances.

Pesticides in the Soil

Lastly, in the soil it ends up the highest percentage of pesticide, between 50% and 90%. When the plant protection product penetrates in the ground, it can be metabolised, with a consequent degradation, or transported, with a consequent persistence of the pesticide.

The degradation process requires that the molecules is reduced to simple compounds (water, carbon dioxide, organic salts) and can be of three types: biologic, through the microorganisms that live in the ground, photochemical, when solar infiltrations cause oxidation, and chemical, thanks to hydrolysis reactions in the soil, in the water and in the plants.

On the other hand, when the pesticide persists through time, it occurs a phenomenon called “ecotoxicity”, which means that the pesticide modifies the life of organisms. An example of ecotoxicity is the increase of desiderability of poisonous plants, which were not usually eaten by the animals.

Consequences of Pesticides on Human Health

Photo by Emma Simpson on Unsplash

Now let’s talk about the consequences of pesticides on human health. Among the populations that are more in contact with pesticides, it has been observed an increase in mortality due to Parkinson’s disease, in spontaneous abortion, in malformations, in childhood cancer and also a higher occurrence of damage to neurodevelopment and autism spectrum disorder.

In addition, looking at the pandemic of Covid-19, in the areas with intensive agriculture they have been registered 134 virus infections every 100 square kilometres, while in other areas without intensive agriculture the number drops to 49 cases. This happens because the exposure to pesticides impairs the natural defence system against diseases.

The people most at risk of incurring in damage to their health are of course farmers, but also passers-by and people living up to 8 kilometres from the agricultural land.

A concrete example of these serious consequences can be seen in the Non Valley, the Apple Valley in Trentino (Italy). There, out of 34 people it has been found the presence of 10 pesticides and fungicides.

Situation in Trentino

Photo by Shelby Smith on Unsplash

More in general, by the way, the Autonomous Province of Trento, after Veneto, is the second biggest consumer of plant protection products in Italy, with 54 kilos per hectare.

In addition, in Trentino 130 toxic substances (above the national average) have been found in 52% of surface water, while fortunately they have not been encountered in groundwater. As concerns the quality of water sources in the Province, mountain areas have a good water quality, while in the areas with intensive farming (Non Valley, Valsugana, Bleggio, Adige Valley) the quality is significantly lower.

Strategies of Autonomous Province of Trento

However, the institutions of the Autonomous Province of Trento have implemented some strategies in order to improve the situation: firstly, they have aimed at increasing lands cultivated with organic farming. Secondly, they are focusing on monitoring the waters, with an assessment of quality on every source, in order to reach a good condition within a given year.

The institutions have also made deals with farmers associations, which have led to a change of operating mode: an example is the elimination in 2017 of certain insecticides, which have never been found again.

Residues of Pesticides on Fruit and Vegetables

Photo of Markus Spiske on Unsplash

In addition to damage to health caused by the contamination of waters, air and lands, also the problem of residues of pesticides on fruit and vegetables should be mentioned.

Legambiente, in its last report “Stop Pesticides” of 2020, after analysing several samples of fruit and vegetables, has underlined the fact that pesticides residues have been found in half of these products, and, more specifically, in 70% of the fruit. 1.2% of the samples have resulted as illegal, while 46.8% of regular samples have shown traces of one or more pesticides.

As written, the peak was found in the fruit: residues have been reported in 89.2% of table grapes, in 85.9% of the pears (in some samples 11 residues have been found at the same time), in 83.5% of peaches and as regarding apples 75.9% of regular cases with residues have been reported, while 1.8% of samples have resulted as illegal.

The situation gets better with vegetables, since 64% of samples did not show any residue, but on the other hand a lot of cases with high percentages of illegality have been found: 8.1% of peppers, 6.3% of stem vegetables and over 4% of legumes. Two types of irregularities have been reported: in 54.4% of cases maximum residue limits have been exceeded, while in 17.6% of samples some illegal pesticides have been used. Lastly, in 19.1% of samples both these situations were present.

As concerns the examined foreign samples, chinese products were illegal in 38% of the cases and one goji berry contained 10 residues on average, while green tea presented 7 residues. Regarding the products from Turkey, a percentage of 23% of irregular samples have been found and at the third place products made in Argentina have been reported as illegal in 15% of the cases.

