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Japan has been producing wood sustainably for 700 years
Japan has been producing wood sustainably for 700 yearsNew World - Apr 21, 2024
How Japan has produced wood sustainably for 700 years without cutting down trees
Japan's 700-year heritage of sustainable wood production is an example of harmony with nature. Thanks to techniques such as Daisugi, developed in the XNUMXth century, the Japanese preserve forests while harvesting wood. This tradition ensures a continued supply of high-quality wood, preserving ecosystems for future generations and demonstrating Japan's commitment to environmental management.
Daisugi, an ancient Japanese forestry method, appeared in the 14th century in Kitayama due to the shortage of young trees. Selective pruning of cedars made it possible to obtain straight, knot-free structural timbers. Born out of necessity, this method has evolved into a sustainable practice, embodying Japan's tradition of innovation in resource management for more than seven centuries. In Daisugi, cedars are planted and pruned in a particular way to encourage the growth of straight, knot-free wood. This selective pruning involves hand-cutting the shoots every two years, leaving only the upper branches intact.
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Reconciling agriculture and biodiversity by improving farmers’ income
Reconciling agriculture and biodiversity by improving farmers’ incomeBastamag - March 05, 2024
“Biodiversity is the basis of agricultural production,” insists ecologist Vincent Bretagnolle. Research carried out over 30 years with farms in Deux-Sèvres shows that protecting biodiversity increases yields.
Target the environment to extinguish agricultural anger. This is the choice made by the French government at the beginning of February which notably announced the suspension of the Ecophyto plan. This aimed to halve the use of pesticides by 2030. For the executive, environmental protection would be incompatible with the fact of production: environmental standards are reduced to administrative hassles preventing the agricultural profession to live well. However, scientific studies agree on the role of pesticides - particularly neonicotinoids - in the collapse of bee populations, or the consequences of intensive agriculture on the disappearance of birds and floral diversity.
A large open-air laboratory of 45 hectares in Deux Sèvres, created 000 years ago by researcher Vincent Bretagnolle in collaboration with farmers, shows on the contrary that the protection of biodiversity, particularly pollinating insects, makes it possible to increase yields. This testing ground also reveals that farmers manage to increase their income by reducing pesticides and fertilizers such as synthetic nitrogen. It seemed essential to us in Basta! to broadcast this interview with Vincent Bretagnolle so that this large-scale scientific experiment on changes in agricultural practices is better known.
Sophie Chapelle: Should we talk about erosion or collapse of biodiversity?
Vincent Bretagnolle: Both terms are appropriate. Every year, we witness a slow erosion of biodiversity: we lose 1 to 2% of the number of birds in agricultural areas in all European countries. After 50 years this represents at least 50% of the birds! We can therefore speak of collapse when we take a step back.
What are the most evocative data on this subject?
We have very precise data on bird populations [1]. They decline particularly in agricultural environments – five to eight times faster than in wooded environments, for example. Around thirty species are dependent on the agricultural environment in France – partridges, quails, gray harriers, skylarks, little bustards, etc. These species are decreasing even more quickly than the others.
The data on insects point in the same direction. 90% of European butterflies populations have disappeared from agricultural environments. For locusts and ground beetles, the drop observed is 30 to 50% on our study site. It is therefore not surprising that birds are disappearing since they feed on insects. The decline of one leads to the decline of the other. There is a long-term collapse of biodiversity, insects and birds.
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The Secret Life of Urban Bees: How They Help Our Cities
The Secret Life of Urban Bees: How They Help Our CitiesEel under rock - March 25, 2023
As urbanization continues to expand, the need for sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions becomes increasingly crucial.
Among the many ecological champions of our cities, one buzzing hero stands out: the urban bee.
The buzzing world of urban bees is often overlooked, as these tiny insects play a crucial role in keeping the ecosystems of our cities healthy. By pollinating plants, supporting biodiversity and producing honey, urban bees contribute significantly to the well-being of our urban environments. In this article, we'll explore the fascinating lives of these city bees, the challenges they face, and how they help green our cities.
The importance of urban bees
Urban bees are essential pollinators for city gardens, parks and green spaces. They help plants reproduce by transferring pollen from one flower to another, thus ensuring the survival and propagation of various plant species. This is not only vital for biodiversity, but also for urban agriculture, as bees play an essential role in the pollination of fruits, vegetables and other crops. Additionally, urban bees produce honey, a valuable commodity that can be harvested and enjoyed by city dwellers.
The importance of urban bees goes far beyond what one might think at first glance. As primary pollinators in urban environments, these small insects have a profound impact on urban gardens, parks and green spaces. They facilitate plant reproduction by transferring pollen from one flower to another, thus ensuring the survival and propagation of a wide range of plant species. This not only promotes biodiversity in urban areas, but also urban agriculture, as bees play a vital role in pollinating fruits, vegetables and other essential crops.
Furthermore, the presence of urban bees contributes to the overall health of urban ecosystems by supporting a complex web of life. By pollinating flowers, bees help create habitats and food sources for other insects, birds and small mammals, which helps maintain a rich wildlife community in urban settings. Additionally, urban bees produce honey, a valuable commodity that can be harvested and enjoyed by city dwellers. This locally sourced, sustainable product can foster a sense of community and connection to nature, even within the confines of a bustling urban landscape.
The importance of urban bees cannot be overstated. They are essential for maintaining biodiversity, supporting urban agriculture, improving the health of ecosystems and providing a sustainable source of honey for city dwellers.
