Tree Crops: A Key to Sustainable Development Goals

TEE Lab member Tharaka S. Priyadarshana contributed to a recent study published in Nature Sustainability that explores the underutilised potential of tree crops—such as olives, coffee, cacao, and fruit trees, among others (see Figures 1)—in advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These crops span over 183 million hectares globally and offer immense ecological, social, and economic benefits. Yet, they remain inadequately addressed in current agricultural policies.

Figure 1. Examples of sustainable tree crop plantations: (A) Olive and (B) Chestnut.

The study emphasises that tree crops can play a transformative role in addressing global challenges. They can enhance biodiversity, sequester carbon, prevent soil erosion, and provide year-round stable habitats. From a socio-economic perspective, these crops create vital employment opportunities, particularly in developing regions where they are extensively cultivated.

“When managed properly, tree crops can be powerful tools for biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, and rural poverty alleviation”, explains Dr. Carlos Martínez Núñez, the study’s lead author. Unlike annual crops, which often have limited ecological benefits, tree crops offer long-term stability and resilience for ecosystems and communities alike.

The paper argues that tailored policies are essential to unlocking the full sustainability potential of tree crops, including:

Regulations and Incentives: Introduce financial incentives, restore natural habitats, and implement sustainable land-use policies.

Global Policy Alignment: Develop international frameworks that encourage sustainable practices in both producer and consumer nations.

Context-Specific Approaches: Design policies adapted to the diverse ecological, economic, and geographic contexts of tree crop agriculture.

By adopting sustainable management practices, tree crops could become powerful allies in the fight against climate change, biodiversity loss, and rural poverty, marking a critical step toward a more equitable and sustainable future.

For more details, check out our paper published in Nature Sustainability, at https://doi.org/10.1038/s41893-024-01483-8 

How to cite this article: Martinez-Nuñez, C., Velado-Alonso, E., Avelino, J., Rey, P. J., ten Hoopen, G. M., Pe’er, G., Zou, Y., Liu, Y., Antwi-Agyei, P., Rusch, A., Staver, C., Priyadarshana, T. S., Sonwa, D. J., Buchori, D., Garibaldi, L. A., Concepción, E. D., Lewis, O. T., Perfecto, I., & Bartomeus, I. (2024). Tailored policies for perennial woody crops are crucial to advance sustainable development. Nature Sustainability. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41893-024-01483-8