Page 71 - Eggs and Ashes pages

70 Eggs and Ashes

B: We don’t want to forgo the lifestyle we enjoy; we don’t want to make sacrifices
when others do not.

A: We are frustrated because we are not free to live thoughtless lives; sad, because
it feels as if the party is over.

B: We look at the scale of the universe and know that we are nothing: fiery suns
and planets lie beyond our sight and understanding.

A: Yet we sense your care for the smallest bird; your touch on the most delicate
flower.

B: Creator God of space and the mustard seed, we dare to be your hands: Good
Maker of our hearts and spirits, we love to love your world.

John Polhill

Agricultural biodiversity in India
(Story from ITDG)

Orissa was once the home of the largest number of rice varieties of any state in
India, more than 1,750. Now the number of local rice varieties is only approxi-
mately 150.

The tribal communities of Koraput district have used their knowledge and experi-
ence of forest species and agro-biodiversity to revitalise on-farm conservation by
promoting traditional varieties of rice and medicinal plants. Community seed
banks have ensured the preservation of biodiversity and food security, enabling
communities to obtain, store and manage vital seed. Neighbouring villages have
begun copying these practices for themselves; and many non-governmental
organisations from surrounding districts have adopted seed and grain banking and
community medicinal plant gardens to enhance the local biodiversity.

Adapted from Hands On Gene Savers

Western corporations limit biodiversity – check for local varieties of apples in your neigh-
bourhood supermarket.