International Journal of Molecular Evolution and Biodiversity 2024, Vol.14, No.2, 71-79 http://ecoevopublisher.com/index.php/ijmeb 71 Feature Review Open Access Habitat Destruction and Biodiversity Loss Due to Sugarcane Expansion Kaiwen Liang 1, Jianquan Li 2 1 Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Crop Molecular Breeding, Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China 2 Hainan Institute of Troppical Agricultural Resources (HITAR), Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China Corresponding author: jianquanli@hitar.org International Journal of Molecular Evolution and Biodiversity, 2024, Vol.14, No.2 doi: 10.5376/ijmeb.2024.14.0009 Received: 19 Feb, 2024 Accepted: 28 Mar., 2024 Published: 17 Apr., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Liang and Li, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Liang K.W., and Li J.Q., 2024, Habitat destruction and biodiversity loss due to sugarcane expansion, International Journal of Molecular Evolution and Biodiversity, 14(2): 71-79 (doi: 10.5376/ijmeb.2024.14.0009) Abstract This study explores the environmental and ecological impacts of sugarcane expansion in Brazil, India, and Australia. It highlights the significant effects of sugarcane cultivation on biodiversity, soil health, water resources, and local climates. In Brazil, the expansion into the Cerrado and Amazon regions has led to biodiversity losses, especially in soil fauna and altered hydrological cycles. In India, intensive cultivation practices have degraded local biodiversity and ecosystem services. In Australia, runoff from sugarcane fields threatens the Great Barrier Reef by causing algal blooms and coral bleaching. The study emphasizes the need for sustainable agriculture practices, robust environmental policies, community engagement, and international cooperation to mitigate the adverse effects of sugarcane cultivation. Recommendations include enforcing stricter environmental regulations, promoting sustainable farming practices, and investing in research for resilient crop varieties. Keywords Sugarcane (Saccharumspp.); Sugarcane expansion; Environmental impact; Biodiversity loss; Sustainable agriculture; Soil health; Water resources; Policy; Recommendations Sugarcane (Saccharumspp.) is a vital crop cultivated across more than 100 countries due to its significant role in sugar production and bioenergy. Globally, it covers approximately 27 million hectares, with Brazil being a major producer, emphasizing the crop’s role in the bioeconomy. The crop’s cultivation practices have evolved to meet increasing demands for sugar and ethanol, spurred by biofuel policies and the sugar trade. Sugarcane not only supports energy production but also contributes to the manufacturing of biodegradable products and animal feed (Heinrichs et al., 2017). In regions like Brazil and India, the expansion of sugarcane is significant, driven by both local consumption and global markets. Brazil, for instance, has seen a doubling of production recently to support bioenergy needs, which impacts the sustainability of agricultural practices and land use (Bordonal et al., 2018). Furthermore, the mechanization in countries like India illustrates efforts to boost productivity amidst challenges such as labor shortages and environmental impacts (Singh et al., 2011; Ashraf et al., 2023). Habitat destruction and biodiversity loss are critical environmental issues that occur when natural lands are converted to agricultural or other human uses, leading to a decline in native species and ecosystems. In the context of sugarcane expansion, these issues are especially pronounced as large tracts of land, often rich in biodiversity, are cleared for cultivation. The conversion impacts not only the flora and fauna but also affects soil health and water cycles, contributing to broader ecological imbalances (Watson, 2011). The expansion of sugarcane into biodiverse regions such as the Amazon and Cerrado in Brazil, or similar habitats in Southeast Asia and Africa, often leads to significant environmental degradation. This includes the loss of habitat for endangered species and changes in local climate conditions due to deforestation and altered land use patterns. Such biodiversity loss is frequently irreversible and poses challenges to sustainability and conservation efforts (Bordonal et al., 2018). The loss of biodiversity and habitat due to sugarcane expansion represents a complex interplay of economic growth, energy production, and environmental preservation, necessitating comprehensive strategies to balance these competing interests for sustainable development.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNA==