It is a great pleasure for me to join all of you again on World Food Day at the FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific.
In our turbulent world of today, we face many challenges in various important areas in order to secure the well-being of the people and other living creatures on this planet. In this context, biodiversity plays a key role in sustainable development and poverty alleviation. As we all know, the poor, especially in rural areas, depend on biodiversity for food, fuel, shelter, medicines and livelihood. We depend on biodiversity and its ecosystem services such as air and water purification, soil protection, disease control and reduced vulnerability to natural disasters. The selection of Biodiversity for food security as the theme for World Food Day celebrations this year recognizes and emphasizes the importance of protection and sustainable management of biodiversity for alleviation of poverty and enhancing food security.
FAO has been instrumental in initiating a number of international agreements to conserve biodiversity and to ensure that the resources are sustainably used, and the benefits from their use are equitably distributed. We recognize the pivotal role of biodiversity but biodiversity issues have seemingly been neglected.
We also recognize the valuable technical support and policy advice provided by the FAO to member countries in management and utilization of natural resources for increasing agricultural production, rural development and food security. Its contributions in these fields are well known and recognized.
FAO/Prayoon Amaree
FAO/Prayoon Amaree
It is critical that we understand that biodiversity is interlinked with poverty alleviation and food security. Without biodiversity there is no sustainable development, poverty alleviation and food security, and without sustainable development we cannot possibly hope to conserve or sustainably use our natural resources. In the developing world, more than 1.2 billion people currently live below the international poverty line, earning less than US$1 per day. Among the poor, many have problems obtaining adequate, nutritious food for themselves and their families. It is alarming to note that hunger and malnutrition claims 10 million lives ever year, one life every 5 seconds. Six million children under 5 die every year from hunger.
Addressing these issues needs an integrated approach. There is no single set of recommendations for improved sustainable management of biodiversity, soil and water resources for increased food production applicable for the diverse agricultural environments and economic conditions. Therefore, it is important to identify most appropriate and costs effective technologies considering local agro-ecological and socio-economic conditions.
In this regard, let me share with you some of our experience in the implementation of the Royal Development Project to conserve natural resources and increase agricultural production. At present, Thailand’s forest cover has dwindled to only 25 per cent, estimated at about 80 million rai, of the country’s total land area. As you know, forests are among the most important repositories of terrestrial biological diversity. Forests provide a wide array of goods and services. Forest trees and shrubs play a vital role in the daily life of rural communities as source of timber, fuel wood, fodder, essential oils, pharmaceuticals and contributors to soil and water conservation. Alarmed over the rate of deforestation, His Majesty the King initiated a forest rehabilitation programme in 1960 and currently a number of successful agro-forestry and reforestation projects integrating trees for fruits, timber and fuel wood is in progress providing a range of benefits to the rural communities in many provinces such as Chiang Rai, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Kanchanaburti, Songkhla and Pattani.
FAO/Prayoon Amaree
The origin of His Majesty’s “New Theory” is another good example for conservation and management of biodiversity and other available natural resources for enhancing food security. The main purpose of this theory is to support small landholders to increase farm income and food production through appropriate division and utilization of land to grow a range of crops such as rice and horticultural crops, and establishment of farm ponds for rain water harvesting for dry season crops and to promote fisheries. After the successful establishment of the “Demonstration Center” at Wat Mongkhol Chai Pattana, farmers in all parts of the country have adopted this technique and have shown promising results. In all these works, His Majesty has promoted environmentally friendly techniques and efficient management of locally available resources for increasing agricultural productivity and food security. It is also important to note that several government departments, national and international agencies are working together in the implementation of these activities.
The importance of conservation and management of biodiversity for food security in a sustainable manner, considering the increasing population, degrading natural resources such as land and water, cannot be overlooked. The main task ahead is to translate into quantifiable results the political commitment and recognition of the importance of biodiversity for food security. The main factors resulting in degradation of biodiversity need to be identified and conservation practices appropriate for local conditions should be implemented. This will require the involvement of all sectors at both national and international levels. The government should integrate biodiversity considerations into social and economic development policies and programmes.
FAO Biodiversity dvd
FAO/G. Blaak
FAO/H. Wagner
I join you all in congratulating FAO on this auspicious day for its achievements and offer Thailand’s good wishes and full-hearted support to the World Food Day theme. I am confident that FAO will continue to receive similar support from other Asia-Pacific countries in realizing the collective mission of conserving biodiversity for ensuring food security for all our citizens.
Thank you.
