This publication introduces a definition of “area under restoration” tailored to the unique characteristics of freshwater ecosystems and outlines key considerations for monitoring restoration efforts. By promoting consistent and coherent reporting, the guidelines aim to support countries in tracking progress, enhancing ecological outcomes, and ensuring that these critical but often overlooked ecosystems are effectively restored and maintained.

التكنولوجيا والبيانات المتطورة ستحقق الشفافية والمساءلة في التزامات الإصلاح العالمية المتعهّد بها بموجب إطار كونمينغ-مونتريال العالمي للتنوع البيولوجي

This month, highlights include the release of the global report on genetic resources for food and agriculture, assessing agroecological transitions results using the FAO’s TAPE tool, and new e-learning courses focused on forest and fisheries management. 

تمكين المزارعين والشعوب الأصلية والمجتمعات المحلية والعلماء من حفظ الموارد الوراثية واستخدامها أمر ضروري من أجل نظم زراعية وغذائية قادرة على الصمود

This significant publication highlights the crucial role of genetic resources in maintaining the resilience and productivity of forests and their adaptation to climate change. Drawing on data from 77 countries – representing more than three-quarters of the global forest area – the report analyses the progress made in improving the management of forest genetic resources while also indicating that there is a need to reinforce their conservation and sustainable management in the face of rising threats to them.

The Third Report on the State of the World’s Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture presents the results of a global assessment of the status and trends of in situ conservation, on-farm management, ex situ conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture since 2012. It also presents the status of human and institutional capacities and the enabling environment necessary for the effective conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.  

في عام 2025، اختيرت الغابات والأغذية لتكون موضوع اليوم الدولي احتفاءً بالأدوار الأساسية التي تؤديها الغابات بالنسبة إلى الأمن الغذائي والتغذية وسبل العيش. تدعم الغابات خصوبة التربة وتحمي موارد المياه وتوفر موائل للتنوع البيولوجي، بما في ذلك الملقحات الحيوية، بالإضافة إلى تأمين الغذاء والوقود والدخل وفرص العمل. وهي أساسية لبقاء المجتمعات المحلية التي تعتمد على الغابات، لا سيما الشعوب الأصلية، وتساهم في التخفيف من وطأة تغير المناخ من خلال اختزان الكربون.

Delegates from 139 countries convened at FAO Headquarters in Rome for the resumed meeting of the Sixteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP16.2) to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the meeting was a continuation of COP16, held in Cali, Colombia, between October and November 2024. 

As the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP16) talks resume at FAO Headquarters in Rome, FAO’s publication on Delivering on the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework through Agrifood Systems has been released in all six UN languages.

روما - بينما يجتمع أكثر من 150 بلدًا في روما لحضور الدورة المستأنفة للاجتماع السادس عشر لمؤتمر الأطراف في اتفاقية التنوع البيولوجي (الدورة المستأنفة للاجتماع السادس عشر لمؤتمر الأطراف)، تدعو منظمة الأغذية والزراعة للأمم المتحدة (المنظمة) إلى اتخاذ إجراءات جريئة لتحويل النظم الزراعية والغذائية ودعم أهداف التنوع البيولوجي العالمية. وأكّدت المنظمة، التي استضافت اجتماعًا رفيع المستوى في مقرّها الرئيسي عشية هذا المؤتمر، أنّ النظم الزراعية والغذائية يجب أن تعمل في انسجام مع التنوع البيولوجي لضمان مستقبل مستدام للناس والكوكب على حد سواء.

إنّ التنوع البيولوجي ليس مفهومًا مجردًا يتداوله العلماء والناشطون، سواء أكان الأمر يتعلّق باستخدام البذور الأصلية الأكثر قدرةً على الصمود أم الجمع بين محاصيل البن ونباتات الموز أم إعادة إحياء مجموعات الملقحات، بل إنه مجموعة كاملة من الممارسات الملموسة التي يطبّقها المزارعون في عملهم اليومي على نحو مهم للغاية بالنسبة إلى الأمن الغذائي والبيئة.

