International Journal of Molecular Evolution and Biodiversity 2024, Vol.14, No.2, 71-79 http://ecoevopublisher.com/index.php/ijmeb 76 Additionally, the restoration of degraded lands and the creation of ecological corridors between sugarcane fields can help mitigate the effects of habitat fragmentation. These corridors facilitate the movement of species across the landscape, enhancing ecological connectivity and supporting biodiversity (Cherubin et al., 2021). 5.3 Role of international cooperation and agreements in managing environmental impacts International cooperation is vital for addressing the global challenges of sugarcane production. Agreements such as the Paris Agreement on climate change include commitments to sustainable agricultural practices that can be applied to sugarcane farming. These international agreements encourage countries to adopt best practices in agriculture that not only improve productivity but also reduce environmental impacts. Collaborative research and development projects between countries can lead to the adoption of new technologies and farming methods that are more sustainable. Moreover, trade agreements can include environmental standards that require the sustainable production of agricultural commodities, including sugarcane, thus influencing global practices (Filoso et al., 2015). The integration of sustainable practices, conservation efforts, and international cooperation forms a comprehensive approach to mitigating the environmental impacts of sugarcane production. By adopting these strategies, the sugarcane industry can move towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly production methods that ensure long-term productivity and ecological balance. 6 Case Studies 6.1 Brazil: impact of sugarcane on the Amazon and Cerrado In Brazil, the expansion of sugarcane cultivation has significantly impacted the Cerrado and the Amazon, two of the country’s most important ecological regions. The Cerrado, often referred to as Brazil’s savannah, hosts about 5% of the world’s biodiversity. However, the rapid expansion of agriculture, particularly sugarcane, has transformed its landscape and ecosystem. The Amazon, known for its vast rainforests, has also seen sugarcane encroachment, although to a lesser extent compared to other agricultural activities like soybean cultivation and cattle ranching. Environmental impacts on the Cerrado: The conversion from native Cerrado vegetation to sugarcane has led to significant biodiversity losses and alterations in the soil’s chemical and biological properties. Studies indicate a sharp decline in soil macrofauna, which is crucial for nutrient cycling and soil structure maintenance. The abundance and diversity of soil organisms like earthworms, ants, and beetles significantly decrease when pasturelands are converted to sugarcane fields. This change results in poorer soil health, which can reduce agricultural productivity over time and increase the vulnerability of the land to erosion and degradation (Franco et al., 2016). Impacts on water resources and local climate: Expanding sugarcane plantations in the Cerrado has also impacted water resources and local climate conditions. The alteration of land cover changes the region’s hydrology, affecting water availability for local communities and other ecological uses. Moreover, studies have shown that sugarcane plantations can alter local microclimates, which can impact surrounding natural vegetation and agricultural practices (Loarie et al., 2011). 6.2 India: effects on local biodiversity in sugarcane leading states In India, sugarcane is a major crop, particularly in states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. While the crop significantly contributes to the local economy, it has considerable environmental impacts, especially on local biodiversity. Impact on Local Flora and Fauna: The intensive cultivation practices associated with sugarcane, including heavy water usage and pesticide application, have led to habitat degradation and loss. The monoculture nature of sugarcane fields displaces local flora, reducing habitat diversity and affecting the fauna dependent on these habitats for survival. The reduction in biodiversity is not only a loss of plant and animal life but also diminishes the ecosystem services they provide, such as pollination, which is vital for many other crops (Degefa and Saito, 2017).
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