Optimal restoration for pollination services increases forest cover while doubling agricultural profits

Background

In the midst of a global biodiversity crisis and a rapidly expanding food demand, improving agricultural techniques is a high priority. Pollinators are at the forefront of this restoration goal partially due to their rapid decline in population, and also their crucial role in food production. 75% of globally common food depends on pollinators. Though improving agriculture is important, it is also expensive and risky for land owners. A framework is needed to determine best arrangements and practices for sustainable agriculture.

Goals and Methods

The authors use coffee as a case study for an important cash crop that benefits from pollinators determine to what extent can strategic allocation of land for restoration achieve both restoration and agricultural goals. They also aim to gain clarity on how those benefits change over time and the impact agricultural expansion has on those outcomes. The authors present a novel framework for the allocation of restoration in agricultural landscapes over space and time.

Conclusions and Takeaways

Strategic planning for restoration is highly important, especially in regions containing biodiversity hotspots and agrarian societies. The authors find that strategic allocation of restored habitat within croplands enhances both biodiversity and agricultural production. In addition, profits are usually increased/maximized. Increase in agriculture profit whilst seeing a biodiversity is a valuable motivator for landholders to carefully manage pollinator-dependent farms.