There is a theory that a butterfly flapping its wings in Tokyo might bring about enough change to eventually cause a hurricane in Florida. Although they may seem insignificant at the time, small changes can lead to dramatic events down the line. This thinking can be applied to almost anything, including biodiversity.
A global crisis
Like any chain, nature is only as strong as its weakest link. Crops can only thrive when pollinated by bees, butterflies and other pollinators; creatures which have suffered at the hands of industrialisation and globalisation. The decline in insect population is being felt all the way up the food chain.
Faced with stark warnings from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) that biodiversity worldwide has declined by 52% since 1970; it has become clear that a global effort is needed to prevent further biodiversity loss. The only way to reverse this damage is to start small.
Little steps
Every biodiversity initiative, regardless of size, plays a part in helping nature get back to its feet. The efforts of small programmes add up to form part of a global drive. Across the world, more and more companies are acknowledging the importance of implementing programmes aimed at boosting biodiversity along their supply chain.
Here are just a few of the ways that companies of all sizes are playing their part.
Unilever
In just one of a multitude of new global initiatives, Unilever has implemented training programmes for its fruit and vegetable farmers in India. By learning how to preserve trees around their crops, farmers are helping preserve the natural nesting places for many species of birds. In turn, these birds act as pest control by eating harmful insects, while the trees absorb carbon emissions and enrich the surrounding soil.
Sainsbury’s
A sustainability initiative by supermarket giant Sainsbury’s on the Isle of Wight has nurtured an indigenous species of bee, which in turn helps to pollinate the tomato crop on the island. Habitats for other wildlife have also been created, leading to resurgence in one of the last remaining red squirrel populations in the area.
ABP Food Group
With biodiversity initiatives across five of its sites throughout Ireland, and with some 250,000 square metres of biodiversity generated, ABP Food Group has openly embraced the concept of nurturing nature. Marshlands created at their Rathkeale plant in Co. Limerick has led to a reinvigorated frog population - essential natural predators which act as pest control - thus preventing the use of artificial chemical pesticides. Specially constructed bee hotels serve as a habitat for key species of bumblebees, hard-working pollinators that will service crops in the locality.
M&S
Among other initiatives, a 350 square metre “living wall” built by M&S at its Cheshire Oaks location is helping to combat the damage done to insect populations in the area, hopefully boosting pollination levels in years to come. This, along with 12,000 square metres of landscaping and wetland, was enough to win the company the first ever Wildlife Trust Biodiversity Benchmark awarded to a UK retailer.
Nestlé’s Wyeth Nutrition
One of Nestlé’s recent initiatives is a commitment to develop biodiversity programmes at each of its sites in the UK and Ireland by the end of 2015. Following the opening of Ireland’s first butterfly meadow at its Wyeth plant in Askeaton, Co. Limerick in 2014, a beautiful 1,800 square metre area filled with newly-planted wildflowers, Wyeth Nutrition added to this unique initiative with a bespoke insect lodge and almost 2,000 indigenous Irish trees. The idea behind the insect lodge and trees is to encourage new species of insects and butterflies into the locality.
Long-lasting benefits
On their own, none of these initiatives are going to reverse the worldwide biodiversity problem. But by contributing even a little to the global effort to fight the decline in biodiversity, companies can help preserve a healthy, thriving ecosystem for generations to come.
For further examples of sustainability in action, visit origingreen.ie
Content on this page is paid for and provided by the Irish Food Board, supporter of the food hub.
