Edible insects in the biodiversity conservation and sustainable development in the future
- International Day for Biological Diversity - May 22, 2025 -

Prof Kshetrimayum Birla / Laishram Nillapriya *

Edible, harmless insects at Churachandpur, the team from IBSD studying how the oil extracts are taken out and snack time in September 2008 :: Pix - TSE

This year, the whole world is observing the International Day for Biological Diversity on May 22, 2025, under the theme "Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development" with an imperative to explore innovative solutions that align with this vision.

In this regard, sustainable edible insect farming and harvesting is one such approach that presents encouraging opportunities not only for biodiversity preservation but also for sustainable growth.

As the global population is set to touch 10 billion by 2050, the demand for sustainable and nutritious food sources has increased manifold. Herein, edible insects present a promising solution, offering high nutritional value while exerting a minimal environmental footprint.

This article explores how integrating edible insects into our diets can contribute to biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.

Edible insects are rich in protein, essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. They are an environmentally friendly food source since they required much less space, water and feed than conventional animals.

Additionally, they are important sources of essential micronutrients like vitamin B12, iron, and zinc - all of which are critical in the fight against malnutrition, particularly for the population living in the developing Nations.

North East region of India including the State of Manipur are known for their rich biodiversity, forming part of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot.

Edible insects including Tharaikokpi, Waheibi, Naoshek, Konjeng kokphai, Maikhumbi etc have been an important ingredients in the traditional recipes of the natives of Manipur diets since a long time and are means of subsistence.

Water beetles, rhino beetles, weevils, beetles, giant water bugs, stink bugs, back-swimmers, rice grasshoppers, mole crickets, grasshoppers, locusts, dragonflies, honey bees, yellow jacket wasps, paper wasps, silk moths, bamboo worms and termites etc. and more are some of the popular edible insects found in Manipur.

By incorporating edible insects into our diets, we can reduce the strain on conventional food sources like cattle production, which is considered a primary cause of habitat loss and deforestation.

Insect farming thus contributes to preserving natural habitats and the biodiversity they sustain by lowering the demand for large grazing areas and avoid over exploitation, wild Harvesting needs to be regulated responsibly.

In addition to safeguarding insect biodiversity, encouraging controlled harvesting and insect farming helps with food security, revenue production, and climate resilience. The use of insect protein in well-known food sources, like protein bars and snacks, and the promotion the advantages of its uses in the environment and human health are attempts to normalize the intake of insects.

Additionally, edible insects provide a complex answers to some of the most urgent problems currently by humankind such as biodiversity preservation, environmental sustainability and global food security. In this connection, time has come to switch over to a more resilient and sustainable food system that promotes human health and the ecological balance of the earth by accepting insects as a viable food source.

The 2025 campaign focuses on the linkages between the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Consuming insects promotes the goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and is consistent with two of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals: Life on Land (SDG 15) and Zero Hunger (SDG 2).

As we commemorate the International Day for Biological Diversity 2025 integrating edible insects into our diets and food systems represents a tangible step toward achieving harmony with nature and sustainable development in the future.