Genes are gems for food security
Risk management in the face of climate change is something we can all learn from smallholder farmers. As climate change stalks global agriculture, researchers should collaborate with smallholder farmers in enhancing the diversification of crops to ensure food security, says Emile Frison, Director General of Bioversity International.
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Genes are gems for food security
Risk management in the face of climate change is something we can all learn from smallholder farmers. As climate change stalks global agriculture, researchers should collaborate with smallholder farmers in enhancing the diversification of crops to ensure food security, says Emile Frison, Director General of Bioversity International.
Executive perspective: Linking agriculture and biodiversity can help feed the planet
The leaders of Bioversity International, IUCN and IFAD, discuss the need to link agriculture and biodiversity in Reuters Sustainability. With thought leaders from around the world, Bioversity is launching a new initiative: Bridging Agriculture, Conservation, and Poverty Alleviation for a New Paradigm. Photo: CIAT
New technical guide available for measuring local weather data
Bioversity International has just published a technical manual on how to use iButtons – a new, cheap weather sensor that helps investigate microclimates in agricultural systems.
Linking gender and forestry research
What does gender have to do with research on forest genetic resources? That was the question 22 social and biophysical scientists discussed in Kuching, Malaysia, during the inception workshop of Bioversity International’s Gender Research Fellowship Programme.
Bioversity International Montpellier to house the sculpture of a wild banana seed
Today, ‘A Seed of Wild Banana’ sculpture by the artist Mr Mitsuaki Tanabe will be unveiled at Bioversity International in Montpellier, France. The Mayor of Montpellier, Hélène Mandroux, will be present for a ceremony at 17:45 to honour the artist and Bioversity International.
New commitments to combat malnutrition
Yesterday at the event Nutrition for Growth: Beating Hunger through Business and Science, Rachel Kyte, Chair of the CGIAR Fund Council, announced CGIAR’s commitment to spend at least US$400 million on nutrition-relevant agricultural research for the next 3 years, while the UK and Canadian governments announced new funding to CGIAR to support this work.
Lancet series reinforces importance of maternal and child nutrition to solve hunger and malnutrition
In 2008, The Lancet published five papers on maternal and child undernutrition that changed the landscape for policies and programmes in nutrition globally. This week marks another milestone with the launch of an update to The Lancet’s series Maternal and Child Nutrition.
Press Release - Bioversity International co-sponsors world film competition
To mark World Environment Day 2013 on 5 June, Bioversity International is delighted to be co-sponsoring a film competition with tvebiomovies, giving filmmakers from around the world an opportunity to show off creative film-making abilities through YouTube.
How bananas avoided a disease apocalypse
Dr. Gus Molina, Bioversity International scientist, speaks to ABC Rural news at the Australian Banana Congress. He explains how bananas avoided a 2003 prediction that the plant was doomed but that threats from disease remains. Listen to his interview. Photo: Brian Cassey
Farmer strategies to adapt to climate change in Colombia
Working with communities is vital for finding adaptation strategies to climate change. Read more how Bioversity International is working with participatory tools in Colombia.
Ecosystem sustainability, agricultural biodiversity & diet quality highlighted at Food Security Conference
At the joint French Belgium and European Nutrition Societies meeting in Lille France earlier this week, Bioversity scientist Thomas Allen argued for a nutrition-driven and integrated systems approach to food systems.
The invisible extinction of forest genetic resources: Can trees survive?
“Trees are highly diverse genetically,” said Laura Snook of Bioversity International during her keynote presentation at CIFOR’s Sustainable forest management in Central Africa conference in Yaoundé last week. “They contain not only the traits to survive the tests of time, but also the seeds for producing the next generation of trees.”
Core descriptors for in situ conservation of crop wild relatives published
Core descriptors for in situ conservation of crop wild relatives is the new addition to the Bioversity International Descriptor series. Descriptors provide a universally understood 'language' for plant genetic resources data, key to facilitate the exchange, conservation and management of resources.
2013 winners of the Vavilov-Frankel Fellowship
Bioversity International has awarded this year's Vavilov Frankel Fellowships to Awais Rasheed from Pakistan and Nohemi Voglozin from Benin. The fellows will study wheat diversity and spatial distribution of African rice.
Bioversity International is shaking up the food system says Food Tank
Bioversity International was mentioned by the Food Tank: The Food Think Tank as one of the 40 organizations that are shaking up the food system. "Our hope is that the more people know about the work that these groups are doing, the more people can be inspired to make their own change in the food system," said the co-founders of the blog.
Happy International Day of Biodiversity
Join us on a journey to find out more about work we are doing to promote the use and conservation of agricultural and forest biodiversity. Bioversity International celebrates smallholder farmers who are using and conserving vital biodiversity around the world.
Experts call for action to address the loss of knowledge about plants
Concerned by the alarming loss of plant species, on 1-2 May international experts met in St Louis, USA, calling for a concerted worldwide effort to address the loss of essential knowledge about plants and their uses, especially at the level of local communities.
Zooming in on nutrition-sensitive landscapes
At Nutrition-sensitive landscapes, a CIFOR and ICRAF organized side-event at the Conference on Forests for Food Security and Nutrition, Bioversity International's researcher Céline Termote spoke about putting people at the centre of the landscapes approach: "Food is an expression of their culture, we must not forget that," she said. Photo: CIFOR
International Conference on Forests for Food Security and Nutrition
The International Conference on Forests, Food Security and Nutrition will take place at FAO in Rome, Italy from 13-15 May, 2013. The Conference aims to increase understanding of the crucial role that forests, trees and agroforestry systems can play in improving the food security and nutrition of rural people, especially in developing countries.
New lethal coconut disease threatens Papua New Guinea smallholders' livelihoods
In Papua New Guinea, a lethal plant disease called Bogia syndrome is killing coconut palms, other palm species and some banana varieties. With support from Bioversity International and CGIAR, COGENT is mobilizing the fight against this disease and to re-locate the International Coconut Collection.
Strategic Action Plan to strengthen the Plant Genetic Resources in Mesoamerica
Discussions on the Strategic Action Plan for Mesoamerica's Plant Genetic Resources (SAP) featured prominently at the 58th Annual Meeting of the Programa Cooperativo Centroamericano para el Mejoramiento de Cultivos y Animales (PCCMCA), and continues to make headway in the Americas.
Agricultural biodiversity plays key role in food and nutritional security
While over 1 billion people are overweight and obese around the world, an estimated 868 million are undernourished. This paradox is explored in a new book, Diversifying Food and Diets, co-edited by Bioversity International scientist Danny Hunter who is also an Adjunct Lecturer in Botany and Plant Science at NUI Galway.
Symposium on Indicators of Resilience in socio-ecological production landscapes
As part of the International Satoyama Initiative and the UN University Institute of Advanced Studies, Bioversity International recently met with partners to further discuss the use of resilience indicators in socio-ecological production landscapes.
Bioversity International to award best film on agricultural biodiversity
Festival delle Terre returns to Rome this year (7-10 May), showcasing a series of environmental documentaries from the eyes of those on the ground. Bioversity International will be awarding a prize to the best film on agricultural biodiversity.
Communities saving maize diversity in Guatemala
The Huehuetenango region, in Western Guatemala, is an important centre of diversification for maize. While farmers here have inherited a wealth of local varieties from previous generations and traditionally maintain them on farm, changing environmental and social conditions are beginning to have a negative impact on local genetic diversity and food security.
Making ecosystem services count at the 6th Annual ESP Conference
Start gearing up for the Ecosystem Services Partnership Conference in Bali, Indonesia, August 2013. The conference will be a chance for practitioners, policymakers, researchers and others working on ecosystem services to exchange ideas and develop tools for better management and decision-making.
Forest foods should be used in fight against global malnutrition
Gearing up for the International Conference on Forests for Food Security and Nutrition Bioversity International scientist Barbara Vinceti speaks about the importance of forest foods in peoples' diets. Photo: CIFOR
14th Session of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture opens at FAO
The Fourteenth Regular Session of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA) will be held at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) in Rome, Italy, from 15 to 19 April 2013.
