In the last few decades, biodiversity has often been perceived as an exclusively environmental issue, linked to the protection of species and the preservation of ecosystems. However, the agri-food sector is rediscovering the strategic value of biodiversity not only for ethical reasons, but also for its direct influence on productivity, product quality and the resilience of the farming system.
The loss of biodiversity negatively affects food security, soil fertility and the ability of ecosystems to respond to climate change. Companies that adopt a sustainable approach to natural resource management not only reduce their environmental impact, but also build a lasting competitive advantage.
In this context, technology plays an essential role: advanced digital tools such as IoT monitoring and artificial intelligence are revolutionising the way agri-food companies manage biodiversity, making it a strategic lever for their development.
Is biodiversity the new ‘green gold’ for companies?
According to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, biodiversity includes three basic levels:
- Genetic diversity – Relates to genetic variation within a species and is crucial for crop resistance to disease and climate change.
- Species diversity – Refers to the variety of organisms present in an ecosystem, which are essential for maintaining the natural balance and ensuring essential services such as pollination and soil fertility.
- Ecosystem diversity – Refers to the different habitats in which species interact, affecting air, water and soil quality.
In agriculture, biodiversity is a synonym for stability and security: diversified crops and healthy habitats make it possible to reduce the use of pesticides and fertilisers, improving the quality of productions and the sustainability of supply chains. However, critical factors such as climate change, intensive land use and pollution are compromising these balances.
Biodiversity at risk: the threats endangering agriculture
The loss of biodiversity is not only an environmental issue, but one that directly affects the productivity and sustainability of the agri-food sector.
Among the main causes of this crisis are:
- Climate change
Rising temperatures and extreme weather conditions affect the distribution of plant and animal species, reducing agricultural productivity.
- Monocultures and intensive land use
Cultivation of a limited number of species leads to soil impoverishment and increased vulnerability to disease, increasing dependence on chemical inputs.
- Pollution and pesticide use
Excessive use of chemicals threatens pollinator fauna, compromising the natural production cycle and reducing soil fertility.
- Deforestation and habitat loss
Agricultural expansion at the expense of forests and woodlands reduces the presence of species essential for healthy ecosystems.
Agribusinesses are therefore faced with a crucial challenge: how to integrate sustainable practices without compromising productivity? The answer comes from technology.
Biodiversity and technology: the winning partnership for the future of agribusiness
Digital transformation is offering new solutions to monitor and protect biodiversity, improving the sustainable management of natural resources.
Among the most relevant innovations are:
1. Environmental monitoring with IoT sensors
IoT sensors installed in agricultural fields make it possible to collect real-time data on soil quality, the presence of pollinating insects, weather conditions and humidity.
This information makes it possible to:
- Optimize the regulation of irrigation to preserve soil biodiversity.
- Detect the presence of harmful species without excessive use of pesticides.
- Identify changes in the ecosystem at an early stage that could compromise production.
2. Big Data analysis for sustainable management
Using artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms, companies can analyse big data to predict the impact of their activities on biodiversity.
This allows them to:
- Identify correlations between agricultural practices and ecosystem health.
- Create predictive models to optimize crop rotation and reduce environmental impact.
- Provide advance warning of possible threats to biodiversity, allowing for early intervention.
3. Traceability for a sustainable supply chain
The use of traceability systems in the agri-food supply chain ensures transparency of sustainability practices and allows companies to demonstrate their commitment to protecting biodiversity, improving consumer trust and complying with environmental regulations.
4. Digital Twin for simulating future scenarios
The creation of digital models of agricultural ecosystems (Digital Twin) allows informed decisions to be made to minimise negative impacts before new strategies are implemented.
Managing biodiversity with data is a competitive advantage for the agri-food sector
Biodiversity is not only a matter of environmental protection, but a real strategic asset for the agri-food sector. A healthy ecosystem ensures productivity, resilience and sustainability, reducing dependence on chemical inputs and improving product quality.
The adoption of advanced technologies for monitoring, analysing and managing biodiversity allows companies to combine production efficiency and respect for the environment. Investing in digital tools not only helps mitigate environmental risks, but also offers new opportunities for growth and market positioning.
With CLIMAVIBE, Wiseside and Tetis Institute demonstrate how technology can provide concrete tools for monitoring biodiversity, helping companies to make science-based decisions and improve the environmental impact of their operations.
The agriculture of the future will only be sustainable if it is based on reliable data and innovative digital tools.
Do you want to find out how technology can support your farm in sustainable biodiversity management? Contact us for a free iChain demo and start building a more resilient and responsible agriculture.
CEO of Wiseside Srl, thanks to his solid experience in the IT sector and consulting for multinational companies, she has been contributing for over 10 years to the development of innovative and collaborative Supply Chain models, always respecting the principles of sustainability.
