The importance of supporting sustainable agriculture for conservation on Big Island Hawaii

The importance of supporting sustainable agriculture for conservation on Big Island Hawaii

Big Island Hawaii is a land of abundance and diversity. It is a land where you can find a variety of crops and livestock that are grown and raised by local farmers who have a deep connection and respect for the land and its living beings. It is a land where you can taste the freshness, flavor, and quality of the food that is produced and prepared by local chefs who have a passion and skill for their craft.

But it is also a land that needs our support and attention. It is a land where agriculture faces many challenges and threats that can affect its productivity, profitability, and sustainability. It is a land where agriculture has a significant impact on the environment and its resources. It is a land where agriculture plays a crucial role in conservation.

Conservation is the act of protecting and enhancing the natural environment and its resources for the present and future generations. Sustainable agriculture is the practice of farming that meets the current and future needs of food production while conserving the natural resources and improving the quality of life for farmers and society. Supporting sustainable agriculture for conservation on Big Island Hawaii is important for many reasons. Here are some of the reasons why:

• Supporting sustainable agriculture can help preserve the island’s biodiversity and uniqueness. The island’s biodiversity is one of its greatest assets and attractions. It is also a source of genetic diversity that can provide resilience and adaptation for agriculture. By supporting sustainable agriculture, we can help maintain and enhance the island’s biodiversity by using native or adapted crops and livestock, avoiding or controlling invasive species, protecting or restoring natural habitats, and promoting agroecology and agroforestry.
• Supporting sustainable agriculture can help improve the island’s natural resources and ecosystem services. The island’s natural resources are vital for agriculture and for our well-being and survival. They provide us with water, soil, nutrients, pollination, pest control, climate regulation, and more. By supporting sustainable agriculture, we can help improve the island’s natural resources by using water-efficient irrigation systems, practicing soil conservation techniques, applying organic or integrated pest management methods, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and enhancing carbon sequestration.
• Supporting sustainable agriculture can help enhance the island’s cultural heritage and identity. The island’s cultural heritage is a reflection of its history, values, beliefs, traditions, and practices. It is also a source of food security and sovereignty that ensures access to sufficient, safe, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food. By supporting sustainable agriculture, we can help enhance the island’s cultural heritage by preserving or reviving traditional crops and livestock, such as taro, sweet potato, banana, breadfruit, coconut, pig, chicken, fish; honoring or learning from traditional farming systems and knowledge; respecting or participating in cultural ceremonies and rituals; and celebrating or sharing local food culture.
• Supporting sustainable agriculture can help boost the island’s economic development and social stability. The island’s economic development is dependent on agriculture as a major source of income and employment for local residents who are involved in farming, processing, marketing, distribution, or consumption of agricultural products. It is also a source of value-added products and services that attract visitors and investors from around the world. By supporting sustainable agriculture, we can help boost the island’s economic development by increasing crop yields and quality; reducing production costs and risks; diversifying income sources and markets; creating niche products and brands; improving food safety and traceability; enhancing farmer empowerment and cooperation; and fostering rural development and community well-being.

By supporting sustainable agriculture for conservation on Big Island Hawaii, we can benefit the island in various ways. We can also benefit ourselves by enjoying the delicious, nutritious, and diverse food that the island offers. We can also benefit from the satisfaction and fulfillment of supporting a worthy cause.

Big Island Hawaii is more than just a land of abundance and diversity. It is a responsibility that we have to uphold and support. Let us all support sustainable agriculture for conservation on this island.