Bioversity contributes to post 2015 Millennium Development Goals Consultation
Last week, Bioversity International joined the heads of all the major UN agencies and multilateral lending institutions dealing with poverty, hunger and malnutrition in a High Level Consultation in Madrid, Spain to identify a vision and road map to end hunger and malnutrition sustainably. Photo: UN Photo/Rick Bajornas
International Symposium on Agrobiodiversity for Sustainable Development
Bioversity International and the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences are organizing the International Symposium on Agrobiodiversity for Sustainable Development. Focusing on the role of agricultural biodiversity in agroecological intensification, the Symposium will take place in Beijing, China from 3 to 4 June, 2013.
Global banana expert workshop with linked e-forum
Banana experts from advanced research institutes and leading banana-producing countries will gather to complete the information on production constraints and research options resulting from a recent survey. The workshop is scheduled for 8-11 April 2013 and will be co-hosted by NARO, Bioversity International and IITA in Kampala, Uganda. Photo: CIRAD
Crowdsourcing Crop Improvement: A Q&A With Jacob van Etten
Can farmers in developing nations use crowdsourcing to improve crop yields and harvest quality? That’s the question that Jacob van Etten, senior scientist at Bioversity International has recently been putting to the test in northern India.
FAO forestry chief to lead UN-wide preps for Expo 2015
Creating sustainable and secure food systems will be high on the agenda for Expo 2015 in Milan, Italy, said Eduardo Rojas-Briales, FAO Assistant Director-General for Forestry, who has been named Commissioner-General for the United Nations’ preparations for the event.
New book links agricultural biodiversity and nutrition
A new book Diversifying Diets: Using Agricultural Biodiversity to Improve Nutrition and Food Security published by Routledge/Earthscan in collaboration with Bioversity International is now available. It explores the current state of knowledge on the role of agricultural biodiversity in improving diets, nutrition and food security.
Celebrate the genetic diversity of trees on the International Day of Forests
The United Nations General Assembly has proclaimed 21 March the International Day of Forests. The Day will celebrate and raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests. Forest scientists at Bioversity International study how to conserve and manage the genetic diversity of trees — the diversity that is the foundation and backbone of any forest.
Climate smart villages in India show early signs of great reform achievements
Bioversity International is part of the successful CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Climate Change (CCAFS) Climate Smart Villages initiative whose key focus is to enhance climate literacy of farmers in developing countries of South Asia and Africa, with little financial investment.
Farmers testing wheat crops for climate change adaptation
Bioversity International is working with several partners in Bihar, India on Seeds4Needs: a series of projects that are trying to give farmers more access to crop varieties and landraces to help them adapt to climate change. Read more in a blog post published on the CCAFS blog.
Bioversity International’s gender agenda gains momentum
'The Gender Agenda: Gaining Momentum' is the theme of this year's International Women's Day and it could not be more timely as Bioversity International launches its Gender Research Fellowship Programme. Happy International Women's Day!
Recommendations from custodian farmers
A Custodian Farmer workshop held by Bioversity International and partners in New Delhi, India resulted in a list of recommendations for researchers and policymakers to support and recognize the rights and roles of custodian farmers in the use and conservation of agricultural biodiversity.
Password to a more secure agriculture
Leading up to the Resilience 2014 conference, a workshop on Biodiversity and Resilience of Ecosystems will be held by Bioversity International and CIRAD, the French agricultural research for development centre. In this blog post Fabrice DeClerck from Bioversity International reflects on agricultural biodiversity and resilience.
Bioversity International and Belgian university join efforts to support banana research
Bioversity International signed an agreement yesterday with the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven to support the world’s collection of banana and plantain germplasm. As a result, Bioversity will host its Musa germplasm collection at the new premises of KU Leuven.
African leafy vegetables come out of the shade
African leafy vegetables come out from under the shade as part of set of case studies commissioned by the Swiss Development Cooperation for the European Initiative for Agricultural Research for Development (EIARD). Bioversity International's work is part of 18 case studies that showcase the impact of investments in agricultural research for development.
Bioversity International announces incoming Director General
Bioversity International announces the appointment of Ms M. Ann Tutwiler as incoming Director General. Tutwiler, who will join Bioversity on July 15th, is currently Special Representative of the Director-General to the UN/Geneva and World Economic Forum of the Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
Crazy for quinoa in Bolivia
Today is the official launch of the UN International Year of Quinoa. Celebrate by watching a video about how a campaign by Bioversity International, IFAD and PROINPA to promote quinoa consumption in Bolivia is not only improving diets but the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.
Cordoba Declaration on Promising Crops for the XXI Century
The Cordoba Declaration, which resulted from the International Seminar Crops for the XXI Century, held last December in Cordoba, Spain, calls for more diversity in agricultural and food systems as it is needed if we are to provide healthy and nutritious food to 9 billion people in 2050 in a sustainable way, and enhance the livelihoods of farmers.
Forest Genetic Resources Training Guide not only for geneticists
Conservation and management of forest genetic resources deserves our attention. Diversity within tree species is the raw material for trait improvement and adaptation to changing environments. Bioversity International Honorary Research Fellow, David Boshier, explains what is different about this training guide compared to other forestry training materials.
Medicinal and aromatic plants improve livelihoods in Yemen
The use of medicinal and aromatic plant species in Yemen goes back thousands of years and is an important part of Yemeni culture. A new impact assessment looks at the effectiveness of work carried out in 2002-2007 to increase farmer income from four of these species: cumin, coriander, henna and nigella.
Making the business case for sustainable food
Bruce Cogill, Bioversity International, Jessica Fanzo, Columbia University, and Tim Lang, City University of London, scrutinize the issues around diet, disease and poverty in this joint opinion piece published in the Guardian.
Global Consultation on agricultural biodiversity for sustainable food security
Bioversity International co-organized event Global Consultation on Use and Management of Agrobiodiversity for Sustainable Food Security is taking place in New Delhi, India – bringing together 58 participants from 36 countries to discuss South-South collaboration to facilitate the conservation and use of plant genetic resources.
Custodian farmers hold key to agricultural biodiversity conservation
On February 11 and 12, Bioversity International and partners will hold a workshop: Custodian farmers of agricultural biodiversity: Policy support for their roles in use and conservation. This workshop will bring together global experts on agricultural biodiversity conservation as well as custodian farmers from South and South East Asia.
Bioversity International in 2013
Agricultural and forest biodiversity has the potential to make a difference in our world. We have chosen 12 topics to give you a taste of our work in 2013. We believe that a world in which smallholder farming communities in developing countries are thriving and sustainable is reachable.
Reporting from Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
Isabel Lopez-Noriega, a Legal Specialist at Bioversity International, reflects on the first meeting of the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), that took place last week in Bonn.
Semantics for Biodiversity – International Workshop
The 1st international workshop on Web Semantics for Biodiversity, held on 27 May in Montpellier, France, will define key challenges identified by the bioinformatics community, discuss solutions and identify opportunities emerging from interactions across plant science and informatics disciplines.
How studying peach palm in tropical Latin America can help us understand the potential of diversity.
A new open access research paper looks at peach palm in tropical Latin America and its implications for biodiversity conservation, natural resource management and human nutrition, with contributions from scientists at CIAT, CIRAD and Bioversity International.
How much is that ecosystem in the window?
A recently published article 'Ecosystem services research in Latin America: The state of the art' examines more than 1000 related research papers. Read a review of the article by Jeremy Cherfas, Bioversity International, which was posted on the Water, Land and Ecosystems blog today.
New descriptor now available for tree tomato
The latest in the Bioversity International Descriptor series takes a look at the tree tomato and its wild relatives. Descriptors provide a universally understood 'language' for plant genetic resources data and facilitate the exchange and use of resources. Information includes such details as the plant's height, flowering patterns and ancestral history.
International Course in Plant Conservation Biology - March, New Delhi, India 2013
If you are currently involved in seed science and conservation research, this specialist course could be for you. It covers in situ and ex situ approaches and will be delivered by expert scientists including from Bioversity International, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (UK) and the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (India). Apply by January 16th.
