MICRATENA'S ENTOMOLOGY PROJECTS
Biodiversity Buzz: Advancing Sustainable Development through Entomological Innovations
The following three entomo-projects are intertwined endeavors focused on the preservation of native insect biodiversity and the promotion of sustainable practices within ecosystems. Acknowledging their inherent alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), these projects are committed to fostering a symbiotic relationship between environmental conservation and social well-being. By integrating a gender equity approach, the projects ensure equal participation, leadership, and empowerment for individuals of all genders, as well as marginalized groups, in driving sustainability efforts. In doing so, they contribute not only to global biodiversity but also to inclusive, equitable development and advancing broader sustainability goals.
Preserving the Biodiversity of PNRA Tlachinoltepetl,
In the Tlachinoltepetl Protected Natural Resource Area (PNRA) lies a rich landscape of biodiversity, where native insects play a vital role in shaping the web of life. Catalog and understand the rich biodiversity of insect species inhabiting this mountain we uncover the profound intersection encapsulated within the SDGs.
Involving communities in the identification process fosters environmental awareness and education. Understanding the importance of native insect species can empower local communities to participate in conservation efforts and advocate for sustainable land management practices.
The project ensures equal participation and leadership opportunities for individuals of all genders in the identification and conservation efforts. By promoting a gender-equitable approach, we empower both women and men, as well as marginalized groups, to take an active role in biodiversity conservation and the sustainable management of natural resources.
Knowing the native insect species can inform sustainable land management practices, including agricultural practices and resource extraction. By promoting responsible consumption and production patterns, this knowledge contributes to the conservation of natural resources and biodiversity.
Climate change poses significant threats to biodiversity, including insect populations. Understanding the distribution and abundance of native insects helps scientist assess the impacts of climate change on ecosystems and develop strategies for adaptation and mitigation.
While the project primarily focuses on terrestrial insects, it indirectly supports marine ecosystems by maintaining balanced ecological interactions. Insects play essential roles in nutrient cycling and ecosystem functioning, which can impact adjacent aquatic environments.
This goal focuses on the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. Identifying native insects species contributes to our understanding of local biodiversity, which is crucial for effective conservation strategies and the preservation of ecosystem health on land.
Partnerships for the goals, by fostering collaboration between governmental organizations, local communities, and scientific institutions to promote biodiversity conservation and sustainable land management practices.
Edible Native Insects Farming Initiative
This initiative not only taps into the rich biodiversity of the region but also holds promise as a sustainable solution to several pressing global challenges. As the world grapples with issues such as food security, environmental sustainability, and economic development, the cultivation of edible insects intersects with the next SDGs.
Can provide income-generating opportunities, particularly for small-scale farmers and rural communities. By diversifying livelihood options and creating new sources of revenue, it contributes to poverty reduction and economic empowerment.
Farming insects provides an alternative and sustainable source of protein and nutrients. By diversifying food resources beyond traditional livestock and crops, it helps ensure food security, especially where access to conventional protein sources may be limited.
This initiative promotes gender equality by ensuring equal participation and leadership opportunities for individuals of all genders in the cultivation and promotion of edible insects. By integrating a gender-equitable approach, the project empowers women, men, and marginalized groups to actively contribute to sustainable food systems and environmental conservation. Through capacity-building and creating inclusive opportunities in the insect farming sector, the project fosters a more balanced and equitable approach to addressing global challenges such as food security, economic development, and environmental sustainability.
Insect farming not only contributes to food security but also drives job creation and economic development. Insect production can generate employment opportunities in rural areas and contribute to sustainable economic growth.
Insect farming is generally more resource-efficient than traditional livestock farming, requiring less land, water and feed to produce protein. It would help to reduce the ecological footprint of food production.
Insect farming has a significantly lower environmental impact compared to traditional livestock farming, making it an important solution for global warming. Insects require fewer resources, such as land, water, and food, to produce the same amount of edible biomass as livestock. This efficiency leads to reduced greenhouse gas emissions, as insects produce minimal methane and carbon dioxide compared to cattle, pigs, and poultry. Furthermore, insect farming requires less land area, helping to alleviate the pressure on ecosystems that are often cleared for large-scale livestock farming, reducing deforestation and supporting biodiversity.
Insect farming uses significantly less water than conventional livestock. While traditional meat production can require thousands of liters of water per kilogram, insect farming consumes a fraction of that, contributing to more sustainable water use in areas facing water scarcity.
