The Convention on Biological Diversity’s Executive Secretary Cristiana Pașca-Palmer describes the loss of biodiversity as a “silent killer”. For many of us, the loss may not feel immediately palpable in everyday life. By the time we feel what’s happening and recognize the changing face of the Earth, it may be too late. There is still hope for preserving what’s left of the world’s rich diversity of life. Producers and consumers that adopt and spur demand for sustainable farming practices — such as those that protect soils, water, forests, and fish stocks — play a key role in stopping biodiversity loss. But too often, these innovative actors and their solutions operate unseen and unheard — silent, like the issue they face. We must, then, be willing to search for them. As part of a global initiative, Solution Search: Farming for Biodiversity set out in 2017 to identify, reward and spotlight the people and approaches that have successfully driven the adoption of biodiversity-friendly agriculture. Initially aiming for 100 submissions, the contest’s 26 partner organizations unearthed 338 proven solutions.
