Agroforestry is a greener approach to farming whereby trees and shrubs are grown alongside crops and livestock. One method of implementing this involves using a silvoarable system. Here saplings are placed in rows between alleys of horticultural plants. According to the Woodland Trust, this strategy can “enhance farm productivity, increase wildlife and contribute to climate change mitigation.” Despite these benefits and 72% of UK land being cultivated, it has only been applied in 3% of possible areas so far.
Eddo Hartmann’s (b. 1973) exhibition highlights these sustainable practices. His work is part of Renewed Energy, a collaboration between BPD Cultuurfonds and Noorderlicht. It imagines future landscapes thriving through regenerative agriculture. The fruit tree pictured is another example. It’s part of a food forest. Here, farmers grow a variety of edible plants to mimic natural ecosystems, much like a garden. This promotes biodiversity, improves the soil and attracts new wildlife, such as birds and insects.
The show is part of the Noorderlicht International Photo Festival. This year’s theme, Regenerate, brings together image-makers who are looking at how we can improve society, both for people and the planet at large. Regenerate Life at Museum Belvédère delves into our relationship with nature. On display is Rebecca Najdowski’s documentation of wildfire recovery and Misha Vallejo Prut’s depiction of Kawsak Sacha (The Living Forest), a philosophy upheld by the Indigenous Kichwa community in Ecuador. They view the Earth as a conscious entity whose life is interconnected with its inhabitants. Through thought-provoking pieces, these photographers call for real change by inspiring us all to consider new ways of thinking.
Noorderlicht International Photo Festival | Until 10 December
Words: Diana Bestwish Tetteh
Image Credits:
- © Eddo Hartmann. All images courtesy of the artist.
