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.  

2025 年国际森林日以“森林：食物的宝贵来源”为主题，旨在宣传森林在粮食安全、营养和生计方面发挥的关键作用。除了提供食物、燃料、收入和就业，森林还可提升土壤肥力，保护水资源，并为重要传粉媒介等多种生物提供生境。森林对于生活在其中的社区至关重要，尤其是土著人民，并且通过碳存储为减缓气候变化作出重要贡献。

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.

罗马 — 150 多个国家齐聚罗马召开第 16 届联合国生物多样性大会续会（COP16续会）之际，联合国粮食及农业组织（粮农组织）呼吁采取大胆行动，推进农业粮食体系转型，助力实现全球生物多样性目标。大会开幕前夕，粮农组织在其总部举行高级别会议，强调农业粮食体系转型必须与生物多样性保护利用齐头并进，以确保人类和地球共同拥有可持续的未来。

无论是使用更具韧性的本土种子，还是咖啡与香蕉间种，或是恢复传粉种群，生物多样性并非科学家和活动人士随口抛出的抽象概念，而是农民在日常劳作中付诸实践的一系列具体做法，事关粮食安全和环境保护，意义重大。

罗马 — 生物多样性谈判再次启动，重续未竟之志。继在哥伦比亚卡利取得突破性成果后，各国代表团将重聚罗马，围绕生物多样性行动未决关键议题再启会谈，农业粮食体系转型将成为引领全球行动成功的核心要素。

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. 

FAO presented at COP16 its progress in Latin America and the Caribbean towards the targets set in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which outlines concrete goals for the protection of global biodiversity.

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.

FAO's participation at COP16 in Cali, Colombia, spotlighted the essential role of agrifood systems in advancing biodiversity goals. Under the theme "Peace with Nature," FAO engaged leaders to prioritize sustainable agriculture in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, supporting global efforts to combat biodiversity loss and climate change. Through numerous events and partnerships, FAO emphasized transformative agrifood solutions to secure a sustainable future.

Rome – In anticipation of COP29, FAO has released a new report examining biodiversity actions within agrifood systems in countries' NDCs. Findings reveal critical opportunities to align climate action with biodiversity and food security, especially by addressing gaps in aquaculture and non-forest ecosystems.