Biodiversity is at the core of sustainable agriculture, providing essential ecosystem services such as pollination, water purification, and natural pest control. However, modern monoculture farming has significantly contributed to biodiversity loss, weakening the resilience of food production systems. Increasingly, farmers and policymakers recognize the need to integrate biodiversity into agriculture, with the FAO playing a central role in promoting practices that balance conservation with food production.

The reliance on chemical pesticides and synthetic inputs has led to long-term ecological challenges, including pesticide resistance and the destruction of beneficial organisms. Studies highlight how working with nature—such as using predator insects like ladybugs to control pests—can enhance productivity while reducing dependency on agrochemicals. Across the world, innovative farmers are adopting nature-based solutions, from integrating livestock in orchards for pest management to attracting birds of prey to control rodents in crop fields.

Recognizing the urgent need for action, global policymakers are taking steps to mainstream biodiversity in agriculture. The FAO has been actively supporting national strategies to integrate biodiversity into food systems, emphasizing the role of smallholders and Indigenous communities in maintaining ecological balance. Strengthening farmers’ knowledge and providing supportive policies are essential to scaling up these efforts, ensuring a future where agriculture thrives in harmony with nature.