The CGRFA is the only permanent intergovernmental body that specifically addresses all biological diversity for food and agriculture
Emphasising the need to “produce more with less”, QU Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), has recently urged all stakeholders in agri-food systems to upscale science and innovation and find “effective and long-lasting solutions” to support biodiversity.
The agri-food sector is a key player in the management of biodiversity as well as its custodian, he said in his opening remarks at the 18th Regular Session of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA).
The CGRFA is the only permanent intergovernmental body that specifically addresses all biological diversity for food and agriculture, and aims to reach international consensus on policies for the sustainable use and conservation of genetic resources for food and agriculture, as well as the fair and equitable sharing of benefits derived from their use.
The week-long session will address an array of issues in relation to genetic resources for food and agriculture. It will focus on devising and implementing global action plans for animal, aquatic, forest and plant genetic resources – and digging deeper into the worlds of micro-organisms and pollinators.
FAO, which hosts the CGRFA, has been actively involved in global fora such as the Convention on Biological Biodiversity (CBD), the One Planet Summit and the World Conservation Congress, and has been fostering dialogue to help Members effectively contribute to the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework that will be considered at a major summit in Kunming, China, in October.