New in the FAO Biodiversity Knowledge Hub: March update
The FAO Biodiversity Knowledge Hub consolidates FAO’s existing information and resources related to biodiversity in the agriculture sectors. This platform helps countries in strengthening their knowledge and capabilities to implement the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, and ensure global food security.
With 15 new additions in this month’s update, a total of 435 resources are now available in the hub. Key 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.
Global reports on genetic resources for food and agriculture
Two major reports launched during the 20th Regular Session of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture underscore the importance of strengthening the conservation and sustainable use of plant and forest genetic resources for the future of our agrifood systems. These global assessments highlight the status and emphasize the need for policies and practices that protect and promote genetic diversity in agrifood systems.
Drawing on data and information from 77 countries representing more than three-quarters of the world’s forests, The Second Report on the State of the World’s Forest Genetic Resources provides a global assessment of forest genetic resources.
Based on information from 128 countries and four regional and 13 international research centers and the contribution from over 1 600 experts, the Third Report on the State of the World’s Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture presents an overview of progress since 2012, as well as current needs and challenges in the future management of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.
For more information: The genetic diversity of our plants and forests is at risk, new FAO reports warn
Assessing agroecological transitions with the FAO Tool for Agroecological Performance and Evaluation (TAPE)
The Tool for Agroecology Performance Evaluation (TAPE) developed by FAO and partners is a multicriteria digital tool to produce global and harmonized evidence on the multidimensional performance of agroecology and support the agroecology transition. This month, four new study reports are published showcasing the results of evaluations conducted by FAO partners using the TAPE tool on their projects. The studies assess the level of agroecological transition on farms by comparing project beneficiaries with non-beneficiaries in Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, and Benin. The reports provide evidence of correlations between the level of agroecological transition and sustainable development indicators such as food security, income, the environment, and women's empowerment.
For more information: Accessing agroecological transitions with Tool for Agroecological Performance and Evaluation (TAPE) in Benin, Ethiopia, Kenya and Madagascar
Strengthening forest and fisheries management through targeted e-learning
Two new e-learning courses offer in-depth knowledge and practical guidance on key aspects of forest and fisheries management.
The National Forest Inventory – Learning Journey provides a structured approach to understanding and implementing NFIs. Covering key phases from planning to data collection, sampling, analysis, and reporting, this course is divided into three learning paths tailored to specific needs.
The Monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS) systems to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing course provides insights on the design and main components on which an MCS system should rely along with the type of inspection activities that can be conducted to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.
About the FAO Biodiversity Knowledge Hub
The FAO Biodiversity Knowledge Hub facilitates access to biodiversity-related resources developed by FAO to strengthen countries’ capacity to mainstream biodiversity in agrifood systems, implement the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals and achieve food and nutritional security for all.
The hub is organized into five modules:
Resources: search and filter through more than 430 FAO publications, including guidelines, methodologies, reports, standards, indicators, policy guidance, and more–each contributing to one or more targets of the KMGBF;
Data and indicators: information on over 25 indicators under FAO custodianship included in the monitoring framework for the KMGBF, along with access to key databases and information systems;
Country reports: reports prepared by countries for FAO processes on a range of topics related to biodiversity;
thematic communities through which users can engage with relevant stakeholders on topics related to biodiversity and agrifood systems;
Learning: curated library of over 50 multilingual self-paced e-learning courses focused on the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of biodiversity for food and agriculture.