The role of science in the scramble for natural resources
If we hope to feed the more than nine billion people that are projected to inhabit our planet by 2050, without causing more harm to the environment, science will have to find ways of producing more food using fewer resources. To find out how this might be achieved, read CGIAR CEO Frank Rijsberman's opinion piece in the latest edition of ATSE Focus magazine.
Bioversity International is a member of the CGIAR Consortium.
New agreement to build capacity in forest genetic resources
Bioversity International is furthering its long tradition in capacity strengthening, through a new collaboration with an International Masters Course in Tropical Biodiversity and Ecosystems (TROPIMUNDO). Our involvement will include supervising thesis students and evaluating course content.
Celebrating the 2013 UN International Year of Quinoa
The 2013 UN International Year of Quinoa will raise awareness of how quinoa can provide nutrition, increase food security, and help eradicate poverty. In 2012, Bioversity International Senior Scientist, Nutrition & Marketing Diversity, Stefano Padulosi, reflected on the importance of quinoa.
Bridging the gap between publishing and applying forest genetic research
In 2008, David Boshier and colleagues from Bioversity International started creating free 'off the shelf' materials that would make forest genetic resources training relevant, attractive and accessible, both in language and availability to non-specialists. The team is currently working on the 3rd and 4th training modules Seed supply chain and Forest management.
Malaysia implementing the multilateral system of access & benefit-sharing
A new study examines a number of issues related to Malaysia’s implementation of the multilateral system of access and benefit-sharing created by the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture–the first international, legally-binding agreement promoting the sustainable use and conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture, and the sharing of benefits derived from their use.
Supporting the conservation & use of crop biodiversity
Video inspired by Bioversity International scientists’ ‘heuristic framework’, highlights constraints and solutions to help farmers and researchers conserve and use crop biodiversity. Less than two weeks left to download the paper for free on Taylor & Francis Online, open access till 31 December 2012.
New Routledge book - Crop Genetic Resources as a Global Commons
A new Issues in Agricultural Biodiversity series book from Routledge addresses how the collective pooling and management of shared plant genetic resources for food and agriculture can be supported through laws regulating access to genetic resources and the sharing of benefits arising from their use.
Metrics of sustainable diets and food systems
Metrics of sustainable diets and food systems co-written by Bruce Cogill, Federico Mattei and recent Premio Daniel Carasso award winner Jessica Fanzo, describes a challenging and innovative research agenda implemented by Bioversity International and its partners to describe and measure sustainable diets and food systems.
Chinese province honors senior scientist for work to combat banana disease
Dr Agustin B. Molina, Senior Scientist and Regional Coordinator for Asia and the Pacific at Bioversity International, was honored with a Guangdong International Friendship Award from Guangdong Province on 27 November for his work and partnership in helping to combat banana disease, an important crop for this region.
A model to make more use of crop biodiversity
A collation of experimental evidence offers answers to: How can farmers make better use of crop diversity? Devra Jarvis and colleagues at Bioversity International have created an 'heuristic framework' to help farmers and researchers conserve and use traditional crop varieties - available for free download on Taylor & Francis Online until 31 Dec.
International Seminar on Neglected and Underutilized Species
Bioversity International is a co-organizer of the International Seminar Old and New Crops To Meet The Challenges Of The XXI Century where researchers, farmers’ representatives, policymakers and donors will discuss how neglected and underutilized species can be best mobilized to support the fight against hunger and rural poverty in the world.
Global Timber Tracking Network website launched
The Global Timber Tracking Network (GTTN) brings together the science, scientists, policy makers and stakeholders to promote the integrated use of DNA and stable isotope technologies to ensure legal timber trade and curb illegal and unsustainable logging. GTTN recently launched their website.
Former Bioversity International Senior Nutritionist wins Carasso Foundation prize
Jessica Fanzo, former Senior Nutritionist at Bioversity International, has been recognized for her outstanding work on sustainable food and diets for long-term human health. The prize will be awarded by the Daniel and Nina Carasso Foundation at a prize ceremony in Madrid today.
Genetic diversity for climate change adaptation
UN Conference on Climate Change (COP18) has begun in Doha, Qatar. Climate change is adversely affecting food security and livelihoods of the people from the poorest regions of the world. The Seeds for Needs initiative's new project in Ethiopia looks at how genetic diversity of durum wheat can provide an effective strategy to adapt to climate change.
Biodiversity for Food and Nutrition Project launching website
The Biodiversity for Food and Nutrition Project recently launched their website. This project aims to "mainstream biodiversity conservation and sustainable use for improved human nutrition and well-being" into national and global policies and programs. Photo: S.Landersz\Bioversity
Coconut conservationist seeks Pacific Islands for palm preservation
National Public Radio (NPR) interviewed Stephan Weise of Bioversity International and Ronald Bourdeix of CIRAD on their vision for how to preserve a thousand or more genetic varieties of coconut trees.
Can scientists agree on what constitutes ecosystem services and resilience?
Ecosystem services and resilience is a cross cutting theme within the CGIAR Research Program on Water, Land and Ecosystems, in which Bioversity International is a partner. Last month, at a program workshop, scientists tried to develop a shared understanding of what these concepts really mean.
Forests and agriculture to work together to tackle climate change
In the run up to UN climate summit, CIFOR have issued a media advisory asking Can the world’s forests and farms work together to tackle pressing food security challenges and climate change?
Developing multi-resource forest management plans for the Congo Basin forests
In partnership with CIFOR, Bioversity International's Forest Genetic Resources Programme is leading a project in the Congo Basin to develop sustainable forest management plans to benefit rural communities and the logging concessionaires while avoiding over-exploitation of valuable tree species. Photo by Ollivier Girard for CIFOR.
Winner of the Abdou Salam Ouedraogo Fellowship 2012
We are delighted to announce that the winner of the 12-month Abdou Salam Ouédraogo (ASO) 2012 Fellowship for Research on Conservation and Use of Forest Genetic Resources is Ms Addisalem Ayele Bekele from Ethiopia.
Director General speaking at Feeding the World Africa
Johannesburg, November 15-16
Bioversity International Director General, Emile Frison, will be one of the expert speakers at the Economist two-day conference Feeding the World – Africa’s role in solving the food crisis taking place in Johannesburg later this week.New strategies and partnerships for the sustainable use of plant genetic resources
Bioversity International's Policy Unit highlights initiatives that aim to contribute to ensuring dynamic and resilient use of plant genetic resources, improving food security and promoting viable rural livelihoods, in a paper that was presented to the Technical Committee of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.
Conservation + Agriculture = True Food Security
What do you have when you combine conservation and agriculture together? A recipe for success, say the trio of experts - Emile Frison of Bioversity International, Cristián Samper of the Wildlife Conservation Society and Ken Wilson of The Christensen Fund - in this opinion piece published in National Geographic on 7 November.
Cacao: yesterday, today and tomorrow
Climate models, DNA analysis, geographic information systems and genebanks come together to illuminate the past and safeguard the future of the tree that gives us chocolate. Photo: IITA
Sustainable Use of Biodiversity – GCARD2 Side Event Report
Kwesi Atta-Krah, Deputy Director General of Bioversity International reports from the Second Global Conference on Agricultural Research for Development (GCARD2).
Climate Conversations - Can biodiversity cut the risks of crop losses?
AlertNet inquires about sustainable alternatives to preventing crop loss. The use of agricultural biodiversity to minimize the risk of crop pest and disease has been the focus of a 5-year Bioversity International project in China, Ecuador, Morocco and Uganda.
