New FAO-report: Step up the work with preventing loss of biodiversity for food and agriculture!

2019.02.22

Today, the FAO Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture presented a new report called “The State of the World’s Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture”. Part of the report make somber reading but there are also many positive trends. The report underlines the importance of us now taking action to prevent further loss of biodiversity.

The report, first of its kind, is a summary of reports handed in by 99 of the world’s countries concerning the biodiversity of plants, animals, forests and aquatic resources important for food and agriculture. Representatives of NordGen have also contributed to the comprehensive report which can be outlined in the following bullet points: • Biodiversity is essential to food and agriculture • Multiple interacting drivers of change are affecting biodiversity for food and agriculture • Biodiversity for food and agriculture is declining • The use of many biodiversity-friendly practices is reported to be increasing • Enabling frameworks for the sustainable use and conservation of biodiversity for food and agriculture remain insufficient The report identifies a number of needs, gaps and potential actions in the management of biodiversity for food and agriculture. The next step is to take action. The report also points to the fact that the FAO Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture has overseen the development of global plans of action for genetic resources in the plant, animal and forest sectors. Implementation of these instruments needs to be stepped up, according to the report.