Multi-residues have been found in 27.6% of total cases, while mono-residue in 17.3%. In any case, multi-residue is more harmful, since the interactions of different active substances cause toxic effects on the body.

As regards organic agriculture, 353 samples out of 359 have resulted as regular and without any residue.

Strategies of European Union

Photo by Sara Kurfeß on Unsplash

In conclusion, in order to solve the problem of pesticides in the grounds and at the table, the European Union has started up two main strategies to be carried out by the year 2030: “Farm to Fork” and “Biodiversity 2030”. These measures require a reduction of 50% of consumption of pesticides, of 20% of fertilizers and of 50% of antibiotics in factory farming. In addition, they aim to create a 10% of natural areas for biodiversity in the farms.

Conclusion

What is certain is that such a systematic and invasive use of pesticides can lead to the ruin of the natural environment and human health. That is why everyone (individual citizens, farmers, institutions etc.) must play their part, informing themselves and acting conscientiously.

Sources: Greenme.it (Research of University of Sydney about Agricolutral fields in danger due to pesticides); Repubblica.it, Rinnovabili.it and Legambiente.it (Conveign ISPRA, WWF, Stregies EU, Report “Stop Pesticides 2020” of Legambiente); Scienzaegoverno.org (Association Centro Studi l’Uomo e l’Ambiente about Consequences of pesticides); LAdige.it, IlDolomiti.it (Research of Association Medici per l’Ambiente about Consequences of pesticides in the Non Valley and Trentino)

The article Choose Best, Not Pest! was originally posted on Ecobnb.

We are what we eat. Do you know this idiom?

The Chatham House report does the talking. The current global food system is one of the principal drivers of biodiversity loss. We are facing a continuous acceleration towards an avoidable extinction of entire ecosystems, including ours. But we can make a difference in preventing biodiversity loss and preserve ecosystems.

The new Chatham House report, Food System Impacts on Biodiversity Loss, supported by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and Compassion in World Farming, explores the issue and describes three actions towards food system transformation in support of biodiversity.

Biodiversity: why is it so important?

On Freepik,  wirestock – it.freepik.com

Biodiversity allows the creation of ecosystems of interacting individual organisms – across animal and plant species- that contribute to the preservation of key processes crucial in maintaining our planet’s health.

An example? Every year, terrestrial and marine ecosystems remove 60% of carbon emissions thus sustaining the quality of air, water, and land.

It’s not a secret that exposure to natural spaces brings many benefits with it. As a matter of fact, biodiversity has clear positive impacts not only on the environment but also on humans’ lives through both physical and psychological well-being.

What are we doing wrong?

Our current food system is a double edged sword – shaped by decades of the “cheaper food” paradigm, aimed at producing more food, quickly and cheaply without taking into account the hidden costs to biodiversity and its life-supporting services – and to our own health. – Susan Gardner, Director of UNEP’s Ecosystems Division

Society’s need for continuous consumption has now erased the idea of healthy and aware eating.

To maintain the rhythms of demand, agriculture and farming have increased the use of fertilizers, pesticides, consumption of energy, land, and water and fall into a vicious circle where at a lower cost, the demand for food increases, leading to intensive production systems.

This system of production drives biodiversity loss and represents a major cause of climate change, accounting for around 30% of total human-produced emissions.

Following mindful eating and consumption habits would make a great difference in preventing biodiversity loss and helping with its safeguard.

Consequences

Agriculture alone is the identified threat to 24,000 of the 28,000 (86%) species at risk of extinction while the nonstop increase of agricultural land leads to the destruction of biodiversity, endangering natural ecosystems essential for the life and survival of fauna and flora.

How to reverse the course? 3 actions to preserve biodiversity

On Freepik, jcomp – it.freepik.com

We are now very clear about the causes and consequences of our eating habits. How to preserve biodiversity? Here are three actions in support of biodiversity and of a more sustainable lifestyle.

1. Diets richer in vegetables

Considering the environmental impact, the production of vegetables is less invasive, and lower consumption of meat would not only contribute to the preservation of biodiversity but would slow down climate change and offer us a healthier and more balanced lifestyle.

