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Timeless agroforestry and the Moldovan example
01 February 2016 | Article
Agroforestry is a practice with ancient roots but continual benefits including social, economic and environmental. Through surveys, studies and dialogue with experts, the potential for agroforestry to simultaneously address many challenges is increasingly clear.
Integrating a diverse system of trees and shrubs with agricultural crops makes up the land management practice of agroforestry. Supporting forest-dependent communities, promoting healthy water and soil, and capturing carbon emissions can result from agroforestry. The techniques involve planting trees that serve as natural windbreaks or shelterbelts, which also help prevent soil erosion.
Take the Moldovan example, where up to 74 per cent of the country’s land surface is for agriculture, and agroforestry there is critical to overall land productivity. Its walnut trees sustain local communities as well as generate revenue for exporting companies. A national study forecasts that the value of forest vegetation for the agricultural sector could amount to US$212.5 million in the next 25 years.
Agroforestry has been practiced for centuries but it comes up against illegal logging and other threats, which could undo the myriad benefits. In its national planning over the period 2014-2018, the Moldovan government is taking measures to plant trees on degraded land, among other steps.
IUCN's ENPI-FLEG program is exploring these topics. Read more here: http://www.enpi-fleg.org/news/agroforestry-in-moldova-aurel-lozan-fleg-country-program-coordinator-on-agro-tv-to-discuss-this-topic