Bringing the genebank back to the field: researcher argues for on-farm conservation
The seeds and saplings from expensive, hard-to-maintain field genebanks are used to prevent the loss of tree species, and to select and breed superior fruit cultivars – but only a few of which have found their way back to farms. Hugo Lamers, Bioversity International researcher, asks "how is this helping farmers?" in this CIFOR Blog post. Photo: IITA
Vavilov-Frankel Fellowship 2013 application deadline extended
Vavilov-Frankel Fellowship 2013 application deadline has been extended until 18 November 2012. Two fellowships, for up to US$ 20,000 each, are available for 2013 to carry out research, on a wide range of themes related to the conservation and use of plant genetic resources in developing countries. Photo: F. van Oudenhoven
Kyrgyz conservationists save trees by helping farmers
Today The Washington Times highlights the importance of fruit tree conservation in Kyrgyzstan and the work of Fauna & Flora and Bioversity International. Photo: Bioversity/F. van Oudenhoven
The Second Global Conference on Agricultural Research for Development (GCARD2), 29 October – 1 November 2012
The Second Global Conference on Agricultural Research for Development (GCARD2) has started in Uruguay. GCARD2 will focus on the ways to implement tasks identified in the GCARD RoadMap: 'Foresight, partnerships and capacity development for innovation and impact on smallholder livelihoods'.
Work to mitigate Banana Xanthomonas wilt (BXW) reaps rewards
The Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI) has given its 2012 Award for Best KARI Implemented Project to a collaborative research effort, led by Bioversity International, to strengthen East-African food and income security. The project, funded by the McKnight Foundation, was given the award at the 13th KARI Biennial Scientific Conference.
High time to stop deliberating and start implementing global conservation decisions
Toby Hodgkin, represented Bioversity International at a number of side events at the UN Conference on Biodiversity (CBD) in Hyderabad, India including a COP 11 side event, that focused on Global Environment Facility (GEF) projects working toward CBD Aichi Targets on agricultural and genetic diversity.
CIFOR Forests News Blog featuring Bioversity International scientists
In light of the closing sessions of the UN Convention on Biodiversity and Tree Diversity Day, CIFOR Forests News Blog spoke to Bioversity International scientists, Phrang Roy and Hugo Lamers, about recognizing the wealth of biodiversity that can be found in indigenous peoples' sacred areas and community biodiversity management. Photo: M. High
Community-based management: a recipe for enhancing conservation
We caught up with Bhuwon Sthapit, based in Bioversity International’s New Delhi Office, over a cup of masala chai to chat about the status of agricultural biodiversity and his strong faith in community-based management as a solution. He was one of the seven scientists representing Bioversity at the CBD in Hyderabad, India last week.
Market demands for exotic produce should not replace local fruit tree diversity
Muhabbat Turdieva, Central Asia Project Coordinator, Bioversity International, was part of the delegation at the UN Convention on Biodiversity (CBD) in India last week. She speaks about her work on wild fruits and forest systems in Central Asia.
On-farm conservation and teamwork crucial for reaching global agricultural biodiversity targets
A report from the side event ‘Strategic Plan 2011-2020 – Sustainable Use of Agricultural Biodiversity’ at the UN Convention on Agricultural Biodiversity. The event was facilitated by Toby Hodgkin, Honorary Fellow, Bioversity International and co-founder of the Platform for Agricultural Biodiversity.
Celebrating Tree Diversity Day - an interview with Judy Loo
Judy Loo, Theme Leader for Forest Genetic Resources programme at Bioversity International (featured here talking to COP11 TV), talks about her work on tree conservation, land use pressures and the illegal timber trade, and how she would like to see the CBD implemented.
A strategy to safeguard the future of chocolate
The vast global chocolate industry — worth more than US$100 billion a year — rests on shaky agricultural foundations. Millions of farmers have just a few trees each, and those trees are constantly under threat from a range of pests and diseases. Long-term, they need better trees. Photo: Bioversity/B. Sthapit
Press Release: Hunger Run 2012 and Crescita SMS Campaign
Rome, Italy. As part of celebrations for World Food Week, Hunger Run 2012 will take place on Sunday 21 October 2012 starting at 10:00 am. The event, formerly known as the Run for Food race, has been renamed to emphasize the Rome-based agencies common goal of eradicating hunger.
Food for the Cities: Why Rural Urban Linkages are key to a food secure future
Interview with Bruce Cogill, Programme Leader, Nutrition and Marketing of Diversity, at the 39th Session of the Committee on World Food Security side-event, Food for the Cities. Cogill was attending the event as a representative of the UN Standing Committee on Nutrition Security.
Celebrating local foods on a global scale
World Food Day is 16 October. In honour of this day, Bioversity International is highlighting a research project that is under way in four corners of the world to improve food and nutrition. Photo: Traditional Sri Lankan meal. Bioversity/S. Landersz
Small-scale agriculture is the key to meeting CBD goals
Pablo Eyzaguirre, a Senior Scientist at Bioversity International (featured in this video talking to COP11 TV), is one of our delegation at the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). He reflects on the Aichi targets, and how small-scale agriculture is key to meeting CBD goals on the sustainable use of agricultural biodiversity.
More recognition for Indigenous communities: the guardians of biodiversity
A report from the joint programme between UNESCO and the Secretariat of the Convention of Biological Diversity side event – 10th October 2012, Hyderabad.
CGIAR centers co-sign Memorandum of Understanding
CGIAR Research Program on Forests, Trees and Agroforestry has agreed to join forces with the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity as part of a broader goal to cut the rate of deforestation in half by the end of the decade and to promote sustainable management of farms and forests. Photo: A. Marie
Media Advisory - Hunger Run 2012 and Crescita SMS Campaign Press Conference
Hunger Run 2012 and Crescita SMS Campaign Press Conference: two initiatives to help those affected by drought and poor harvests in Kenya. Roma Capitale and Valentina Vezzali join FAO, IFAD, WFP, Bioversity International and Gruppo Sportivo Bancari Romani to launch event.
Catching up with Dr. Prem Mathur at the UN Convention on Biological Diversity
Prem Mathur, South Asia Coordinator, is one of the Bioversity International delegation attending the UN Meeting on Biodiversity in Hyderabad - featured here talking to COP11 TV earlier today. We find time in his busy schedule for a quick CBD update.
Bioversity International Celebrates World Food Day – October 16th 2012
World Food Day raises awareness and understanding of approaches to ending hunger. Find out how Bioversity International is celebrating World Food Day 2012.
Farmers’ knowledge and rights: the policy challenges
Recent changes in CGIAR operations have led to a number of new policy challenges. This was one of the findings of a study that describes how eight members of the CGIAR Consortium, whose research is focused on plant genetic resources, are (re)organizing their conservation and improvement activities in light of climate change adaptation. Photo: D.Mowbray/CIMMYT
Press Release - UN Meeting on Biodiversity: 8-19 October, Hyderabad, India
Press release: ROME, October 8, 2012 – Agricultural and tree biodiversity must be sustainably managed and conserved to help achieve world biodiversity targets under discussion at the XI Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity.
Discussing gaps between research on food security, agriculture and nutrition
A new program to help deliver improved nutrition to Africa was recently designed at a workshop in Nairobi on September 10–11. The expert panel, including Bioversity International's Bruce Cogill, defined research priorities for Australian investments in the sphere of food and nutritional security in sub-Saharan Africa. Watch the video for their quick comments.
Linking chilli diversity to markets in Peru
Peru and Bolivia are home to the most diverse concentrations of Capsicum in the world, yet much of this diversity remains neglected and undervalued. To assist market development, Bioversity is coordinating a project to link Capsicum small-scale producers with production, processing and marketing companies that supply local and international markets.
Bioversity scientists featured in re-launched PARKS Magazine
The first issue of the re-launched PARKS: The International Journal of Protected Areas and Conservation is now available on the IUCN website. Bioversity International's Teresa Borelli, Danny Hunter and others co-wrote a report on Protected areas and the challenge of conserving crop wild relatives, featured in the issue.
Waking up: the experience of the Jogimara community seed bank
“For a long time we were asleep, but today we are active in the conservation of plant genetic resources,” said Hariram Khatiwada, the president of the Jogimara community seed bank, that can be found along the main road halfway between Kathmandu and Pokhara in Nepal.
West African scientists get to grips with food systems research
Per Rudebjer, Scientist, Capacity Strengthening at Bioversity International, reports from a hands-on training workshop in Benin.
Plant breeders respond to climate-related stresses in multiple ways
Bioversity recently undertook an in-depth study of 'Availability of Plant Genetic Resources in Times of Climate and Policy Change for the CGIAR Research Program, CCAFS. Bioversity scientist Ronnie Vernooy, one of the study’s authors, blogs about how CGIAR plant breeders view the challenges and invites your comments.