Nowadays we produce more than we consume causing a huge quantity of wasted food that amounts to 1.3 tons per year!
At this point, reducing the demand for food does not mean eating less, but feeding ourselves with awareness.

2. Protection of nature

If we root for a return of rich biodiversity, we must start with restoring whole ecosystems with a first step towards the downsizing of agricultural land.

3. Responsible farming methods

It’s all about attitude!
We should look at farming with new eyes and value the quality and life of animals, reducing intensive farming.
We should think of agriculture as a polyculture practice free from fertilizers, pesticides, and other chemicals.

Photo by Antonia Orell

Biodiversity is one of the Earth’s greatest beauties. Its colours, sounds and scents amaze us whenever we stop to observe the simplicity of everyday life. Ecobnb moves in this direction by offering locally produced foods and local culinary experiences.

Studies and reports show us how three simple actions can make a difference in safeguarding biodiversity. So, why not give it a try?

The article Biodiversity: why is it important and how to preserve it was originally posted on Ecobnb.

According to a new study, forests defend us from viruses and pandemics, while deforestation causes them to spread

Covid-19 has had a negative impact on our lives but it has taught us how much the survival of our species depends on nature. A very recent study, published in the scientific journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science, confirms the relationship between deforestation and the spread of Pandemics. Forests are a natural antivirus as they protect biodiversity which in turn protects us from the spread of viruses.

The study shows that infectious disease outbreaks spread more easily in areas where deforestation has occurred. Furthermore, scientists show that monoculture plantations are just as dangerous and are equally likely to increase infectious disease outbreaks. These crops based on a single plant species greatly reduce natural biodiversity, which plays a crucial role in keeping the spread of viruses and pandemics in check.

Deforestation, Biodiversity Loss and Pandemics according to Biology

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As the number of viruses increases at a staggering rate, the link between biodiversity and the protection of our species becomes undeniable. Imagine the world we live in is made of a chain of puzzle pieces, which is meant to come together and create a much bigger picture in the big scheme of things. Every segment of the chain has a purpose, and every time a piece gets lost, the damage done to the entire puzzle is utterly irreparable.

This simple concept explains the network of ecosystems that inhabit our only planet.
If the survival of one ecosystem is jeopardized, then so is our species. The land we walk, the water we drink, the produce we harvest, are the inevitable byproduct of the interrelation between human health and biodiversity.

Research shows that the current climate crisis has been exacerbating the precarious conditions we live in as we face Covid-19. Scientists agree that environmental phenomena such as deforestation, drought, and intensive agriculture have cut a swathe through a variety of species that are meant to protect us from harmful pathogens, therefore leading to their worldwide spread.

An Example: How Palm Oil Monoculture Destroys Biodiversity

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Take the incredibly sought-after palm oil: its production entails the complete eradication of specialized species which are naturally meant to inhabit a tropical ecosystem and protect it. As palm oil trees are planted, the bioavailability of organic substances in soil plummets drastically, therefore leading to a lack of nutrients in vegetation, which is then consumed by famished fauna.

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The destruction of this precious habitat has resulted in the endangerment of many species such as orangutans, which according to IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), is meant to amount to only 47.000 specimens in 2025. As we turn a blind eye to this saddening catastrophe, other generalized species such as rats, flies, and mosquitos proliferate extensively.

Conclusions

Loss of biodiversity and an increase in pandemics are two sides of the same coin. Evidence now evident points out that the proliferation of generalist species, caused by intensive deforestation, leads to the irreversible spread of dangerous viruses and pathogens all over the world. And its ultimate destination seems to be humanity itself.

By protecting the ecosystem and forests, we can defend ourselves against pandemics and the terrible consequences they entail.

The article Forests are our antivirus! A new study demonstrates the relationship between Pandemics and Deforestation was originally posted on Ecobnb.

Most of us are food lovers. We buy, we cook, we eat, we waste. But have you thought, where all the food waste ends up? And what is the environmental footprint of it?

Food waste is a major problem of this age. On one side of the world, starving children are begging for a piece of bread. Not so far away, people are throwing the food to trash daily. Wasting food is not only an ethical issue but it also depletes the environment of limited natural resources. Our behaviour is basically not sustainable anymore.

