Government officials, biodiversity experts, and international development partners from across the Southern African Development Community (SADC), East African Community (EAC), gather in Cape Town for 5 days for the Regional Dialogue on the Update and Revision of Regional and National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans.

Explore recent FAO publications on biodiversity and discover how the Organization helps countries conserve, restore and sustainably use biodiversity in agrifood systems.

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.

Cutting-edge technology and data will bring transparency and accountability to global restoration commitments under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework

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. 

Genetic diversity is key to creating more resilient agrifood systems that withstand challenges such as shifting climate patterns. Since 80 percent of the food we consume is plant-based, preserving a wide range of genetic materials allows farmers to grow crops and varieties suited to their local environments, enhancing food security and livelihoods.

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.  

In 2025, forests and foods is the theme for the day, celebrating the crucial roles of forests in food security, nutrition and livelihoods. In addition to providing food, fuel, income and employment, forests support soil fertility, protect water resources, and offer habitats for biodiversity, including vital pollinators. They are essential for the survival of forest-dependent communities, particularly Indigenous Peoples, and contribute to climate change mitigation by storing carbon.

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. 

Whether it’s using indigenous seeds that are more resilient, combining coffee crops with banana plants or restoring pollinator populations, biodiversity is not an abstract concept tossed around by scientists and activists.

Rome – As more than 150 countries convene in Rome for the resumed session of the 16th United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP16.2), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is calling for bold action to transform agrifood systems and support global biodiversity goals.

Unfinished biodiversity negotiations are back on the table.  After a groundbreaking session in Cali, Colombia, delegations are reconvening in Rome to tackle unfinished business that will be critical for biodiversity action – with transforming agrifood systems emerging as a central element fo...

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 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. 

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 FAO Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean underscored at COP16 the crucial role of food systems in tackling climate change and the loss of marine and terrestrial biodiversity. It maintained a full agenda, emphasizing the importance of climate financing, the One Health approach, pollinators, the bioeconomy, protected areas, and restoration in achieving these objectives.