Neglected crops: why it is critical we increase food diversity
As the IUCN World Conservation Congress comes to a close this weekend, Bioversity scientists Stefano Padulosi and Carlo Fadda look at why crop diversity is vital for food security in a report from the joint Bioversity International and CIFOR workshop.
The role of global Crop Commons in supporting livelihoods and food security
Emile Frison, Director General of Bioversity International speaking at the International Association of the Study of the Commons conference today about the role of global Crop Commons in supporting livelihoods and food security. Watch it here - note Emile's speech starts at 55 mins.
Açaí: could the wonder fruit also be wonderful for forests?
A joint workshop by Bioversity International and CIFOR at the IUCN World Conservation Congress looked at how demand for açaí's age-defying properties is leading to reforestation in Brazil rainforest, with smallholder forest management tending to be better for biodiversity. Read more on the CIFOR blog.
Can cultivated species get their own Red List?
Stefano Padulosi, a Bioversity senior scientist, (pictured here with Prof. MS Swaminathan at the IUCN World Conservation Congress this week in Korea), looks at the need to develop Red Lists for cultivated species, not just for wild biodiversity. Check out the CCAFS blog for more.
Bringing conservation and agriculture together
"Biodiversity is a significant factor ... because it is in an excellent position to contribute to both agriculture and conservation" - Emile Frison, Director General, Bioversity International, reflects on one of the key messages to come out of the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Korea.
Past, present and future of species, ecosystems and human livelihoods at IUCN
Cristián Samper, President and CEO, WCS, and Bioversity Board Member gave an opening address at the IUCN Conservation Congress highlighting the need to protect species and ecosystems in the face of a growing human footprint. Tomorrow is Nature+ Food day where Bioversity will participate in several sessions.
UNSCN publishes joint statement on nutrition security of urban populations
The UN Habitat sixth World Urban Forum opens in Italy today, as the UNSCN issues a call for attention and joint action on nutrition security for urban populations. Bruce Cogill, Bioversity International Programme Leader, Nutrition and Marketing Diversity, will take part in a media event tomorrow on Cities and Nutrition Security.
IUCN World Conservation Congress: 6-15 September, Jeju, Korea
Bioversity International is participating in sessions at the IUCN World Conservation Congress. Highlights include HRH Prince Charles delivering an introductory video to open the session 'From Competition to Collaboration between Agriculture and Conservation: moving toward convergence between agro-ecology and conservation biology'.
Who is working on agricultural biodiversity? - Take the survey
If you are organizing activities to promote agricultural biodiversity we would like to hear from you. Bioversity International is carrying out a short survey to identify new ways of sharing information using modern technology. Survey available in English, French, Spanish and Portuguese.
Who is working on agricultural biodiversity? - Survey
Who is working in agricultural biodiversity? Quien esta trabajando en agrobiodiversidad? Qui travaille sur la biodiversité agricole? Quem trabalha no agro-biodiversidade? Bioversity International invites you to take part in a very short survey, available here.
Other ways to use agricultural biodiversity to adapt to climate change
While some scientists are working hard to breed new crop varieties better adapted to the predicted impacts of climate change, others are exploring adaptation options already present in genebanks and farmers’ fields. Find out more on the CCAFS website about 'Seeds for Needs' in Ethiopia, a project managed by Carlo Fadda, a Bioversity Senior Scientist.
Bioversity International welcomes Olympic challenge on malnutrition
On Sunday, UK Prime Minister David Cameron is expected to join Brazil’s Vice President Michel Temer in closing the 2012 Olympics with a challenge to world leaders to work together to significantly reduce the number of children stunted by malnutrition before the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics.
Bruce Cogill, Nutrition Programme Leader talks about the importance of sustainable diets
Voice of America's Kim Lewis interviews Bioversity Nutrition Programme Leader Bruce Cogill on the importance of sustainable diets. Earlier this week a new book Sustainable Diets and Biodiversity was published by Bioversity International and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO).
Roots of our People - Now available in Russian
Корни наших народов presents some of the farmers who are contributing to the conservation of fruit tree diversity in Kyrgyzstan and the Tajik Pamirs. This booklet is a tribute to their energy and curiosity, to the stories they tell and the work they do to preserve a uniquely important part of their heritage.
Hunger Run 2012 - Let's stop hunger in its tracks - October 21, Rome, Italy
HUNGER RUN 2012 is now open for registration. Proceeds will be used to help communities in the Horn of Africa affected by drought and poor harvests. The race is organized by Gruppo Sportivo Bancari Romani on behalf of FAO, IFAD, WFP and Bioversity International.
Meet our fellows: Marius Ekué
Ackee is a tropical West African fruit tree that plays an important role in rural livelihoods and traditional agroforestry systems in Benin. The research Marius carried out during his fellowship involved collecting information about traditional knowledge and use of the species, its genetic diversity, as well as its market value and landscape needs.
Biodiversity for Food and Nutrition Project Newsletter launched
The first issue of Biodiversity for Food and Nutrition Project Newsletter is out. This multidisciplinary, multi-partner project aims to provide evidence of the nutritional value of agricultural biodiversity and its role in promoting healthy diets and strengthening livelihoods in the project’s leading countries: Brazil, Kenya, Sri Lanka and Turkey.
Upcoming training course on value chain research - extended deadline
Fonio is one of priority species for neglected and underutilized species (NUS) research in West Africa. To improve the quality of applied research on value chains of priority NUS crops, we are organizing a training course and inviting candidates from Benin, Ghana, Mali, Nigeria or Senegal to send applications by 5 August. Photo: Emilia Tjernström/Flickr
Press Release - Diets must become sustainable say FAO and Bioversity
8 August 2012, Rome - Immediate action needed to promote sustainable diets and food biodiversity so as to improve the health of humans and of the planet - the key message of a book just published by FAO and Bioversity International.
Banana genome sequence significant step for scientists, producers and consumers
It’s been ten years of waiting, but the news that the banana genome has been sequenced has been worth it. The sequencing of one of the founding genomes of cultivated bananas, the wild species Musa acuminata, and its assembling into a high-quality reference sequence, carried out by CIRAD and Genoscope, has just been published in the journal Nature.
Global Biodiversity Informatics Conference 2012 outcomes
The Global Biodiversity Informatics Conference, gathering some 100 experts from around the world from 2-4 July, identified critical areas in which greater investment and better coordination could give society much better, innovative tools to monitor and manage biological resources. Check here for a news release, meeting and background documents. Bioversity International was a co-organizer of the conference.
Identifying tree populations for conservation action through geospatial analyses
In December, over 60 forestry specialists from 12 Asian countries shared experiences and information on conservation of several valuable and threatened forest tree species at the Multinational and Transboundary Conservation of Valuable and Endangered Forest Tree Species Conference in China - report and presentation now available.
Meet our fellows: Edgar Wabyona
Every year students from many disciplines related to agricultural biodiversity come to Bioversity to carry out thesis research. Here is what Edgar, from Uganda, MSc student in Food Security and Human Development at Roma Tre University in Rome, has to say about his experience.
Global Biodiversity Informatics Conference July, 2012 Copenhagen
GBIC 2012 will bring together a diverse group of experts from around the world, to develop a vision and set of priorities for biodiversity informatics for the coming decade. Bioversity has been an associated partner of Global Biodiversity Information Facility since 2005.
Updated FAO/Bioversity Multi-Crop Passport Descriptors now available
Originally published in 2001, the ‘Multi-Crop Passport Descriptors’ (MCPD) is widely used as the international standard to facilitate germplasm passport information exchange. Now expanded to include emerging documentation needs, this new version resulted from consultation with more than 300 scientists from 187 institutions in 87 countries.
We can achieve the Future We Want
Dr. Emile Frison reflects on the final text of the “Future We Want” document as Rio+20 comes to a close in this last post from our campaign blog.
UN Secretary-General Challenges All Nations to Achieve Zero Hunger
United Nations Secretary-General BAN Ki-moon today launches a “Zero Hunger Challenge,” inviting all nations to be boldly ambitious as they work for a future where everyone enjoys their right to food and all food systems are resilient.
