From ecosystem-based approaches to climate and/or nature-based solutions to climate, health issues, food and water security and sustainable livelihoods, biodiversity is the foundation upon which we can build back better.

Browse through a selection of FAO publications on biodiversity and nature-based solution and understand how biodiversity help us tackle sustainable development challenges.

More information can also be found here.

Framework for Action on Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture

The Framework aims to promote the sustainable use and conservation of biodiversity for food and agriculture. It contains more than 50 individual actions grouped into three strategic priority areas: characterization, assessment and monitoring; management; and institutional frameworks. 

The State of the World’s Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture

This publication presents the first global assessment of biodiversity for food and agriculture worldwide, including plants, animals and microorganisms at genetic, species and ecosystem levels, present in and around crop, livestock, forest and aquatic production systems.

The role of genetic resources for food and agriculture in adaptation to and mitigation of climate change

As the pace of climate change is increasing, it is more important than ever to conserve, characterize and sustainably use genetic resources for food and agriculture. This publication explores the impacts of climate change on genetic resources and considers the significance of genetic resources to climate change adaptation and mitigation.

Climate change, biodiversity and nutrition nexus evidence and emerging policy and programming opportunities

This paper identifies entry points within agrifood systems to improve biodiversity and diets, such as sustainable use of genetic resources, climate-smart agriculture, sustainable management of marine ecosystems, and consumer education.

The State of the World’s Land and Water Resources for Food and Agriculture (SOLAW) – Systems at breaking point. Main Report

This report highlights the major risks and trends related to soil, land and water and presents means of resolving competition among users and generating multiple benefits for people and the environment.

Further reading

• FAO strategy on mainstreaming biodiversity across agricultural sectors
• 2021-23 Action plan for the implementation of the FAO strategy on mainstreaming biodiversity across agricultural sectors
• Biodiversity for food and agriculture: Contributing to food security and sustainability in a changing world
• Global Forest Resources Assessment 2020 – Key findings
• The potential of agroecology to build climate-resilient livelihoods and food systems
• Environment and Natural Resources Management Working Papers
• Keep soil alive, Protect soil biodiversity - GSOBI Outcome document
• The magical world of soil biodiversity
• Global assessment of soil pollution: Report
• Report on monitoring schemes and data collection on biodiversity for food and agriculture in Eastern Europe and Central Asia
• The State of the World’s Forests 2022 – Forest pathways for green recovery and building inclusive, resilient and sustainable economies

• Voluntary guidelines for mainstreaming biodiversity into policies, programmes and national and regional plans of action on nutrition

Nature-Positive Agriculture and Natural Resources Management

• Nature-based solutions in agriculture: Sustainable management and conservation of land, water and biodiversity
• Nature-based solutions in agriculture: The case and pathway for adoption
• Nature-based solutions in agriculture: Project design for securing investment
• Nature-Based Solutions for agricultural water management and food security

Read also the regional editions of the State of the World’s Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture:

• Africa regional synthesis for the State of the World’s Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture
• Asia regional synthesis for The State of the World’s Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture
• Europe and Central Asia regional synthesis for the State of the World’s Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture
• Latin America and the Caribbean regional synthesis for the State of the World’s Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture
• Near East and North Africa regional synthesis for the State of the World’s Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture
• Pacific regional synthesis for the State of the World’s Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture

Web articles

• Building resilience faster: FAO’s work on water
• Keep soil alive, protect soil biodiversity
• It’s alive! Soil is much more than you think

Related websites

• FAO land and water website
• FAO and biodiversity website
• FAO and climate change website
• FAO & the Koronivia Joint Work on Agriculture
• FAO Soils Portal
• Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture website
• International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture

For further reading, see the Publications catalogue.