Forum global sur la sécurité alimentaire et la nutrition (Forum FSN)

Agriculture plays a key role in the provision of food and nutrition security outcomes. Large population of sub-Saharan Africa are malnourished. Productivity of agriculture should improve  to provide nutrient-rich food, enhance on-farm incomes and human and environmental health. Technological and social innovation may enhance the  sustainability of agriculture, food and nutrition outcomes and resilient environment along rural-urban sprawl. Potentials of resilient, neglected and underutilized genetic resources should be harnessed to attain food and nutrition security in sub-Saharan Africa. The resilient (endemic), neglected and underutilized crop genetic resources  of the sub-Saharan Africa have diverse uses and genetic traits and constraints to productivity. The diverse dietary preparations and ability to meet up with or supplement the calory (energy) and protein requirements of many families are useful for ameliorating malnutrition, hidden hunger and resilience to environmental challenges among resource-poor and rural communities (vulnerable groups).

The endemic (resilient), neglected and underutilized crop genetic resources  of the sub-Saharan Africa have diverse uses and genetic potential for ameliorating malnutrition, hidden hunger and resilience to environmental challenges among resource-poor and rural communities (vulnerable groups).

The success of efforts focusing on enhancing resilience of agriculture, seed system, food and nutrition security to climate-induced stresses in sub-saharan africa: use and conservation of resilient seeds would be premised on examining the contribution of agricultural biodiversity to stable and sustainable agricultural production, system resilience and ecosystem services)

The conservation and use of adapted plant varieties would lead to increased productivity, on-farm incomes, and nutrient-rich food, as well as enhanced resilience to production shocks and reduced

Increasing neccessity to safeguard biodiversity for food security and climate change adaptation, and manage and sustainably deploying plant genetic diversity is one of the key options available to vulnerable farmers in their efforts to achieve food and nutrition security and make their farming systems resilient.

Other pathways would involve increased r4d for sustainable use and conservation of resilient crops for enhanced production, food and nutrition security, resistance to stresses, commercialization and end user perspectives

Conducting  more  ethnobotanical survey on plant genetic resources and diverse’ genetic traits,  determine their uses and phenotypic variability in physical and chemical properties  and identify constraints (production risks, conservation and utilization ) and use; develop and scale out best-fit conservation, production and utilization practices.

Examine variability  in agronomic and nutritive characteristics : nutritional value (Organoleptic and nutritional; caloric, mineral and protein profiles), examine array of menus  produced and usedstrategies to promote interest by younger generation for foods from resilient crops.

Conclusions

Resilient, neglected and underutilized genetic resources  of sub-Saharan Africa are characterized by diverse uses and genetic traits (variability in physical and chemical properties constraints (production risks, conservation and utilization). Large variability exists in their agronomic and nutritive characteristics (organoleptic and nutritional; caloric, mineral and protein profiles) characterization. Wide array of menus are prepared and used from various dietary preparations with potential to meet and supplement the caloric (energy) and protein requirements of many families.

There are strong and intertwined associations among people, endemic biodiversity and survival and hence resilient, neglected and underutilized leguminous and cereal genetic resources are utilized for food, traditional medicine and diversity of other uses.

Effort should be geared to harness their potentials to attain food and nutrition (alleviation of nutrient (micro-nutrient) deficiencies) security in sub-Saharan Africa.

Effort should be geared to harness their potentials to attain food and nutrition (alleviation of nutrient (micro-nutrient) deficiencies) security in sub-Saharan Africa. It is important to improve knowledge on ethnobotany and constraints to production systems, and use, and develop and scale out best-fit conservation, production and utilization practices for enhanced productivity, food and nutrition security and livelihoods, and reduce climatic risks.

The first step to take is investment in education. People need to understand the need to preserve this diverse world and to link it directly to our existence as a species. If we are not aware of this interdependence, nothing will be done.

The next step is to present the benefits for each, possibly bonuses for best practice.

Mainstreaming Biodiversity for Improved Food Security and Better Nutrition.

As someone who began addressing this same challenge in 1976, I have mostly seen over the decades an increase in the simplification of agricultural landscapes. The reasons for simplification are due to a complex web of factors but the challenge remains at farm level: how to encourage households who at one time had resilient, climate-smart, nutritionally rich, biodiverse farming systems to once again rebuild their biodiverse structure to meet their daily food and income needs. It may be doable if the will is there at all levels in the decision making process. 