Sustainable insect farming practices can help conserve biodiversity by reducing habitat destruction and overexploitation of natural resources associated with conventional agriculture.
Collaboration between governments, research institutions, Non-Governamental Organizations, and the private sector is essential for the development and scaling up of insects farming initiatives.
Intelligent Integrated Pest Management (IIPM)
This initiative uses science, technology, and data for effective insect-targeted management. Intelligent Integrated Pest Management (IIPM) offers a sustainable insect-targeted control solution. It integrates analytics, biological controls, and monitoring to reduce chemical pesticide use. IIPM minimizes environmental impact and supports SDGs. This approach addresses global challenges in environmental and agricultural efficiency.
Implementing IIPM enhances agricultural productivity and supports food security. By improving insect-targeted management methods, it helps ensure reliable food sources and reduces crop losses.
Adopting IIPM reduces the need for harmful chemical pesticides. This promotes better health outcomes by minimizing exposure to toxic substances and protecting ecosystems.
The IIPM initiative promotes gender equality by ensuring that both women and men, as well as marginalized groups, have equal access to training, decision-making, and leadership opportunities in target-insect management practices. By fostering an inclusive environment, the project empowers individuals of all genders to actively participate in sustainable pest control strategies, which are essential for environmental sustainability and agricultural productivity. The project encourages gender-balanced involvement in the science, technology, and data-driven aspects of IIPM, contributing to the advancement of sustainable agricultural practices and promoting equitable growth in rural communities.
IIPM fosters sustainable agricultural practices, creating green jobs and supporting economic growth. It encourages innovative insect-targeted management solutions that drive economic development in agriculture.
Integrating IIPM into urban agriculture practices contributes to healthier and more sustainable communities. It supports efficient insect-targeted management that benefits urban food production and living environments.
IIPM promotes sustainable insect-targeted management by reducing reliance on chemical pesticides. It encourages responsible agricultural practices that align with sustainable consumption and production goals.
IIPM helps lower greenhouse gas emissions associated with pesticide production by reducing the need for chemical inputs in insect-targeted control. This directly supports climate action efforts by minimizing the environmental footprint of agriculture. The reduced reliance on synthetic pesticides lessens the carbon emissions from their production, transport, and application. Furthermore, by promoting the use of biological controls and precision agriculture, IIPM optimizes the application of insect-targeted management strategies, reducing the waste of resources and preventing overuse of chemicals.
In addition to lowering greenhouse gas emissions, IIPM contributes to soil health and water conservation, both of which are critical in the fight against climate change.
The IIPM approach fosters collaboration among stakeholders to advance sustainable pest management solutions. This strengthens partnerships and drives progress toward achieving broader environmental and economic goals.
Preserving the Biodiversity of Tlachinoltepetl, PNRA
Identifying and monitoring insect populations is essential for driving conservation efforts and ensuring the health of ecosystems. Declines in insect populations often signal environmental degradation and habitat loss, underscoring the urgent need for strategies that protect these species and their habitats. This initiative not only safeguards biodiversity but also promotes sustainable practices, strengthens ecosystems, and supports collaborative actions to address global challenges such as food security, climate resilience, and community well-being.
Edible Native Insects Farming
In our region, native edible insects face threats from environmental changes, yet they play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance and supporting sustainable food systems. Rich in protein, these insects provide a valuable source of nutrition for both animals and humans, contributing to food security and economic resilience. With their high adaptability to farming practices, we have the opportunity to restore native insect populations starting in the high mountains of Veracruz, with plans to expand across the country. This initiative not only helps preserve biodiversity and promote sustainable agriculture but also creates inclusive economic opportunities, supports climate action, and fosters partnerships for long-term conservation and development goals
Intelligent Integrated Pest Management
Intelligent Integrated Pest Management (IIPM) seeks to transform the perception of insects from fearsome disease vectors to vital contributors to ecosystem health. By combining ecological science and technology, IIPM reduces reliance on chemical pesticides while creating ecological environments within diverse crops that support native insects. This approach not only promotes biodiversity but also addresses Insect Decline Syndrome by integrating insect-friendly practices in both agricultural and urban settings. Through these efforts, IIPM enhances the benefits insects provide, such as pollinating crops and sustaining ecosystems.