Some facts about Food Waste

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1/3 of all food produced is wasted

Did you know, that 1/3 of all food produced globally is wasted? Imagine you have done your grocery shopping. Let’s say that you bought three bags of food. On the way from shop to your car, one bag will fall you down. You don’t care, overstep it and continue your way. Sounds crazy, right? But this is what the world do. Constantly, every year. By the way, this costs us $1 trillion and our food waste weighs 1.3 billion tonnes.

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Food waste as a country

China is the fourth largest country in the world (right after Russia, Canada and USA). We need area larger than China to grow food we never eat (Source). If the food waste was a country, it would be the 3^rd largest emitter of greenhouse gasses.

China, Photo by Qingbao Meng on Unsplash

EU and USA

In the European Union, around 88 million tons of food are wasted annually. This costs us 143 billion euros.
USA waste 40% of produced food. In the same time, one in eight Americans struggles to put enough food on the table.

Households are the problem

In most developed countries, over half of the food waste takes place in homes. This costs an average USA family around $2,275 every year. UK families throw away £700 yearly. Interesting fact is, that food waste in the retail store level is less than 2% of total food waste.

Photo by Jessica Mullen via Flickr

What about the future?

By 2050, it is calculated that 2.3 billion people is joining the planet. This will require a 60-70% increase in global food production. Already now, nearly one billion of hungry people could be fed on less than a quarter of the food that is wasted in the US, UK and Europe. Don’t wasting the food and using it rationally is therefore important step for the future… and present as well.

Food waste and sustainability

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No doubt that food waste isn’t sustainable to the future and it is not sustainable now either. Some may object that food waste can be sustainable in some point. Yes, a small percentage of food waste is used for example to fertilize the soil. Unfortunately, we are talking about very small percentage and it is still not enough to say that food waste could be sustainable as well.

Water

Agriculture uses 70% of the global freshwater withdrawal. In the same time, 25% of the water is used to grow food, which is wasted. This represents almost 3 times the volume of Lake Geneva, or the annual water discharge of the Volga River. Water is a key constraint to the global security. With wasting the food, the water is squandered. Did you know, that meat, cereals and fruit are the major contributors to the blue water footprint of food waste?

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Land

We are decreasing the quality of soil. Intensive farming of nowadays don´t allow the soil to lie fallow and replenish. This decrease the fertility of soil.  The soil is under the pressure, what leads to further use of synthetic inputs. Major contributors to land occupation of food wastage are meat and milk.

Climate Change

Fossil-fuel energy is very important for food and agriculture systems. In every aspect of food production, petroleum is used.  Food waste usually ends up on landfills, where it discomposes anaerobically. This causes methane emissions, possible greenhouse gas. Carbon food print of food waste has been estimated at 3.3 Gtonnes of CO2eq. This is more than double the total GHG emissions of all USA road transportation in 2010.

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Biodiversity

74% of total annual deforestation is caused to grow food. Food waste destroys wildlife not only in forests and rain forests (just imagine the costs of palm oil), but also the wild life under the water. Did you know that by 2050, our oceans might be empty due to our overfishing? In the same time, 70% of all fish caught by certain types of trawling is discarded. These are alarming facts, which should lead to act.

So, what should we do?

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Maybe some of you would say that we are only individuals and we cannot do anything about it. That´s wrong. If you want to change the world you have to change yourself first. What to do?

• Talk about the topic with your friends and relatives. More people informed & involved = less food waste
• Don´t buy more than what is necessary. Create meal plans, shopping lists and shop more frequently, buying less each time.
• Store food properly
• Learn & Understand expiration days (Did you know, that based on recent study, most of the people don’t understand what expiration dates mean?)

Do you have more suggestions? Let’s share them in the comment section!

Source of facts: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Cover image: Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash

The article Food Waste: A Huge Problem of Nowadays was originally posted on Ecobnb.

Every choice we make has an impact on our surroundings. It is also true for the decisions made by a hotelier, by a manager of a B&B or a farmhouse; theirs are decisions that affect the environment and biodiversity. What does this mean? What can an accommodation facility do to defend and promote biodiversity?