On a practical note, FAO's 1990 publication, "Improving nutrition through home gardening - A training package for preparing field workers" remains one of the top field guides on how to close dietary gaps, improve nutrition and food security through biodiversity, especially in the home lot.

English translation below

Dans le texte introductif de cette discussion, je lis: "L'importance de la biodiversité pour l'amélioration de la sécurité alimentaire et de la nutrition n'est pas toujours évidente pour ceux qui interviennent dans les secteurs agricoles." Je voudrais bien croire que les agriculteurs familiaux ne sont pas concernés par cette déclaration. Car, c'est presque naturel pour les agriculteurs africains (à dominance familiale) de sauvegarder la biodiversité agricole. La sauvegarde de l'agrobiodiversité fait partie de la pratique paysanne; elle est intégrée à l'agriculture familiale. Les producteurs sont souvent conscients de ce qu'il faut conserver les diverses espèces et variétés végétales et animales selon leurs utilités. C'est ainsi, que la recherche de rendement élevé n'est jamais le seul critère de choix des cultivars par les producteurs familiaux. Même parmi la diversité de critères qu'ils adoptent souvent, le rendement élevé n'est pas toujours le critère principal. Les critères des exploitants familiaux sont diversifiés en fonction des catégories de besoins du producteur, des consommateurs et de la communauté: sécurité alimentaire, souveraineté alimentaire, remèdes sanitaires, amélioration de la reproduction humaine, besoins financiers, lutte biologique contre les parasites, ... J'ai publié à ce sujet un article intitulé "Diversité et critères d'adoption des cultivars de maïs (Zea mays) dans le village Zounnou, centre Bénin". Cet article est disponible en ligne: https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jab/article/view/129189. Un autre article est en cours sur le manioc, une autre culture de base au Bénin et dans nombre de pays africains.

Cette réalité décrite sur l'agrobiodiversité n'est pas toujours présente dans l'agrobusiness, dans l'agriculture industrielle et l'agriculture commerciale. Car, le développement de ces types d'agriculture conduitle plus souvent à la réduction (drastique) de l'agrobiodiversité, en mettant l'accent sur quelques cultivars de grande valeur commerciale. 

La véritable préoccupation aujourd'hui devrait être d'accompagner les producteurs familiaux dans leur réflexe habituel de préserver l'agrobiodiversité. Comment accompagner les producteurs agricoles familiaux dans cette attitude intelligente et salvatrice pour l'humanité ? C'est plutôt là le défi à relever à mon avis.  A cet effet, je sais que déjà, les Nations Unies ont déclaré l'année 2014, année internationale de l'agriculture familiale. C'est un signe de reconnaissance. Mais, il faudra aller plus loin avec des appuis significatifs à la recherche-développement dans ce cadre.

In the introductory text of this discussion I read: “The importance of biodiversity for improved food security and better nutrition is not always evident to those engaged in agricultural sectors.” I hope that family farmers are not included in this declaration, because it is almost natural for African farmers (predominantly family farmers) to safeguard agricultural biodiversity. Safeguarding agro-biodiversity is part of the small farmer’s practice; it is bound up with family farming.  Producers are often aware that there is a need to conserve the different species and varieties of vegetables and animals according to their uses.  That is why the search for high yields is never the only criterion for choosing crops for the family farmers.  Even among the various criteria often adopted, high yielding is not always the main criterion.  The criteria for family farmers are diverse in accordance with the type of need  of the producer, consumers and community: food security, food sovereignty, sanitary solutions, improvements in human reproduction, financial needs, biological fight against parasites … I have published an article on this subject called: “Diversity and Adoption Criteria of Cultivars of Maize (Zea mays L.)  in Zounnou Village, Centre Benin” this article is available on line: https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jab/article/view/129189  Another article in preparation relates to cassava, another basic crop in Benin and numerous other African countries.

This reality as described on agro-diversity is not always present in agro-business, in industrial or commercial agriculture because the development of these types of farming often leads to the (drastic) reduction of agro-biodiversity by putting the accent on some high commercial value crops.

The real concern today should be to support family farmers in their typical forms of preserving agro-biodiversity. How to accompany family farmers in this smart and life-saving attitude for humanity? In my view, this is really the challenge to be met.  To this effect, I know that the United Nations have already declared 2014 the International Year of family farming. It is a sign of recognition, but it will be necessary to go further with significant support for research and development in this framework.

