As we are all interconnected with each other, both humans and all other living organisms, it is important to evaluate our actions in dealing with the environment⁠. Healthy ecosystems are vital for human survival— this is where we get food, water, medicines, clothes, shelter, and energy, just to name a few.

The International Day for Biological Diversity is celebrated globally every May 22, and this year’s theme is: “Our solutions are in nature”. This highlights hope, solidarity, and the value of working together across all sectors to build a future in harmony with nature. Promoting the importance of local crop diversity in the Philippines can help conserve the environment and support communities, families, and individuals become food secure and health resilient.

1. Ensuring household food security

Crop diversity is key to food security. Indigenous vegetables are nutritious crops, easy to propagate, and naturally grow in the Philippines. Production and consumption of indigenous vegetables can provide more nutritious and affordable food options to achieve overall health and well-being. They are easy to propagate because they are already adapted to our climate. 

2. Sustaining dietary diversity

Most local crops are good sources of micronutrients, protein, and energy. Growing and eating locally grown root crops and protein-rich food options can reinforce essential nutrients needed daily. Because the different parts of indigenous vegetables can be consumed, such as sweet potato or taro leaves and tubers, local crop diversity offers a treasure trove of vitamins and minerals. A variety of food plants are consumed, instead of just relying on one crop.

3. Conserving the environment

Local crops and the use of indigenous varieties serve a significant role in pest tolerance due to diversity, and its inherent hardiness through years of evolution. This also ensures that the valuable heritage of genetic plant diversity is being conserved for future generations, as it provides the necessary adaptation to different environmental conditions. Local crop diversity, also called “Future Smart Food” by the Food and Agriculture Organization, helps us conserve water and land resources amidst climate change and environmental degradation since they require less external inputs and thrive in extreme weather conditions. 

4. Promoting sustainable consumption and production

Maximize food resources by minimizing the steps throughout the food value chain. An example of this is getting fruits and vegetables from a home garden and using these for the family’s consumption. Food grown through gardening is a sustainable food source. The process of home gardening ensures that fresher and higher quality crops with better nutritional values, with zero to minimal chemical inputs, are being harvested and consumed by the household. Indigenous vegetables can also be regrown from cuttings or tubers, allowing households and communities to grow food from scraps. Check out this Filipino recipe book for simple, nutritious meals that use indigenous vegetables, as published by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) and International Institute of Rural Reconstruction (IIRR).