Biodiversity plays a fundamental role in our life, more than we think. The variety of organisms and ecosystems and their constant and delicate balance allow us to have food, fresh water, materials for our homes and our clothes, and protect us from the most extreme weather events, regulating the climate. Biodiversity is everywhere, and in fact its products are also found inside the hotels: there is the restaurant food, the wood of the furnishings, the spa cosmetics, the plants in the garden. That’s why every accommodation can make a difference. That’s why every choice we make matters.

How can you protect biodiversity in your hotel?

We become more aware every day of how much man has the power to damage biodiversity, and for this reason we all have a duty to defend it. In the daily management of your hotel you can make simple but important choices that promote the diversity of organisms and the ecosystem that hosts you. Let’s see what are the consequences behind each choice and what are the right ones for the environment.

Sustainable food

There are several ways in which food can be harvested, grown and produced, and each of them has a different impact on biodiversity. Intensive agriculture uses pesticides and fertilizers that have negative impacts on biodiversity, and also require a high use of soil and water. Monoculture plantations lead to a loss of traditional varieties. Instead, organic farming minimizes the use of artificial pesticides and often chooses local, even ancient, varieties of fruit and vegetables. Intensive farming requires a large amount of feed which is often produced in intensive agriculture fields, uses antibiotics and produces a large amount of manure and waste, which if not carefully disposed of can lead to a large environmental risk. Small farms are more sustainable, often use land unsuitable for agricultural production and use feed produced on the same farm. Uncontrolled overfishing harms marine ecosystems and biodiversity, also leading to a significant decrease in the fish we eat.

In your hotel you can protect biodiversity by purchasing food from sustainable sources, preferring local products, installing a vegetable garden and promoting the benefits of sustainable nutrition among your guests, both in terms of health and taste.

Organic cosmetics

We have always used plants for our health and well-being. Consumption of body care products derived from plants is constantly increasing, but not all of them are the same. If on the one hand the collection of wild plants useful for producing cosmetics can represent an important livelihood for rural populations, on the other hand if this collection is not managed in a sustainable way it can lead to the extinction of the plants and therefore to a damage to the entire ecosystem. The Sandalwood tree is an example: the species is now seriously threatened in India, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and the South Pacific due to the abatements aimed at extracting its oil for the creation of body care products.

Offer your guests quality cosmetic products, checking that the plant-based components have been harvested fairly and sustainably. You can also finance small businesses that promote the development of plant-based soaps and perfumes to provide livelihoods for the local population.

Furniture that respects biodiversity

Wooden furnishings are not always an environmentally friendly choice: the unsustainable use of this material threatens entire forests around the world. Deforestation destroys entire ecosystems, while intensive plantations can damage the environment due to the conversion of the habitat and the use of pesticides. Forests are home to more than half of the world’s biodiversity on land, protect reservoirs, stabilize land to prevent erosion and moderate climate change. Unsustainable forest management also has social and economic implications.

You can contribute to the protection of forests by choosing wooden furniture from sustainable sources for your hotel, preferring the most common types of wood, reusing it whenever possible and buying used items.

Gardens with native plants

Maintaining the outdoor spaces of a hotel can have negative effects on biodiversity due to the use of pesticides, excessive consumption of water and the use of invasive species that cause substantial damage to native species and disrupt the natural processes of the ecosystem. In addition, converting natural habitats for recreational use also means reducing the overall space available for wildlife.

It is possible to create a garden that respects biodiversity: plant local autochthonous species in your hotel, avoiding invasive ones; provide suitable nesting places for birds, cultivate attractive plants for butterflies and verify that the lighting and noise pollution of the accommodation does not adversely affect wildlife.

Responsible activities

Your hotel has an impact on biodiversity not only within its borders. The activities you offer to your guests can in fact damage the environment or, on the contrary, promote wildlife conservation. Many tourist activities increasingly involve interaction with the natural world, so it is essential to give your guests the opportunity to enjoy local biodiversity responsibly.

Point out to your guests the itineraries of sustainable tourism and collaborate with local organizations that are committed to the protection of local fauna.