Food security must be on the table at Rio+20 - Joint opinion article: FAO, IFAD, WFP and Bioversity
by: José Graziano da Silva, Director General, FAO; Kanayo F. Nwanze, President, IFAD; Ertharin Cousin, Executive Director, WFP; Emile A. Frison, Bioversity International
They struggle to make crops grow in the parched earth. They watch in despair as their seedlings and livestock are washed away by flash floods.
Media Advisory - Rio+20: high-level event "Food for Life and Life for Food"
A high-level discussion taking place in Rio+20 on June 21st organized by FAO, IFAD, WFP, Bioversity International and the World Bank will include heads of state and government, high-level policy makers from countries and international organizations to discuss their experiences in working to reduce poverty and hunger and achieve environmental sustainability.
No sustainable development without eradication of hunger and extreme poverty
Joint statement Rio+20: FAO, IFAD, WFP, Bioversity International have issued the following statement on the occasion of the Rio+20 conference: "We stand at a crossroads: it lies within our reach to eliminate hunger and poverty, using methods that do not compromise the future of life on this planet. That is the essence of sustainability."
Emile Frison reflects on the first day's events at Rio+20
"Rio+20 is well under way and food security is in focus." Emile Frison, Director General, Bioversity International picks out important themes around food security and sustainability from Day One in his blog post live from Rio+20.
The potential of neglected and underutilized species - more than just a piece of quinoa cake
Today's Rio+20 blog post is from Dr. Stefano Padulosi, Bioversity Research theme leader, Marketing Diversity, highlights the potential of neglected and underutilized species for food security,in his personal account about eating quinoa cake in Bolivia. 2013 has been declared as the International Year of Quinoa by the United Nations.
Aiming for a Food Secure Future: Think Global, Act Local
"Enhancing food security will take both global vision and local action. Strategy and implementation must be linked in order to obtain the Rio vision of food security" - the theme of today's event 'Aiming for a Food Secure Future' co-hosted by Bioversity International, FAO, IFAD and the World Food Programme. Follow events via Twitter #FutureWeWant
A week of Rio events starts with 4th Agriculture & Rural Development Day
As events start this week for Rio+20, check out our campaign page to see what Bioversity will be doing at Rio, or follow our blog On the Road to Rio or Twitter (#FutureWeWant) for live updates. Today's main event is CGIAR and Embrapa hosted Agriculture and Rural Development Day (#rio4ag)
The last fork in the road to Rio+20
The last of our farmer stories as part of our Rio+20series: 'A fork in the Road' takes us around the world to meet some of the smallholder farmers we at Bioversity International have worked with, and others whose passion has inspired, and continues to inspire, our work.
Tackling the illegal timber trade
Judy Loo, Theme Leader, Bioversity International's Forest Genetic Resources Programme, explains how using DNA and stable isotopes could be used to track logs and help identify species' geographic origin. This is the latest post from our On the Road to Rio campaign blog.
RIO+20 and sustainable agriculture: The International Treaty
In its Call to Action, CGIAR urges for an endorsement of the full implementation of International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. Michael Halewood, Head of Bioversity's Policy Unit, explains why this is important for the future of sustainable agriculture in an interview published today on Alertnet.
A fork in the road to Rio: Bhutan
Meet Pema who is a smallholder farmer living in a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse in the village of Tsento, Shari in the central western part of Bhutan. This is the seventh story in our 'Fork in the Road' series as part of our Rio+20 campaign.
For a sustainable future, agricultural biodiversity is part of solution
Press release: ROME, June 12, 2012 – As our climate changes and our population grows, a critical research area in the quest for food and nutrition security and sustainability is agricultural and tree biodiversity, says the leader of a global research institute speaking at Rio+20.
Diversity protects the bean harvests of poor farmers in Uganda
Poor farmers in Uganda use agricultural biodiversity to protect themselves against pests and diseases, according to a recent paper published in the journal Agriculture, Ecosystems and the Environment (photo: CIAT/N. Palmer).
A fork in the Road to Rio: Kenya (part 2)
Miriam Musyoka, a smallholder farmer from Kitui, Kenya, talks about how she has seen an increase in her income from selling local and traditional foods after a campaign to promote their value. This is latest in our farmer story series 'A fork on the Road to Rio' as part of our Rio+20 campaign.
Indian Journal of Plant Genetic Resources 25 (1) 2012
A special issue to mark 25 years of the official journal of the Indian Society of Plant Genetic Resources with contributions from some of our Bioversity scientists.
Agricultural biodiversity and climate change
Carlo Fadda, one of Bioversity International's senior scientists based in our Sub-Saharan Africa office, talks about the importance of using agricultural biodiversity to suit farmers' future needs in the face of climate change. This video blog is part of our On the Road to Rio campaign series.
Payment for Ecosystem Services applied to agricultural systems
New article available co-written by Bioversity senior scientist Fabrice DeClerck focuses on Payment for Ecosystem Services applied to agricultural systems and the ever-growing debate regarding the effectiveness of these programs for changing farmer behavior and enhancing conservation. Photo: N. Walls
Agricultural biodiversity in the Americas
Dr. Marleni Ramirez, Regional Director for Bioversity International's Americas Office in Colombia, talks about why the rich agricultural biodiversity in the Americas is vital for our future food security. This is latest video from our On the Road to Rio campaign blog.
Meet the Bioversity research fellows
Every year, Bioversity collaborates with research fellows studying a variety of topics related to agricultural biodiversity. Find out more about the fellows and their research in our new Fellows Gallery.
A fork in the road to Rio: Stopping to meet Dattatreya Hegde
The fifth in our series: 'A fork in the road - meeting farmers on the road to Rio' takes us to the remote village of Salkani, India. Here Dattatreya Hegde cultivates some 35 varieties of mango and a half a dozen types of kokum which brings 20% of his family income. This series is part of our On the road to Rio campaign.
2013 Call for Abdou-Salam Ouédraogo Fellowship
The focus of this year’s fellowship award is priority forest tree species' threats and conservation approaches. Applicants from sub-Saharan African countries are invited to apply before 15 July 2013.
Agricultural Biodiversity in Sub-Saharan Africa
Joseph Jojo Baidu-Forson, Regional Director for Sub-Saharan Africa, talks about the future that he wants for the smallholder farmers of Sub-Saharan Africa. This video is the latest from our Rio+20 campaign blog.
A fork in the road to Rio: Peru
Meet the Quechua farmers of the Potato Park in Peru, who are conserving 1345 varieties of local potatoes and have established a database with traditional associated knowledge supported by the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. This is the fourth story in our 'Fork in the Road' series as part of our Rio+20 campaign.
A fork in the road to Rio: Peru
Meet the Quechua farmers of the Potato Park in Peru, who are conserving 1345 varieties of local potatoes and have established a database with traditional associated knowledge supported by the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. This is the fourth story in our 'Fork in the Road' series as part of our Rio+20 campaign.
Article highlights role of crop diversity in reducing pests and diseases
"A risk-minimizing argument for traditional crop varietal diversity use to reduce pest and disease damage in agricultural ecosystems in Uganda", co-written by Bioversity scientists, is now accessible online. Here the authors argue that the loss of a large slice of the world's annual harvest could be prevented by the diversification of smallholders' crop fields.
CGIAR call to action featured in BBC
Bioversity International is part of the CGIAR call to action for Rio+20, calling for food security and sustainable agriculture to be at the top of the conference agenda. Bioversity is a member of the CGIAR. 15 research organizations have come together to jointly create the call to action, which they will present in June at Rio+20, the world conference on sustainable development.
Happy International Day of Biodiversity 2012 - Part Two
Continuing our celebrations for today's International Day of Biodiversity today, we also asked our staff: "How can we celebrate agricultural biodiversity on the International Day of Biodiversity?" Watch the video to listen to their ideas.
Happy International Day of Biodiversity 2012 - Part One
To celebrate the International Day of Biodiversity today, we asked our staff and social media followers: "What is the first word that comes to your mind when you think of agricultural biodiversity?" Watch the video to find out what they said.
