Protecting biodiversity keeps our planet in play at the AO.

Intro

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth—plants, animals, and ecosystems. Food production can harm biodiversity when it involves deforestation, monoculture farming, or overfishing. Sustainable sourcing protects ecosystems while ensuring long-term food security.

Let’s get into it

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth, from plants and animals to microorganisms and ecosystems. Food production can have a profound impact on biodiversity, with unsustainable practices like deforestation, monoculture farming, and overfishing threatening ecosystems around the world.

Here’s how food choices affect biodiversity:

  • Deforestation: Clearing forests for agriculture destroys habitats, displacing wildlife and reducing biodiversity.

  • Monoculture farming: Growing a single crop over large areas depletes soil nutrients and makes ecosystems more vulnerable to pests and diseases.

  • Fishing practices: Overfishing and harmful methods damage marine ecosystems and threaten species survival.

At the AO, protecting biodiversity starts with sourcing sustainably. This includes:

  • Choosing ingredients grown with minimal impact on local ecosystems.

  • Avoiding overfished species in seafood dishes.

  • Supporting suppliers who practice regenerative agriculture.

Biodiversity isn’t just about saving wildlife—it’s about maintaining the balance of ecosystems that support our food systems and ultimately, our planet. By prioritizing biodiversity in our food choices, the AO can ensure that it leaves a legacy of sustainability, not depletion.