The article Biodiversity: what can your hotel do to protect it? was originally posted on Ecobnb.

Forests and Biodiversity are our natural anti-virus. Respect for and protection of the environment are now more than ever necessary to stop this pandemic and prevent any forthcoming. Find out why

What we thought was an epidemic soon ran rampant and became an international COVID-19 Pandemic: how could it happen?

Sadly, that was not only bad luck. This rapid spread was caused by our own actions. We have been destroying forests, exploiting any natural resource up to the limit, we never took care of our home. Let’s now try to find out why, and mostly how can we change.

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Saving the environment to save ourselves

Evidence shows that men exploited more resources than what the Earth can develop. Due to someone’s thirst for wealth, we invaded habitats and ruined ecosystems. All to our disadvantage. Nature works thanks to a balance that evolved throughout the years – we talk about millions of years – and we shall all acknowledge that we are part of nature as well. Us who altered this balance, modifying more than 70% of the earthly environment.

As the latest WWF report – about the current emergency – says, losing forests is highly dangerous for us all. If you need any proof, look out the window. But how are forests linked to our diseases? Forests are far away from us, aren’t they? The reality is we are all part of a chain. We took over so many forests and trees, now we shall take responsibility of our exposure to viruses, illnesses and infections that we cannot cure. Let’s understand how we come into contact with those hazards.

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Spillover, Zoonosis and Bushmeat: 3 threatens to human life

These days are evidence of what the hazard to human life is – the contagion. When it comes to contamination, how does it occur? In many ways. Firstly, the most known way to contaminate, that is through mosquitos and insects. Secondly, there are indirect means. Most of viruses can evolve and be transmitted from animals to men. We are talking about the so-called process of the Spillover. This is exactly the cause of the pandemic we are fighting today.

Infections deriving from animals are known as Zoonosis. They are but rare – 75% of the overall human diseases belong to this kind of illnesses.
Sadly, this phenomenon is increasing at sight for two main reasons. On the one side, animals are getting closer to human looking for new habitats, on the other side, men are getting closer to wild animals, contributing to what is known as Bushmeat.

“Bushmeat” literally means “meat coming from forests”. Following eating and commercial purposes, men get in touch with dangerous wildlife. Threatens to us are not animals themselves, but what they carry. They host unwanted guests, just like the viruses we all fear. And suddenly, from a pacific – and illegal – markets of live animals, impetuous pandemics break out and spread globally.

Learn from the past, to avoid a future Pandemic

Let’s face the truth – this is not the first virus that we had to fight, nor will it be the last if nothing changes. Actually, when it comes to the last twenty years, we refer at zoonosis happened back then as “averted disasters”. Examples can be many, maybe too many: HIV, Dengue, swine fever, SARS, strictly linked to COVID-19. We could unhappily mention at least 200 more.

We all wonder, why now? What has changed? Well, better to say what we have changed. Environmental damages not only caused all those effects we daily hear about in the news, but they (or us?) also provoked a dramatic biodiversity loss.

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Keep in mind, biodiversity is our shield against any future pandemic or epidemic. If we want to avoid situations similar to this, biodiversity is our weapon in the fight against viruses. It is estimated that we put to risk of extinction about one million species. If ecosystems lack of complexity, the chance for viruses to rapidly spread significantly increases. Reasons behind this are that mosquitos would grow in number, the environment is highly damaged and the process of Spillover itself.

What can we do now? Does everything have to be like before?

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I don’t want this article to be purely informative. I want this to be food for thought so that this moment of weakness won’t be vain. This shall not happen again and again, and you? This is our wake-up call. We now have to push towards an economic and social rearrangement, that looks at the future through the eyes of sustainability.

Personally, I trust our current sacrifices will turn into something good. Really good. I hope that everyone, together, will acknowledge all the past damages we’ve done. We should remember them to know how we can change. The economy is about to face a dramatic crisis, because of which every sector shall recreate itself. I trust this will happen in a new, positive and brilliant way. A way on the path of sustainability.

Be visionary, be ambitious, be extreme. But be always positive in respect of this uncertain future. It’s going to be okay, right?

The article Pandemic: How Biodiversity Will Save Us was originally posted on Ecobnb.