Using local agricultural biodiversity - A Kenyan farmer's story
Peninah Mwangangi has a smallholder farm in the arid region of Kitui, in eastern Kenya. She explains how using local traditional food crops have helped mitigate against harvest loss when the rains don't come. This is the third story in our 'Fork in the Road' series as part of our Rio+20 campaign.
Why understanding forest genetic resources is vital for future options
Laura Snook Programme Leader, Forest Genetic Resources Conservation and Use, talks about the need to harness the huge genetic diversity of different tree species to face challenges such as climate change and find sustainable ways to use and conserve it for our future. This video is the latest from our Rio+20 campaign blog.
Festival delle Terre - International Film Festival 25-27 May, Rome, Italy
If you are in Rome next weekend, why not visit the 9th 'Festival delle Terre'. Bioversity is a partner in this annual festival that features documentaries from all over the world highlighting how people are protecting their identity, culture and traditions in today's world. (website in Italian only)
On the Road to Rio - Bioversity's Campaign Blog
Check out today's post on our Rio+20 campaign blog. Bioversity technical editor, Vincent Johnson, looks at three commodity crops that are of special importance for smallholder farmers - banana, cocoa and coconut. (Photo: Bioversity/A. Vezina)
A fork in the road to Rio: Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan
The mountainous area around Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan is one of the centres of origin for traditional fruit tree varieties such as apple, peach and pomegranate. Meet the farmers who, with support from Bioversity, are helping to put these trees back at the heart of local communities. This is the second in our series of farmer stories for Rio+20.
A fork in the road to Rio: Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan
The mountainous area around Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan is one of the centres of origin for traditional fruit tree varieties such as apple, peach and pomegranate. Meet the farmers who, with support from Bioversity, are helping to put these trees back at the heart of local communities.
Knowledge of forest genetic diversity to help restore forested landscapes
Bioversity is coordinating a study on the use of native tree species to restore forests around the world, as a contribution to a review by the FAO to be published in April 2013. Read our Rio+20 blog post by Riina Jalonen to learn more.
A fork in the road to Rio: Stopping in Nepal to meet Surya Adhikari
The first in our new series: 'A fork in the road - meeting farmers on the road to Rio' takes us to Nepal to meet Surya Adhikari. This series is part of our On the road to Rio campaign. His farm is a model for visitors from all over the world who come to learn how mixing together agricultural biodiversity, the laws of nature and scientific knowledge can benefit their own farming practices.
Heading toward a food secure future: On the road to Rio
Emile Frison, Director General of Bioversity International launches our campaign blog: "I hope you will join us on the Road to Rio+20. Bioversity International is covering ground in the quest for sustainability – what it truly means and takes to deliver a food secure future for the people in the world who need it most".
On the road to Rio: The future we want
As preparations get underway for the Rio+20 Conference in June, the use and conservation of agricultural biodiversity will be a key tool in establishing the sustainable food production systems needed to achieve the future we want. Join our campaign trail stopping to meet farmers on the way in our new series: 'A fork in the road' and check out our Rio blog.
The impact of organic bananas in Alto Beni, Bolivia
Poor farmers in the Alto Beni region of Bolivia continue to enjoy improved livelihoods thanks to a project on organic bananas implemented by Bioversity International. An impact assessment, using an asset-based livelihoods approach, found that 85% of farm families in the region said their incomes had increased since the end of the project.
Undervalued Yet Nutritious Traditional Foods Can Make the Difference - Press release
“Diversity of diet, founded on diverse farming systems, delivers better nutrition and greater health, with additional benefits for human productivity and livelihoods,” said Emile Frison, Director General of Bioversity International at the launch of a new international project in Rio today.
Agricultural biodiversity project to tackle poor nutrition
A collaboration to mainstream biodiversity conservation and sustainable use for improved human nutrition will be launched at the World Nutrition Rio Congress 2012 this weekend. This partnership will strengthen the evidence linking agrobiodiversity with good nutrition, and provide information on nutritional and health benefits of traditional food sources.
Bioversity scientist co-edits new book series integrating ecology and development
Bioversity International scientist Fabrice DeClerck has co-edited a new two-volume book series on the significant role of ecology and its connections to global issues.
Earth Day Research Reading
An Earth Day 2012 reading list featuring recent Bioversity International publications.
A new publication to help understand the food we eat
To improve livelihoods, nutrition and health, accessing and consuming diverse quality foods is necessary. But what is a quality food? ‘Food Composition Tables for West Africa’ is an important step towards understanding what is in the food that people eat - not only in West Africa but elsewhere. Photo: Ruth Charrondiere/ Florian Stangl
Vavilov-Frankel Fellows 2012 to study responses and tolerance to drought
Bioversity International has awarded this year's Vavilov-Frankel Fellowships to Priyanka Gupta, from the Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute (ICAR), and Dejene Kassahun Mengistu, from Mekelle University, Ethiopia.
Assessing the success of on-farm conservation projects in delivering conservation and livelihood outcomes.
On-farm conservation is the focus of much research but a lack of tools makes it difficult to systematically evaluate success in terms of outcomes that maintain on-farm diversity and create livelihood incentives for farmers. Thanks to a recently completed impact assessment project in the High Andes, this may be about to change.
Taking a serious look at gender issues – starting with ourselves
An independent scoping study of gender in CGIAR Research Programs noted that Trees, Forestry and Agroforestry had “integrated gender in original and effective ways”. An inception meeting for the program's genetic diversity of forests and trees component took this to heart, analyzing feedback from male and female participants. Photo:Hari Priyadi/CIFOR
It’s all in the name - conserving bananas in the Pacific region
Collecting banana diversity is more than just a matter of knowing which accessions (samples) to conserve. Ongoing work in French Polynesia is showing that diversity is not just found in genetic traits, but also the different names given to varieties.
World Scientists Define United Approach to Tackling Food Insecurity
An independent commission of scientific leaders from 13 countries has today released a detailed set of 7 recommendations to policy makers on how to achieve food security in the face of climate change. Photo: N. Palmer (CIAT)
CGIAR at Planet Under Pressure
Planet under Pressure, has opened today in London. The CGIAR is there showcasing innovations from research in global agricultural biodiversity, sustainable agricultural intensification, livestock and global change, climate change mitigation and adaptation in agriculture. Don't forget Bioversity will be hosting a live #abdchat tomorrow at 14:00 (CEST).
Spatial analysis manual now available Spanish
Good news for Spanish-speaking readers interested in spatial analysis based on GIS applications. Our Training Manual on Spatial Analysis of Plant Diversity and Distribution, first published in 2010, is now available in Spanish.
Taking a landscape view of people, food and nature
Following the International Forum for People, Food and Nature in Nairobi last week, Fabrice de Clerck, Bioversity International Programme Leader, talks about why he thinks integrated landscape approaches can help deliver on food security, sustainable agriculture and conservation.
CGIAR appoints Dr. Frank Rijsberman as new CEO
The CGIAR Consortium has appointed Dr. Frank Rijsberman as its new CEO. Rijsberman is currently part of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's Global Development Program, leading a team tasked with alleviating the burden of water-borne diseases and improving access to sanitation, especially in Africa and Asia. Bioversity International is a CGIAR Consortium Research Centre.
CGIAR Consortium attains International Organization status
CGIAR research has played a major role in agricultural development and world food security for more than 40 years, in particular, helping to improve the livelihoods of billions of rural poor. Today, in an important landmark for the continuation of its research, the CGIAR Consortium achieved International Organization status and recognition. Bioversity International is one of the 15 CGIAR Consortium Research Centres.
Setting standards and best practices for genebank conservation
The conservation of crops, crop wild relatives and trees ensures the resources needed to adapt and enhance agriculture remain available for future generations. Clonal crops such as banana, cassava and potato, which are vegetatively propagated require different approaches for conservation.
Climate change models may help spur lawmakers to implement seed treaty
A new climate change tool will not only help farmers to prepare for the future, it may also spur implementation of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.