Where a (sustainable) production system played a key role for the conservation of the biodiversity surrounding it?

Definitely, a sustainable produyction system such as organic farming system always conserve a lot of biodiversity in the agroecosystem, which include not only diversity of crops but also soil biodiversity.

In the organic farming system, soil is rich in algae, fungi (mycorrhiza) and bacteria. In addition to the same such soil systems, especially in the tropics different varieties of earthworms, millipedes, centipedes and molluscana, all of which are very important partners in organic degradation and conservation of nutrients in the soil.

For example, in the traditional domestic farm yards of Kerala, one can see diversity of crops, vegetables, fruit crops along with cash crops and serials, where soil fertility remain quite sustainable as well

Where a(n) (unsustainable) production system played a key role for the degradation of the biodiversity surrounding it? 

Definitely, in the chemicalized farms one can see poor soil without any form of living organisms. The microbial flora also remain poor in such systems. Most of the chemicalized farms are monocultures without the sign of life and hence are called ecological cemetries

Do you have any examples of such enabling factors and initiatives or the lack of it? 

Awareness of unhealthy and poisoned food from chemicalized farms prompt people to cultivate themselves and generate food stuff organically. In Kerala, such an awarness is causing people to do so and there is an 'organic cultivation boom' now visible in the society.

Biodiversity rich conservation agriculture is possible only when individuals are interested in the cultivation of healthy foods and domesting farm yards come up everywhere. Because industrial farming has limitations in the conservation of biodiversity. Productivity, marketting and cost effectiveness are issues that prevent organic farming at industrial level. But there is no such constrains when individuals cultivate for own use.

Which partners need to be involved in institutional frameworks, policies and processes for biodiversity mainstreaming to strengthen them?

Institutions such as Local governments, residence associations and farmer clubs need to be included in the mainstreaming of biodiversity farming. The state should formulate proper policies to promote individual farming for own use.

What needs to be done to increase awareness of farmers, livestock keepers, fisher folks and foresters, their organizations and the industry of the relevance of biodiversity and ecosystem services for the food and agriculture production in their sector?

One of the most important form of awareness is health impact of the chemicalized farm products. Naturally, the health consciousness cause individuals and groups to engage in time consuming and labour intensive organic farming which naturally protect biodiversity and soil fertility.

In addition to the health related awareness campaigns, there should be strengthening of ecological education in the schools which will enable the young generation to understand the interrelatedness in nature and the problems of temporary gain oriented agriculture activities that have deleterious environmental impacts

How can the technical and institutional capacity needed to promote sustainable agriculture and reduce the impact on biodiversity be developed?

Agriculture need to become people involving and people oriented

Agriculture shuold beocme a culture and not business.

In ancient times agriculture was really a village culture.

In modern times the state need to support individual involvement of every one - the lowest to the highest educated or the low income to the highest income groups - to get involved in some kind of agriculture activities.

There should be tax excemption to personal income tax for those who involve in organic agriculture production to promote sustainable agriculture - at least the non-cultivators should be encouraged to get involved in farmer's clubs to support them financially and morally so that they eat healthy food and conserve biodiversity 

Leaving cultivation as an activity of few farmers cause them to cultivate intensively and carelessly which is the major reason for unsustainable agriculture

Agriculture has to become a collective effort of all to eat healthy food

Dear Moderator and colleagues

Few important points need to be kept in mind in all discussion:

Biodiversity in forestry and fishery are mainly laid on natural species;

But in Agriculture, even though natural base origin species are playing very important role, but they are mainly modified by different means.

Attention should be made to the natural and modified species with clear distinctions.

Also the impact of climate change on biodiversity and its vulnerabilities should be considered sufficiently.

Finally the role of invertebrates in related to the food web chain are very crucial.

Hope all discussion have very practical out come to eliminate or eradicate poverty in all over the world.

English version below

Pregunta 2. 

a) dónde un sistema de producción (sostenible) ha jugado un papel clave para la conservación de la biodiversidad que lo rodea?

El trabajo que comparto se presenta tuvo como propósito acercarse, en una primera visita, a las relaciones que se establecen entre los sistemas de producción agrícola ecológica (en adelante P.A.E.) y la conservación y uso sostenible de la diversidad biológica y de ello derivar nuevas noticias sobre la agricultura ecológica y su desempeño como instrumento(s) de manejo y conservación del paisaje y de la diversidad biológica.

