Over 60 experts from 27 countries took part in the first meeting of the Technical Advisory Groups on Ecosystem Services, and on Circular Bioeconomy Approaches.

Science-based policy and recommendations are key to accelerating a sustainable transformation of the livestock sector globally. By developing harmonized methodologies and metrics, the FAO Livestock Environmental Assessment and Performance (FAO LEAP) Partnership and its technical advisory groups contribute to the environmental sustainability of the livestock sector.

This year, the partnership started the work on two crucial topics related to livestock’s environmental performance: ecosystem services, and circular bioeconomy. Over 60 experts from 27 countries participated in inaugural meeting of the newly established FAO LEAP technical advisory groups on 18 and 19 April. FAO LEAP experts are part of a coordinated global initiative that aims to accelerate the sustainable development of livestock supply chains and to help countries, policymakers and practitioners address climate change through livestock.

“I am convinced that the FAO LEAP Partnership will continue to inform policy and to create an impact on the ground toward the sustainable transformation of the livestock sector,” said Badi Besbes, FAO Senior Animal Production Officer, during the opening session of the first meeting of the technical advisory groups on ecosystem services and circular bioeconomy approaches on 18 April.

During a two-day discussion, the interdisciplinary groups of experts discussed principles, opportunities, and challenges to assess ecosystem services and circular bioeconomy approaches in livestock systems in an internationally harmonized way. The technical advisory groups will then develop technical guidelines to help countries assess ecosystem services and circular bioeconomy in the livestock supply chain. 

Ecosystem services

From the production of food to the fertility of soils through manure, livestock contribute to the maintenance of rural landscapes and household economics. Yet, while the accent is commonly put on the impact and threats livestock systems pose to the environment, the services they provide to society and ecosystems are often overlooked and rarely quantified.

During the meeting, the technical advisory groups stressed the importance of developing an ecosystem services approach that takes into account the diversity and complexity of livestock systems, integrates different disciplines ranging from economy to ecology, and ultimately encourages further research and dialogue around ecological, social and economic dimensions of livestock sustainability. “I aim to contribute to the development of a comprehensive and harmonized international approach to integrate ecosystem services accounting into sustainability assessments of livestock farming systems,” said Raimon Ripoll-Bosch, co-chair of the FAO LEAP technical advisory group on ecosystem services.

 With the technical support of a heterogeneous group of experts from 20 countries, the FAO LEAP Partnership aims to develop guidelines for ecosystem services based on goals, common principles, definitions, classifications, accounting rules, and procedures. “Given the recognized need for international guidelines on ecosystem services, the work of this group will be crucial to identify synergies and trade-offs, raise awareness, and inform decision-making”, stressed Sophie Bertrand, co-chair of the FAO LEAP technical advisory group.

Circular bioeconomy  

“Livestock production is a key element of the circular bioeconomy, allowing the upcycling of agricultural products that cannot be consumed by humans, into valuable and nutritive food,” stressed Philippe Becquet, co-chair of the FAO LEAP technical advisory group on circular bioeconomy approaches.

Reusing and recycling waste and residues can make livestock production and agrifood systems more sustainable and efficient globally. During the inaugural meeting, members of the FAO LEAP technical advisory group on circular bioeconomy approaches highlighted the importance of providing a positive, solution-oriented narrative on livestock production and its contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals.

“I am looking forward to working with this outstanding group of experts to develop guidelines on how the provision of ecosystem services within a circular bioeconomy can contribute to achieving the FAO sustainable development goals in food and agriculture”, highlighted Tim McAllister, co-chair of the FAO LEAP technical advisory group on circular bioeconomy approaches.

After two days of discussion and brainstorming, the team agreed to analyse both animal and plant based sources for feed and other applications, including pharmacology and bioenergy. The group will also describe existing livestock technologies, their implications on the environment, as well as the potential safety and regulatory limitations associated with their adoption. Policy and regulations will be also evaluated to define opportunities and challengers for the development of circular bio-economy. 

“I am convinced that the future of sustainable agrifood systems needs to be based on circular bioeconomy principles,” stressed Barbara Amon, co-chair of the FAO LEAP technical advisory group on circular bioeconomy approaches.