This research initiative focuses on creating a sustainable and resilient society in Asia by addressing the challenges of land, water, and agricultural management. Asia is home to nearly half of the world’s biodiversity, but human activities such as expanding agriculture threaten these ecosystems. This project will explore how to balance the need for increased agricultural production with the preservation of biodiversity and ecosystem services.

The initiative will use a transdisciplinary approach, combining physical and socio-economic data to assess the trade-offs between agricultural intensification and ecosystem health. By developing advanced indicators and models, the project will provide a clearer understanding of these trade-offs at a spatial level. The data will be drawn from global and regional sources, enabling a comprehensive analysis of the impacts of agricultural practices on biodiversity.

Stakeholder engagement is a key part of this project. By involving local communities, policymakers, and experts in the co-design process, the project ensures that the solutions developed are both practical and effective. The initiative will also assess different scenarios, including climate change and population growth, to understand how these factors might alter the balance between agricultural production and ecosystem preservation.

The project aims to provide actionable insights for government agencies, the private sector, and other stakeholders. By identifying critical areas where sustainable practices can be implemented, the project will help to pinpoint investment opportunities that maximize co-benefits for agriculture and the environment. Ultimately, this research will contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future for the diverse ecosystems of Asia.

This initiative is being supported by the Future Earth’s Cross-Cutting Initiatives Grant Program.