Se buscaba comprobar la hipótesis de trabajo según la cual, las practicas y formas de organización y lógica inherente de los sistemas P.A.E, contribuyen a contener o por lo menos aminorar los procesos, explicados por los modelos de desarrollo, en particular de los sistemas agrarios vigentes y predominantes en el país y el mundo, y sus efectos en términos de deterioro y pérdida de la diversidad biológica.

Los resultados sugieren, de manera no concluyente, ni definitiva, y con criterio heurístico, que existen evidencias (derivadas de la revisión de literatura y de los resultados empíricos del trabajo) acerca de una positiva contribución en los sistemas P.A.E a la conservación de la diversidad biológica y un aprovechamiento funcional de la oferta ambiental, de los servicios y funciones que esta y la diversidad biológica contenida, sirve a las unidades productivas y agroecosistemas.

También se percibió cómo las practicas, tecnologías y formas de organización de los espacios, de los tiempos y los ciclos, así como el desempeño agroambiental al interior de los predios, conforman un base cultural- productiva, decisiva para reversar las tendencias de degradación de los recursos y de la diversidad biológica misma y avanzar hacia condiciones de sosteniblidad en los sistemas agrarios.

Se halló que los sistemas P.A.E contribuyen notablemente a enriquecer la estructura y complejidad de los agroecosistemas mediante la gestión planificada de sus componentes y como resultado de la gestión ambiental de los sistemas productivos.

También es remarcable el grado de diversidad asociada presente, tanto en los bordes de los agroecosistemas, como en los bosques y ecosistemas circunvecinos. En particular se evidenció que la biodiversidad asociada es relativamente rica en comunidades de aves, invertebrados, insectos

Se concluyó que la agricultura ecológica y los sistemas de producción agrícola ecológica conforman una base técnica, de organización social y de gestión agroambiental que contribuyen positivamente al enriquecimiento, conservación y uso sostenible de la diversidad biológica y que estos pueden servir como eficaz instrumento de manejo del paisaje rural para los objetivos de mantenimiento de la diversidad biológica .

Question 2.

a) where a (sustainable) production system played a key role for the conservation of the biodiversity surrounding it?

The work I am sharing aimed to explore, in first instance, the relationships between the ecological agricultural production (hereinafter referred to as EAP) systems and the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, and to bring new findings on ecological agriculture and its role as a tool to manage and preserve landscape and biodiversity.

The aim was to ascertain the working hypothesis whereby the practices, organisational structure and inherent logic of the EAP systems contribute to restrain or at least slow down the development processes, particularly of the current predominant agricultural systems -at country and global level-, and their impact on the deterioration and loss of biodiversity.

The results suggest -in an inconclusive, tentative and heuristic way-, there is evidence (derived from the literature review and empirical findings of the work carried out) of the positive contribution of the EAP systems to the conservation of biodiversity, and the functional utilisation of the environmental resources, services and functions and the related biodiversity for the productive units and agroecosystems.

It was also noted that the practices, technologies and ways of organising land, timing and cycles -as well as the agro-environmental performance within the plots-, provide a crucial cultural-productive basis for reverting the resource and biodiversity degradation trends and making progress towards the sustainability of the agricultural systems.

The existing diversity is also remarkable, both at the boundaries of the agroecosystems, and at the surrounding forests and ecosystems. In particular, it was clear that birds, invertebrates and insects have a relatively rich biodiversity.

The work concluded that ecological agriculture and the related production systems provide a technical, social organization and agro-environmental management basis for a positive contribution to the enrichment, conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, capable of effectively managing the rural landscape for this purpose.

1.   Biodiversity is contributing in achieving food security and improved nutrition through the World Bank's Assisted Project of Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING). In our seminal paper on Growth and Poverty Dynamics in Nigeria: Evidence from two-wave panel survey, My co-author and I concluded that this good agricultural sector intervention (TRIMING) was important so as to improve access to irrigation and drainage services and strengthen institutional arrangements for integrated water resources management and agriculture service delivery in selected large scale public schemes in Northern Nigeria.

