A key enabling factor (Question 3) for biodiversity is supporting investments – both public and private - that conserve biodiversity, use biological resources sustainably and share benefits equitably.
In 2014, the Committee on World Food Security adopted the Principles for Responsible Investments in Agriculture and Food Systems (CFS-RAI) that aim to guide governments, civil society and the private sector to support responsible investments. One of the ten principles is dedicated to the conservation and management of natural resources and calls for investments ‘supporting and conserving biodiversity’ and ‘contributing to the restoration of ecosystem functions and services’.
To support the operationalization of the CFS-RAI and responsible investments that take into account biodiversity, FAO has developed a multiyear Umbrella Programme Supporting Responsible Investments in Agriculture and Food Systems. For example, under this programme, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), together with FAO, has launched a pilot project with thirty leading enterprises to implement the OECD-FAO Guidance for Responsible Agricultural Supply Chains. This guidance, specifically designed for enterprises, builds on the CFS-RAI and calls for supporting the conversation of biodiversity. Through the pilot project, the OECD and FAO are strengthening the ability of enterprises to build responsible supply chains, including by taking into account natural resource management and biodiversity.
As the activities under the Umbrella Programme are developing, further awareness raising and capacity development activities are foreseen that support key actors such as parliamentarians, government officials and farmers organizations with enhancing responsible investment; including those investments that improve and conserve biodiversity.
Those that are interested in the Umbrella Programme can send their queries to [email protected] .
السيد Christiaan Duijst