Gratitude Gardens redefine our connection to food, culture, and community. Online tools like games, wikis, and apps challenge us to explore/share our heritage and compete to create living seedbanks.
According to RAFI, "crop genetic resources are being wiped out at the rate of 1-2% every year. Since the beginning of this century, about 75% of the genetic diversity of agricultural crops has been lost." This means globally the stable plants most adapted to local climates are being lost. Also, few children in the 21st century are being educated on their heirloom and landrace crops or in the traditional techniques that sustained their communities for thousands of years.
The problem is the solution: the same technology that distracts people from their traditions can be used to encourage them to honor their elders and share their heritage. Tough challenges, real prizes and global acclaim will provide the incentive.
Communities worldwide will increase biosecurity by having shared databases, living seed banks and community farms. Hundreds of millions of people use wikipedia, facebook and play games like farmville, so our project could share info for millions too