3.  Mainstreaming biodiversity requires good governance. Examples of such policies from the Nigerian government could be the Green Bond for Environment and recently introduced Sukuk Bond. These kinds of innovative ways of financing through the capital market should be encouraged in all sectors especially the agricultural sector - that is a driver of growth. To effectively monitor the progress of this bond require free market system because good exchange rate system boost confidence of potential investors.

In addition, partners needed to be involved in institutional frameworks, policies and processes for biodiversity mainstreaming include key public and private actors in the Ministries of Environment, Water Resources, Agriculture, Livestock and Animal Production. Also members of the civil society organisations (CSOs) are not left out.

4.   To increase awareness of farmers, livestock keepers, fisher folks and foresters, their organizations and the industry on the relevance of biodiversity and ecosystem services for the food and agriculture production in their sectors, proper education on the importance of biodiversity - through advertisement on radios and the best means of communication to farmers (like electronic short messages for those in the rural areas) - and involving them in all stakeholders meeting that leads to the design and planning process on biodiversity should be priority.

Furthermore, technical and institutional capacity can be developed through enabling friendly environmental practices within and across Agricultural sectors thereby protecting them against bacteria, fungi and other harmful living organisms. This institutional capacity can be in the form of preservation of the environment - naturally endowed ones rich in Agriculture should be priority instead of the rent that comes from it.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

--

Chinasa IKELU

Doctoral Researcher,

Institut de Mathematiques et des Sciences Physiques (IMSP), Porto Novo, Benin Republic

Here is a selection of titles proposed by FAO Publications for forum participants who would like to read more on biodiversity.

Corporate brochures

SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE FOR BIODIVERSITY - BIODIVERSITY FOR SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE

This booklet presents FAO’s work on mainstreaming biodiversity as a cross-cutting theme in the agriculture, fisheries and forestry sectors. It provides examples of on-the-ground activities and highlights relevant international mechanisms.

http://www.fao.org/3/a-i6602e.pdf

CORPORATE BROCHURE: GLOBALLY IMPORTANT AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE SITES − GIAHS

Including a selection of photos and text, this book brings the reader on a journey through the most breath-taking agricultural landscapes around the world. These Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) provide services to family farmers, smallholders and local communities and are home to considerable biodiversity.

http://www.fao.org/3/I9187EN/i9187en.pdf  

Flagships

STATE OF THE WORLD’S FORESTS 2016

This report covers the status of forests, policy and institutional developments and other key issues concerning the forest sector. It shares current, reliable and relevant information to facilitate informed discussion and decision-making.

http://www.fao.org/3/a-i5588e.pdf

THE STATE OF WORLD FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE 2016

This publication gives a global analysis of trends in fish stocks, production, processing, utilization, trade and consumption. It reports on the status of the world’s fishing fleets and analyses human engagement in the sector.

http://www.fao.org/3/a-i5555e.pdf

Major reports

THE SECOND REPORT ON THE STATE OF THE WORLD’S ANIMAL GENETIC RESOURCES FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

This publication provides a comprehensive and timely assessment of livestock biodiversity and trends in animal genetic resources management and identifies the knowledge gaps that will have to be filled in order to tackle current challenges.

http://www.fao.org/3/a-i4787e.pdf

THE STATE OF THE WORLD’S FOREST GENETIC RESOURCES

Biodiversity in forest genetic resources is essential to improving species’ productivity and the nutritional value of the foods they produce – including leafy vegetables, honey, fruits, seeds, nuts, roots, tubers and mushrooms. This report makes recommendations to address threats to biodiversity and analyses the drivers of change and relevant emerging technologies.

http://www.fao.org/3/a-i3825e.pdf

THE SECOND REPORT ON THE STATE OF THE WORLD’S PLANT GENETIC RESOURCES FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

Based on information gathered from country reports and a wealth of other documents, this publication tracks developments in the field of plant genetic resources between 1996 and 2010.

http://www.fao.org/docrep/013/i1500e/i1500e.pdf

GLOBAL FOREST RESOURCES ASSESSMENT 2015

FRA provides five-yearly updates on the status of the world’s forests. This edition shows that over the past 25 years the rate of net global deforestation has slowed by more than 50 percent. http://www.fao.org/3/a-i4793e.pdf

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR RESPONSIBLE FISHERIES

This Code provides a framework for national and international efforts to ensure sustainable exploitation of aquatic living resources in harmony with the environment. It establishes principles and standards applicable to the conservation, management and development of all fisheries in a non-mandatory manner.

