Biodiversity and agriculture — how we value life in all its forms

The Research and Development Institute for Hunting and Mountain Resources (ICDCRM), a CoCo-Partner, hosted the workshop “Biodiversity and Agriculture — How We Value Life in All Its Forms” as part of the FarmBioNet project. This collaborative event was organised by Fundatia ADEPT Transilvania, a partner in the FarmBioNet Horizon Europe project, with ICDCRM providing support. 

The workshop brought together a diverse group of participants, including representatives from national and local authorities in the farming and agricultural sector, as well as farmers, NGOs, and research organisations. The workshop aimed to identify the most appropriate biodiversity-friendly agricultural practices and assess their applicability across different agricultural systems. 

Adopting biodiversity-friendly practices in agriculture supports healthy ecosystems and their services, including pollination, natural pest control, improved soil quality, and enhanced water retention. These measures not only strengthen the long-term resilience of agricultural systems but also promote the well-being of local communities.

In this context, ICDCRM introduced the CoCo project, highlighting its mission to foster sustainable coexistence between agriculture and wildlife and the promotion of collaboration between researchers, farmers, authorities, and local communities to develop practical solutions and policies that support biodiversity in multifunctional agricultural landscapes. Researchers at the workshop expressed interest in the CoCo project. Some participants raised the issue of damage caused by wildlife, particularly bears, and the resulting pressure. In response, the ICDCRM announced the upcoming CoCo online survey and invited all attendees to participate.

Organised in collaboration with another Horizon Europe project, this event provided an excellent opportunity to explore sustainable agricultural practices that benefit both people and nature. The workshop featured interactive discussions and knowledge exchange. A field visit to Kongo Farm provided practical demonstrations of biodiversity-friendly approaches and effective methods for preventing human-wildlife conflicts.