روما - عادت مفاوضات التنوع البيولوجي غير المكتملة إلى طاولة المحادثات. فبعد دورة لم يسبق لها مثيل في كالي، كولومبيا، تجتمع الوفود مجدّدًا في روما لمعالجة الأعمال غير المكتملة ذات الأهمية الحاسمة للعمل في مجال التنوع البيولوجي – حيث يبرز تحويل النظم الزراعية والغذائية كعنصر أساسي لتحقيق النجاح العالمي.

How can biodiversity meet people’s needs within agrifood systems? FAO, the CBD Secretariat, and the Government of Colombia will spotlight solutions at the special event "Meeting People’s Needs through Sustainable Use of Biodiversity within Agrifood Systems”, which will take place on 24 February 2025 ahead of the resumed session of COP16.2, addressing key global biodiversity strategies and the Agri-NBSAPs Support Initiative.

Pulses bring diversity to our agrifood systems in multiple ways: on the farm, in our diets and through value-added products. They boost biodiversity on farms by enriching cropping systems with more species. With more than 100 types of pulses available, farmers have many options for crop rotations and/or intercropping. Consumers can enjoy pulses as part of healthy diets.

This report highlights nitrogen’s critical role in supporting agricultural production, food security, and economic growth. However, unsustainable nitrogen management has severe consequences, including environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, and climate change. Balancing nitrogen use in agrifood systems is key to maintaining soil health, improving air and water quality, and addressing the interconnected challenges of pollution, climate change, and biodiversity conservation. If you are an FAO Member or an agrifood stakeholder interested in understanding nitrogen challenges in agrifood systems and exploring solutions to improve sustainable nitrogen management, this event is a valuable opportunity to explore key findings and discuss pathways to sustainable nitrogen.

The adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) at COP15 of the CBD marked a significant commitment to a world living in harmony with nature. The KMGBF outlines ambitious goals and 23 targets for 2030, with agrifood systems playing a crucial role in their achievement. Target 10 specifically commits countries to sustainably managing areas under agriculture, aquaculture, fisheries, and forestry, including through the sustainable use of biodiversity. To implement the KMGBF, countries are developing and implementing National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) and monitoring their implementation. A draft guidance document was coordinated by FAO to assist governments and other agrifood stakeholders in their efforts to implement the KMGBF, taking target 10 as an entry point for agrifood systems. This consultation seeks reviews, suggestions and input, including proposals for relevant examples, materials, and case studies, to illustrate and inform the draft Guidance for Target 10.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has unveiled two new online resources to support countries and stakeholders in restoring degraded ecosystems. An interactive digital version of the Resource Guide to Target 2 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and a complementary e-learning course aim to provide practical tools that make restoration planning, monitoring and reporting more accessible and actionable.

The digital guide transforms the original resource into a dynamic, user-friendly platform. Designed to simplify navigation and enhance engagement, the guide uses interactive features such as clickable visuals, embedded case studies, and linked references. These features allow users to explore restoration approaches while tailoring the guidance to their specific contexts. The digital format ensures wider accessibility, enabling policymakers, field practitioners, and technical experts to interact with content better.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed a decision to hold at its headquarters in Rome, Italy the resumed sessions of the UN Biodiversity Conference, including the Sixteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) from 25 to 27 February 2025. 

In October 2024, delegates from 196 countries met in Cali to discuss the state of implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) and the global progress in conserving and sustainably using biodiversity. At COP16, countries were able to adopt several key and monumental decisions, but a number of draft decisions were not considered by the final plenary and are therefore pending adoption. 

At COP16 in Cali, Colombia, the side event showcased efforts to align regional plans with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, aiming to support sustainable agriculture and environmental protection.

The Delivering Restoration Outcomes for Biodiversity and Human Well-being Resource Guide is a collaborative tool from FAO, CBD, and the Society for Ecological Restoration aimed at helping countries meet Target 2 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.