Wisdom of nature: diversity increases productivity

 
Interesting observations in the article below: "[A] basic rule of nature: the greater the diversity, the greater the productivity." "One of the keys to success is to ensure...diversity..."

Referring to the value of diversity, 'Abdu'l-Bahá has likewise stated:

Consider the flowers of a garden. Though differing in kind, color, form, and shape, yet...this diversity increaseth their charm, and addeth unto their beauty... Diversity of hues, form and shape, enricheth and adorneth the garden, and heighteneth the effect thereof.

- Tablets 103

EDUCATION-URUGUAY: Gardens of Knowledge

By Silvana Silveira

MONTEVIDEO, Mar 10, 2010 (IPS) - "Nature is wise, and if we take the time to observe it, we can learn so much" is the underlying philosophy of a number of innovative programmes being carried out in Uruguayan schools that are using gardens as a teaching resource, explained Edith Moraes, director of the national Primary Education Board.

He said the children who participate in these programmes learn "the importance of making a commitment to taking care of something in order to reach a goal and obtain an outcome. They learn that effort and persistence are needed to get results, and also that nature has its own laws and cycles that must be respected."

Living laboratories

[According to] executive director of Fundación Logros, Graciela Gancman,

"The greatest contribution is the transfer of knowledge. It is essential to have adequate know-how and sources of information to know what to do in the event of insect infestations, bad weather and other external factors."

One of the keys to success is to ensure a diversity of crops. "If we look back on the gardens planted by our grandparents, who brought this knowledge with them from Europe, they didn’t plant rows and rows of lettuce; everything was mixed up together, a little bit of each vegetable to serve at the family table," she noted.

"This is a basic rule of nature: the greater the diversity, the greater the productivity," stressed Gancman, who referred to the school gardens and orchards as "living laboratories" that enable learning through experience.

Link to the complete article: http://ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=50622

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