Biodiversity to curb world's food insecurity
Global conference on biological diversity in Bonn
19 May 2008, Rome - “Our planet abounds with biological richness and this great diversity is key to face the worst food crisis in modern
Biodiversity to curb world's food insecurity
Global conference on biological diversity in Bonn
19 May 2008, Rome - “Our planet abounds with biological richness and this great diversity is key to face the worst food crisis in modern history,” FAO Assistant Director-General Alexander Müller said.
FAO acknowledges the importance of biodiversity to food security but also raises an alarm. It estimates that about three-quarters of the varietal genetic diversity of agricultural crops have been lost over the last century and that hundreds of the 7000 animal breeds registered in its databases are threatened by extinction.
Just twelve crops and fourteen animal species now provide most of the world’s food. Fewer genetic diversity means fewer opportunities for the growth and innovation needed to boost agriculture at a time of soaring food prices.
Furthermore, as biodiversity used in food and agriculture declines, the food supply becomes more vulnerable and unsustainable. Agriculture becomes less able to adapt to environmental challenges, such as climate change or water scarcity.
Mr. Müller, who heads FAO’s Natural Resources Management and Environment Department, also said: “The erosion of biodiversity for food and agriculture severely compromises global food security. We need to strengthen our efforts to protect and wisely manage biodiversity for food security. Its sustainable use is central to achieve a secure and sustainable food supply system.
“We call upon the international community to intensify its commitment and action towards integrating food security and biodiversity concerns,” added Mr. Müller.
His statements coincide with the opening today of a global biodiversity conference (19-30 May 2008, Bonn, Germany) of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) with the participation of representatives from some 190 countries, as well as of international organizations.
The interface between biodiversity and agriculture, the accelerated rate of deforestation and ways to address the climate change challenges through biodiversity use are among the main issues on the agenda of the Bonn meeting.
The relationship between biodiversity and agriculture is also the theme for this year’s UN International Day for Biological Diversity which will be celebrated in Bonn and throughout the world on May 22.
Progress being made at FAO
FAO has long considered biological diversity as fundamental to its