New publication analyzes biodiversity and agrifood systems in Nationally Determined Contributions

Rome – As FAO marks the closure of UN Biodiversity Conference (COP16), and looks forward to the start of UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in ten days time, it has launched a new publication on Biodiversity and agrifood systems in nationally determined contributions. Its analysis of actions included in the latest round of nationally determined contributions (NDCs) highlights the urgent need for countries to incorporate biodiversity considerations into their climate action.

The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, underscores the collective responsibility to combat climate change, aiming to limit global warming to well below 2 °C. As countries revise their NDCs, there is growing acknowledgment of the critical importance of climate actions in the agrifood systems and how these actions must also promote the sustainable use and conservation of biodiversity.

This new publication analyzes the biodiversity impact of agrifood system actions included in the latest round of NDCs and identifies opportunities to leverage NDCs for co-benefits in climate action, biodiversity conservation and food security. Key findings from the report reveal that, while actions in agrifood systems for climate adaptation and mitigation largely offer potential co-benefits for biodiversity, significant gaps remain, particularly regarding the representation of aquaculture and non-forest ecosystems.

The report emphasizes six key findings:

1. Co-benefits over trade-offs: NDC actions within agrifood systems include more potential co-benefits for biodiversity than trade-offs. However, achieving a balance between action targeting food security, biodiversity and climate is essential.
2. Underutilized aquaculture: Aquaculture systems are underutilized in NDCs, representing a missed opportunity to mainstream biodiversity into climate change adaptation and mitigation.
3. Non-forest ecosystems: Non-forest ecosystems are under-represented in NDCs, especially under mitigation, and in efforts to protect and restore ecosystems.
4. Promoting co-benefits: Actions for agrifood systems in NDCs rarely specify practices that promote co-benefits for biodiversity and avoid maladaptation.
5. Knowledge gaps: The biodiversity impacts of some climate actions in agrifood sectors remain poorly understood, highlighting the need for better research and understanding.
6. Adaptation vs. mitigation: Adaptation actions within agrifood systems are more likely to address indirect drivers of biodiversity loss compared to mitigation actions.

Based on these findings, the publication offers actionable recommendations for policymakers. Key suggestions include aligning NDCs with National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans, incorporating aquaculture more explicitly, expanding the scope of productive ecosystems considered in NDC actions, and promoting research on the impacts of climate actions in agrifood systems on biodiversity.

More on this topic:

• FAO’s work on climate change
• FAO's work on biodiversity
• FAO at UNFCCC COP29
• FAO at CBD COP16
• FAO’s Biodiversity Knowledge Hub