What is the Ecological Impact of Cultivating Non-Native Species

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Question

What is the actual ecological impact of growing non-indigenous species? Is it actually good for the planet to be growing mangoes, avocados, bananas, and dates in Italy where they do not naturally occur? Many of my ecologist/conservationist friends argue that it is damaging indigenous ecosystems to do so.

Key Takeaways

It’s a long-winded and contentious subject, but a good point to start is reading a book by Fred Pearce, The New Wild: Why Invasive Species Will Be Nature’s Salvation. Weeds and invasive species indicate to us that there is a problem in the local ecology, but they also show us that novel ecosystems are not a negative. We can’t have purist views in which places stay in botanical isolation. The melding and separating of ecosystems has occurred throughout time.

There have been issues on small islands because animals tend to speciate. For example, when islands with flightless birds suddenly get a predator, that’s a big problem. However, continents are usually too biodiverse and stable for this to be a huge problem. We have to have an open mind and not be swayed by sentimentality, something nature doesn’t have. It just looks for systems to become more abundant with no favorites.

For that matter, where do we start the endemic selection?

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About Geoff:

Geoff is a world-renowned permaculture consultant, designer, and teacher that has established demonstration sites that function as education centers in all the world's major climates. Geoff has dedicated his life to spreading permaculture design across the globe and inspiring people to take care of the earth, each other, and to return the surplus.

About Permaculture:

Permaculture integrates land, resources, people and the environment through mutually beneficial synergies – imitating the no waste, closed loop systems seen in diverse natural systems. Permaculture applies holistic solutions that are applicable in rural and urban contexts and at any scale. It is a multidisciplinary toolbox including agriculture, water harvesting and hydrology, energy, natural building, forestry, waste management, animal systems, aquaculture, appropriate technology, economics and community development.

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