Eco-agricultural: Socio-Ecological Pathways for Biodiversity Conservation through Traditional and Transformative Food Systems

Ecological degradation is driven by unsustainable agricultural practices. Contemporary conservation models typically regard humans as separate from ecological systems, thereby reinforcing the paradigms underlying this threat and generating ineffective solutions. In this Research Topic, we therefore focus on socio-ecological approaches that consciously and holistically integrate biodiversity conservation and food security. We use the term ‘eco-agriculture’ broadly to encompass a wide range of food systems that intentionally work with ecological systems, rather than against them, to meet human nutritional needs. We are particularly interested in work arising from Indigenous knowledge, traditional and local food systems, and regenerative agriculture (e.g., agroecology, permaculture). Eco-agricultural approaches emphasize multifunctional landscapes, adaptive management, active community engagement, and nature-based resilience to pests and climate change. However, the application of these approaches as intentional conservation measures is not yet well established and uneven across regions. As a consequence, evidence for scalable, policy-relevant implementation remains limited and not readily tractable for government or donor support. Advancing integrated eco-agricultural frameworks is imperative to generate resilient ecosystems, inclusive of the human enterprise, under global environmental change.This Research Topic aims to explore conservation science through an ecoagricultural lens through transdisciplinary, solution-oriented research and perspectives integrating ecological, social, and cultural knowledge systems. We seek contributions that provide strong evidence, new methods, and policy-relevant insights to support biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, and climate resilience. We welcome manuscripts that emphasize scalable models, inclusive governance, and transformative pathways to sustainable management of terrestrial, aquatic, and/or marine ecosystems.This research subject area is open to transdisciplinary studies on integrated socio-ecological pathways for biodiversity conservation involving eco-agricultural theory and practice. All Frontiers manuscript types will be accepted. Contributions can be empirical, case studies, theoretical, methodological, or policy-oriented, including but not limited to the following themes as they relate to eco-agriculture:• Socio-ecological resilience, adaptive resource management strategies, and participatory governance• Natural resource management by the community and participatory environmental management strategies policy formulation, institutional settings and environmental• Integrating Indigenous, traditional and local Knowledge in environmental governance and resource management• Climate-resilient landscapes and nature-based solutions for adaptation and ecosystem sustainability• Ecosystem services improvement, assessment, and contribution to human well-being and rural livelihoods. Topic editors: Petros Chavula, Fredrick Kayusi, Dr. Harshit Mishra Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/81367/eco-agricultural-socio-ecological-pathways-for-biodiversity-conservation-through-traditional-and-transformative-food-systems