http://www.fao.org/docrep/005/v9878e/v9878e00.htm

Other key titles

INTERNATIONAL CODE OF CONDUCT ON PESTICIDE MANAGEMENT

GUIDELINES FOR THE REGISTRATION OF MICROBIAL, BOTANICAL AND SEMIOCHEMICAL PEST CONTROL AGENTS FOR PLANT PROTECTION AND PUBLIC HEALTH USES

This publication guides pesticide regulatory authorities in registering microbial, botanical, and semiochemical pest control agents for plant protection and public health uses. It updates and replaces the 1988 publication on The Registration of Biological Pest Control Agents.

http://www.fao.org/3/a-i8091e.pdf

THE ECOSYSTEM APPROACH TO FISHERIES

This document reviews the evolution of the terminology and underlying paradigms; some selected ecosystem characteristics; the impact of fisheries and of other activities with which fisheries compete; the institutional foundations of the approach and the conceptual objectives and principles of relevance for EAF.

http://www.fao.org/3/a-y4773e.pdf

VOLUNTARY GUIDELINES FOR THE CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE USE OF CROP WILD RELATIVES AND WILD FOOD PLANTS

This overview of crop wild relatives and wild food plants describes their human and environmental benefits and the threats they face (e.g. natural disasters). It provides recommendations for implementing a national conservation plan, ranging from target species inventories to threat assessments.

http://www.fao.org/3/I7788EN/i7788en.pdf

VOLUNTARY GUIDELINES FOR MAINSTREAMING BIODIVERSITY INTO POLICIES, PROGRAMMES AND NATIONAL AND REGIONAL PLANS OF ACTION ON NUTRITION

Appropriate use of biodiversity for food and agriculture in nutrition and agriculture programmes is a key means of addressing malnutrition in all its forms. The Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture endorsed these Voluntary Guidelines, with the aim of assisting countries to make the best use of biodiversity in their nutrition programmes.

http://www.fao.org/3/a-i5248e.pdf

BIODIVERSITY FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

CONTRIBUTING TO FOOD SECURITY AND SUSTAINABILITY IN A CHANGING WORLD

This publication summarizes the major challenges expected over the next 40 years and offers a perspective on the fundamental changes needed to ensure that biodiversity contributes to sustainable and productive systems.

http://www.fao.org/3/a-i1980e.pdf

GUIDELINES ON ASSESSING BIODIVERSE FOODS IN DIETARY INTAKE SURVEYS

These guidelines highlight how FAO collaborates with stakeholders to integrate biodiversity into food consumption surveys as a priority.

http://www.fao.org/3/a-i6717e.pdf

SUSTAINABLE DIETS AND BIODIVERSITY

DIRECTIONS AND SOLUTIONS FOR POLICY, RESEARCH AND ACTION

The book presents the current state of thought on the common path of sustainable diets and biodiversity.

http://www.fao.org/docrep/016/i3004e/i3004e.pdf

GARDENS OF BIODIVERSITY

CONSERVATION OF GENETIC RESOURCES AND THEIR USE IN TRADITIONAL FOOD PRODUCTION SYSTEMS BY

SMALL FARMERS OF THE SOUTHERN CAUCASUS

This book contains studies on the food habits of the people of the Southern Caucasus, who contribute to maintaining sustainable agricultural systems.

http://www.fao.org/3/a-i1687e.pdf

PRINCIPLES FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF LIVESTOCK IMPACTS ON BIODIVERSITY

This publication identifies broad principles intended to assist stakeholders in the assessment of livestock impacts on biodiversity.

http://www.fao.org/3/a-i6492e.pdf

TREES, FORESTS AND LAND USE IN DRYLANDS – THE FIRST GLOBAL DRYLANDS ASSESSMENT: PRELIMINARY FINDINGS

Drylands cover 40% of the land area of the world and are also important in terms of biodiversity conservation; of the 25 global biodiversity hotspots, 8 are in the drylands. This publication provides a comprehensive overview of the forest and tree resources as well as land use in the drylands of the world.

http://www.fao.org/3/a-i5905e.pdf

MAINSTREAMING OF BIODIVERSITY AND ECOSYSTEM SERVICES WITH A FOCUS ON POLLINATION

For this publication, researchers and policy-makers considered a range of actions to address pollination deficits and develop an indicative set of policy responses.

