Traditional Agrifood Systems and Landscapes (TASLs) as Biodiversity and Agrobiodiversity Hotspots
Traditional Agrifood Systems and Landscapes (TASLs) are the result of a long process of observation, experimentation, adaptation and co-evolution of rural communities to the surrounding environment. Over centuries, farmers have developed and adopted agricultural practices that combine food production with the sustainable management of natural resources, creating landscapes characterized by high ecological, cultural, and economic value. Unlike modern intensive agricultural systems, which often rely on monocultures, mechanization, and large quantities of external inputs, traditional farming systems represent an interesting agricultural model considering their potential role in driving a resilient and sustainable transition of agrifood systems at all levels (environmental, social, economic, cultural).
Being TASLs characterized by high diversification and the integration of different agroecosystem components, they are increasingly recognized as biodiversity and agrobiodiversity hotspots: both in terms of flora and fauna and of crops and livestock breeds, the heterogeneity of traditional farming creates favourable conditions for a wide range of species and ecological processes, making them important areas for conservation. In addition to supporting the preservation and prosperity of biodiversity, traditional agrifood systems and landscapes play a crucial role in addressing current environmental challenges, such as: climate change, soil degradation, habitat fragmentation, hydrogeological and fire risk, and the loss of ecosystem services.
In the framework of TASLs, traditional knowledge and practices play an important role in keeping alive important tangible and intangible elements related to traditional farming: this is the case of the art of dry-stone wall construction, and of the intercropping and agroforestry techniques which offer valuable solutions with reference to biodiversity and agrobiodiversity preservation enhancing resilience, promoting sustainable resource use, and maintaining ecosystem functions. These practices demonstrate that agricultural production and environmental protection can coexist and mutually reinforce one another.
Dry-stone walls, a hydraulic-agricultural infrastructure in traditional farming with ecological functions
Dry-stone walls are among the most distinctive features of many traditional agricultural landscapes, in particular in the Mediterranean region. Constructed by carefully stacking stones without mortar, they have historically been used to create terraces, define field boundaries, and manage steep slopes. Besides being constructed for practical agricultural purposes, dry-stone walls provide a wide range of ecological, environmental, and socio-economic functions and services, being one of their most important contributions the preservation and fostering of biodiversity: the cracks, crevices, and cavities between stones create numerous microhabitats that provide shelter, nesting sites, and breeding areas for many organisms. By increasing habitat diversity, dry-stone walls are home and support a greater number of species compared to intensive agricultural landscapes. Moreover, dry-stone walls also contribute to the formation of ecological corridors: in agricultural environments where natural habitats are fragmented, these structures facilitate the movement of species between different areas, improving habitat connectivity and supporting genetic exchange among populations. Another significant ecological role is their ability to regulate microclimatic conditions. Stones absorb heat during the day and gradually release it when temperatures decrease, reducing thermal fluctuations. This thermal regulation protects crops from excessive evapotranspiration and creates more favourable conditions for wildlife. The resulting microclimates can enhance agricultural productivity and increase the resilience of farming systems to climatic variability. Dry-stone walls are also effective tools for climate change adaptation and hydrogeological risk prevention acting as natural drainage systems as they slow the water runoff and promote infiltration into the soil. This reduces soil erosion, limits fertility loss, and helps maintain soil structure. Their stabilizing effect on slopes decreases the risk of landslides, floods, and avalanches, particularly in mountainous and hilly areas.
Intercropping and agroforestry as drivers of agrobiodiversity preservation
Traditional agrifood systems and landscapes often rely on mixed cultivation practices rather than on monocultures and specialized agriculture. Among the most important practices are intercropping and agroforestry, both of which contribute significantly to biodiversity conservation, ecosystem resilience, and sustainable agricultural production.
By increasing plant diversity within agricultural systems, intercropping promotes more efficient use of resources such as sunlight, water, and nutrients, also considering that different crops may complement each other biologically and ecologically: for example, legumes can fix atmospheric nitrogen and improve soil fertility, what benefits neighbouring cereal crops and reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers. The diversification associated with intercropping creates heterogeneous environments that support a wide range of organisms. Pollinating insects, including bees, butterflies, and other beneficial species, find more abundant food resources in diversified fields. Similarly, soil microorganisms benefit from the greater variety of root systems and organic matter inputs, contributing to the nutrient cycling and soil health. As a result, intercropped systems often display greater ecological stability and productivity than monoculture systems. Intercropping also contributes to natural pest management. Greater biological diversity can disrupt pest life cycles and support populations of natural predators, reducing the need for chemical pesticides. Closely related to intercropping is agroforestry, a land-use system in which perennial trees and shrubs are intentionally integrated with crops or livestock. Agroforestry systems are particularly effective at creating diverse habitats since the presence of trees, shrubs, crops, and sometimes animals results in a multi-layered landscape structure capable of supporting a wide variety of plant and animal species. Birds, pollinating insects, mammals, and beneficial microorganisms often thrive in these environments, making agroforestry one of the most biodiversity-friendly forms of agriculture. The integration of trees and shrubs also increases ecological connectivity: indeed, agroforestry systems function as ecological corridors linking fragmented habitats and facilitating species movement across agricultural landscapes.
Both intercropping and agroforestry play a critical role in climate change adaptation and mitigation. Agricultural systems based on a single crop are often highly vulnerable to droughts, heat waves, pests, diseases, and extreme weather events. Diversified systems, by contrast, distribute risks across multiple species and production components.
Beyond ecological and environmental benefits: the socio-economic and cultural positive externalities
In addition to their ecological and environmental functions, the tackled examples concerning knowledge and techniques linked to TASLs such as dry-stone walls, intercropping and agroforestry provide important socio-economic benefits. Diversification of production is one of the most important considering that farmers can produce a wider range of goods, including crops, fruits, timber, fodder, fuelwood, and livestock products, reducing dependence on a single source of income and increasing economic resilience. At the same time, diversified production systems are often associated with higher-value products that can reach specialized markets focused on sustainability, quality, and local identity. Traditional agricultural landscapes characterized by distinguishing elements such as dry-stone walls and based on mixed cultivation and agroforestry also offer opportunities for tourism, recreation, and hospitality activities. Visitors are increasingly attracted to rural areas characterized by biodiversity, scenic beauty, cultural heritage, and traditional food products. Agritourism, educational activities, and nature-based tourism can generate additional income for local communities while promoting awareness of sustainable agricultural practices. Finally, these systems preserve traditional ecological knowledge and cultural heritage, being based on skills and knowledge accumulated over generations. Protecting these practices means preserving not only biodiversity and ecosystem services but also the cultural identity of rural communities.
Intercropping at the Sant’Antimo Abbey (Tuscany, Italy). Photo credits Federica Romano.