agriculture - Reverse, European Project to Preserve Biodiversity

Genetic modification Alteration of the genetic material of living organisms in order to make them
capable of producing new substances or performing new functions. The term is
often used in cases when biotechnological techniques have been used (referred
to as genetic engineering) that induce genetic changes that would not normally
occur in nature.
Genetic resources Genetic material of actual or potential value.
Genetically Modified Organism An organism into which has been inserted - through genetic engineering - one
or more genes from an outside source (either from the same species or from an
entirely different species) that contains coding for desired characteristics, such
as herbicide resistance or an antibacterial compound.
Good Agricultural Practices Practices that address environmental, economic and social sustainability for onfarm
processes, and result in safe and quality food and non-food agricultural
products.
Green Infrastructure Green Infrastructure is an interconnected network of green space that conserves
natural ecosystem values and functions and provides associated benefits to human
populations.
Green Revolution Name given by William Goud to the dramatic increase in crop productivity during
the third quarter of the 20th century, as result of integrated advances in genetics
and plant breeding, agronomy, and pest and disease control.
Habitat The place or type of site where an organism or population naturally occurs.
Habitat conservation Series of measures required to maintain or restore the natural habitats and the
populations of species of wild fauna and flora at a favourable status.
Hotspot An area on earth with an unusual concentration of species, many of which are
endemic to the area, and which is under serious threat by people.
In situ (Conservation) System of conservation of biological diversity inside their natural habitats.
Indicator species A species whose status provides information on the overall condition of the
ecosystem and of other species in that ecosystem.
Indigenous knowledge Indigenous knowledge is the local knowledge that is unique to a given culture
or society. It contrasts with the international knowledge system generated by
universities, research institutions and private firms. It is the basis for locallevel
decision making in agriculture, health care, food preparation, education,
natural-resource management, and a host of other activities in rural communities.
Indigenous information systems are dynamic, and are continually influenced by
internal creativity and experimentation as well as by contact with external systems.
Land (use) planning The systematic assessment of land and water potential, alternative patterns of
land use and other physical, social and economic conditions, for the purpose of
selecting and adopting land-use options which are most beneficial to land users
without degrading the resources or the environment, together with the selection
of measures most likely to encourage such land uses. Land-use planning may be
at international, national, district (project, catchment) or local (village) levels. It
includes participation by land users, planners and decision-makers and covers
educational, legal, fiscal and financial measures.
Land use Land use refers to how a specific piece of land is allocated: its purpose, need or
use (e.g. agriculture, industry, residential or nature).
Landrace In plant genetic resources, an early, cultivated form of a crop species, evolved
from a wild population, and generally composed of a heterogeneous mixture of
genotypes.
Landscape character A distinct, recognisable and consistent pattern of elements in the landscape that
makes one landscape different from another, rather than better or worse.
Marginal areas Marginal areas are identified by the following four criteria: a) significantly lower per
capita incomes, b) low infrastructure equipment, c) cultural isolation, d) difficult
natural conditions.
EUROPEAN AGRICULTURE AND BIODIVERSITY CHARTER
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