http://www.fao.org/3/a-i4242e.pdf 

COMMON PLANTS OF MALDIVES

The book covers 270 species of vascular plants, both native and non-native, found on more than 50 islands of the Maldives. It will be a useful field guide for both specialists and non-specialists.

http://www.fao.org/3/a-i5777e.pdf

MAINSTREAMING ECOSYSTEM SERVICES AND BIODIVERSITY INTO AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT IN THE PACIFIC ISLANDS

This guidance document details the links between ecosystem services and biodiversity in agriculture, and analyses current policies and best practices across the Pacific Islands.

http://www.fao.org/3/a-i6505e.pdf

MAINSTREAMING ECOSYSTEM SERVICES AND BIODIVERSITY INTO AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT IN EAST AFRICA

This guidance document details the links between ecosystem services and biodiversity in agriculture, and analyses current policies and best practices in Africa.

http://www.fao.org/3/a-i5603e.pdf

CONSERVATION OF GENETIC RESOURCES AND THEIR USE IN TRADITIONAL FOOD PRODUCTION SYSTEMS BY SMALL FARMERS OF THE SOUTHERN CAUCASUS

This book contains studies on the food habits of the people of the Southern Caucasus, who contribute to maintaining sustainable agricultural systems.

http://www.fao.org/3/a-i1687e.pdf

VOLUNTARY GUIDELINES FOR AGRO-ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES IN LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN

This publication provides policy-makers with sustainable methods to tackle food insecurity and poverty through stronger governance systems and social participation.

http://www.fao.org/3/a-i5462e.pdf

INVENTAIRE FLORISTIQUE ET FAUNIQUE DES ÉCOSYSTÈMES DE MANGROVES ET DES ZONES HUMIDES CÔTIÈRES DU BÉNIN

This report provides an inventory of flora and fauna species in Benin’s mangrove ecosystems, including distribution, conservation and space−time dynamics. It calls for conservation actions for endangered species in partnership with research institutions.

http://www.fao.org/3/I8402FR/i8402fr.pdf

 REVIEW AND ANALYSIS OF INTERNATIONAL LEGAL AND POLICY INSTRUMENTS RELATED TO DEEPSEA FISHERIES AND BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION IN THE ABJN

Recognizing the need to control fishing activity, this publication reviews international treaties relevant to deep-seas fisheries management and discusses which provisions require national-level implementation.

http://www.fao.org/3/a-i7009e.pdf

More on biodiversity

VOLUNTARY GUIDELINES FOR SUSTAINABLE SOIL MANAGEMENT

AGROFORESTRY FOR LANDSCAPE RESTORATION

SAVE AND GROW IN PRACTICE: MAIZE, RICE AND WHEAT. A GUIDE TO SUSTAINABLE CEREAL PRODUCTION

SALUD, SABERES Y SABORES

PULSES: NUTRITIOUS SEEDS FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

BIODIVERSITY CHALLENGE BADGE

YOUTH GUIDE TO FORESTS

WATERSHED MANAGEMENT IN ACTION



Also forthcoming

THE STATE OF THE WORLD’S BIODIVERSITY FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

In addressing all biodiversity relevant to food and agriculture, the publication presents a broad perspective on the contributions made by biodiversity for food and agriculture to food security and nutrition, sustainable and resilient production, and the provision of ecosystem services.

http://www.fao.org/nr/cgrfa/biodiversity/sowbfa/en/

THE STATE OF THE WORLD’S AQUATIC GENETIC RESOURCES FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

http://www.fao.org/aquatic-genetic-resources/background/sow/en/

REVIEW OF THE STATE OF THE WORLD’S FISHERY RESOURCES: INLAND FISHERIES

This new update aims to improve global understanding of the contribution of inland fisheries to food security and human nutrition, ecosystems services and biodiversity resources and livelihoods.

Exploration and sustainable utilization of agrobiodiversity  is essential for the dietary diversification and sustainable agriculture. Especially, the utilization of neglected and underutilized crops offers huge promise in fulfilling the food and nutritional requirement of the resource-poor peoples in developing world as the traditional or local varieties have better climate tolerance and adaption potential than the modern crop varieties. Moreover, they are rich in essential nutrients and can be considered as promising crops for dietary diversification (Singh et al., 2018)

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40974-018-0091-1