Biodiversity and agro-biodiversity for climatic resilience promotion in rice farming

This Ph.D. thesis explores the interconnections between biodiversity and agro-biodiversity in rice agrosystems in North Western Italy (NWI) through a multi-scale and multidimensional approach. This work is the result of collaboration between the Rete Semi Rurali (RSR) and the Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology (DBIOS) of the University of Turin. Current Ph.D. research compares organic and conventional rice farming systems in NWI, from the point of view of biodiversity and agro-biodiversity.Maintaining genetic diversity proceeds on two parallel tracks, that of biodiversity and agrobiodiversity. At an operational level it can be applied through the use of practices with reduced environmental impact, but also through the role of specific institutions such as community seed banks which support the presentation and dissemination of varieties suitable for low input and biodiversity friendly farming practices. Chapter 2 synthesizes knowledge on how rice cultivation, through varietal choices and related agronomic practices, affects wetland-associated biodiversity through a literature-verified expert original analysis. The study, through Multi Criteria Decision Aiding (MCDA) Approach and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), aims to identify key leverage points for biodiversity enhancement across different models of rice farming systems, developing context-specific sustainable protocols and practical decision-support tools for farmers and policymakers. In Chapter 3 particularly focus on organic rice farming, Heterogeneous Organic Materials (HOM) material with references in Article 3(18) of Regulation (EU) 2018/848 and organic rice-related farming practices results, using Pollard Transept field sampling of diurnal butterflies and dragonflies as biodiversity indicators alongside literature-based assessments on a three-level scalable approach: field, farm and landscape. Chapter 4 also examines the technical, social and economic roles of European seed banks in preserving crop diversity and supporting farmers, 5 considering three renowned European case studies. The work as a whole bridges gaps between scientific understanding, agricultural practice and policy implementation by combining analytical field research with participatory methods, also demonstrating how biodiversity, agro-biodiversity, and reduced environmental impacts are compatible overall. Ultimately, this integrated approach seeks to reconcile agricultural productivity with ecological resilience, offering scalable strategies for biodiversity-friendly rice cultivation and actionable recommendations for agri-environmental governance in Rural Development Plans