Agrobiodiversity, conservation & sustainable utilization - Call for papers
This conference, held in Langkawi, Malaysia, 25-27 September will discuss sustainable means of utilizing the region’s vast agricultural biodiversity to its fullest potential to address food security, climate change and sustainable agriculture. Deadline for paper abstracts - April 30th 2012
USDA launch information system for world's genebanks
The US Department of Agriculture, partnering with Bioversity International and the Global Crop Diversity Trust, launch an Internet-based information management system for the world's plant genebanks. Genebanks support global food production security goals by ensuring access to plant genetic resources (Photo: Keith Weller)
A coconut embryo culture protocol for the international exchange of germplasm
The coconut palm is integral to the culture of many countries and supports more than 10 million sustainable livelihoods worldwide. Yet genetic erosion, climate-change and disease are placing bio-diverse coconut heritage under threat.
Bringing neglected and underutilized species back to the table
"It is indeed possible to turn underutilized species into an effective instrument of development and improvement of peoples’ livelihood" - Bioversity scientists look back at the successes of the first UN global effort specifically devoted to the promotion of neglected and underutilized species.
Landscapes for People, Food and Nature
The new Landscapes for People, Food and Nature blog highlights integrated landscape management systems that can protect livelihoods, conserve biodiversity and improve food security. Emile Frison, Director General of Bioversity International, is today's guest blogger - talking about why he thinks its time to rethink agricultural approaches.
New curriculum guide for teaching agrobiodiversity
Do you need guidance on how to integrate agrobiodiversity into your higher education programmes? This new Bioversity publication gives you a curriculum framework of 14 topics central to agrobiodiversity along with key learning points, suggested contents and internet resources.
Fire is essential for sustainable forest regeneration
Slash and burn agriculture results in the best regeneration of a rich diversity of valuable tropical timber species. This conclusion, based on years of research in the community-managed forests of Quintana Roo in Mexico, ought to be taken into account in forest management plans, which currently lean towards banning the use of fire.
Philippine government to adopt new coconut conservation culture
The Philippine government will use a coconut embryo culture technique, that is directly linked to a research programme carried out by Bioversity International through the International Coconut Genetic Resources Network. The Philippines is the world’s largest exporter of coconut products, with an export market worth around $2 billion.
Erna Bennett - An early pioneer of Plant Genetic Conservation
Erna Bennett, a leading scientist and one of the first people to draw attention to genetic erosion and the importance of conserving agricultural biodiversity, sadly died last week on January 3rd 2012, after a long illness. She was instrumental in shaping plant genetic conservation research along with Otto Frankel and others during the 1950s and 1960s, with that influence continuing to this day.
The potential of paying smallholders to conserve traditional crops
New Agriculturist highlights a Bioversity pilot scheme to pay farmers for conserving traditional crop varieties, such as quinoa (pictured), which could help stem the rapid loss of our crop diversity.
The value of conserving coffee diversity
Coffee is not only one of the most popular drinks in the world, but also the world's most valuable agricultural export commodity and the source of income for many smallholder farmers in the developing world. Yet coffee diversity is at risk and its not easy to conserve. Could cryopreservation be the answer?
Premio Daniel Carasso - call for entries
Have you completed outstanding research on 'sustainable food and diets for long term health'? Then why not compete for this new international award and a chance to win 100,000 euro. Emile Frison, Bioversity Director General, is pleased to be part of the prize committee. Closing date: 31st January 2012.
Beyond Vavilov: new resource for collecting diversity
How should you sample and preserve the wealth of genetic resources, not only of crops and wild species, but also of symbiotic bacteria, pollen, trees and even DNA? A new online resource gives practical guidance on collecting and related topics, such as the use of geographical information systems (GIS), taxonomic identification and the legal framework.
Improving nutrition with agricultural biodiversity
While it is generally agreed that there is a positive relationship between biodiversity, dietary diversity and health, there is a pressing need for this relationship to be confirmed based on empirical evidence. This new manual provides practical advice for field workers documenting research on the impacts of agrobiodiversity on food availability and health in developing countries.
Atlas of Guatemalan Crop Wild Relatives
A unique web resource designed to facilitate the conservation and use of wild plant species that are related to cultivated crops in Guatemala.
International Landscapes for People, Food and Nature – An international effort to scale up sustainable rural development
A new 3 year initiative will support scaled-up sustainable landscape management approaches in over 60 biodiversity hotspots around the world.
Marking 10 years of the International Treaty
'A promising start but more to be done' - the general consensus agreed at an international event held in Rome to mark 10 years of the International Treaty of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.
Pioneering approach to better nutrition for mothers and young children.
Bioversity International announced today that it will receive funding through Grand Challenges Explorations, an initiative created by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Smallholder farmers awarded for cocoa diversity
Last weekend saw the annual homage to all things chocolate at the mouthwatering International Cocoa Awards.
World Food Day: Food prices - From Crisis to Stability. 16th October 2011
As events around the world get underway to mark World Food Day 2011, Emile Frison, Director General, Bioversity International speaks about the importance of this year's theme
Using Neglected and Underutilized Species to empower women in Bolivia and India
Bioversity senior scientist Stefano Padulosi, talks about how a project in India and Bolivia, is encouraging women to reintroduce traditional crops to family diets
New Bioversity nutrition strategy now online
Bioversity International's new nutrition programme is now available. Read how we will work with smallholder farmers to promote agricultural biodiversity within food production systems.
ICT for Development, Food Security, Climate Change - The Second Global AgriKnowledge Share Fair
It's time for the Second Global AgriKnowledge Share Fair — which will take place at IFAD’s headquarters in Rome next week. Follow it live #SFROME
A Race against Hunger - World Food Day October 16th 2011
Event preparations are underway, including Rome’s 10k mini-marathon Run for Food
Investing in ecosystem services is vital for food security
A new report recognizes an ecosystems-based approach as a way of helping restore balance in agriculture.
Pioneering study shows how traditional seed systems may cope with climate change
A pioneering new study throws new light on the ways smallholder farmers will be able to obtain seeds to cope with climate change.
Seeds for Needs project update - helping women farmers in Ethiopia adapt to climate change
A year into the Seeds for Needs project in Ethiopia, project leader Eshan Dulloo reports on progress.
Bioversity scientist wins award for outstanding international achievement
The University of Sydney honours Bioversity scientist, Dr. Danny Hunter in recognition of his research in rural development, sustainable agriculture and the conservation of agricultural biodiversity.
Millenium Development Goal 1 Hunger Target - A review of global progress
A new paper, co-authored by Bioversity scientist, Jessica Fanzo, examines progress by reviewing evidence from 40 community-based programs as well as national and international efforts.
2013 Vavilov-Frankel Fellowship Call is now open
Applicants are invited to send their application by the deadline of 11 November 2012. Click to find out information about this year's research themes and criteria. Photo: Bioversity/F. van Oudenhoven.
Collective policy action to safeguard food security
Plant Genetic Resources and Food Security book launched during FAO Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture - 21 July 2011
Famine in Africa: investment can reduce the need for emergency aid in future
As the crisis in the Horn of Africa continues to worsen, Bioversity's Director General Emile Frison, expresses his profound sympathy for the victims of the famine, and warns that the world must look for more sustainable solutions.
Musapedia - for everything you ever wanted to know about bananas ...
Did you know that there may be 1000 different types of bananas? Did you know the banana genome is larger than that of rice? Visit Musapedia to get the latest banana know-how
Neglected and Underutilized Species research gets a big boost in Malaysia
An innovative research centre, specifically designed to evaluate underutilized crops, is launched in Kuala Lumpur.
The call for 2013 Abdou-Salam Ouédraogo fellowship is now open
The call for 2013 Abdou-Salam Ouédraogo fellowship is now open. Applications from candidates of Sub-Saharan Africa countries are invited to apply by 15 July 2013.
Fundraising for forgotten fruit trees comes to Rome
The continuing campaign to raise money to save a rare fruit tree collection comes to Rome on 14th July.
Assessing nutritional diversity of cropping systems in African villages
A new research paper examines the urgent need for metrics that monitor agricultural progress in Africa beyond calories produced per capita.
On farm conservation, neglected and underutilized species, and climate change - a new international effort
Bioversity and partners launch a new on farm agricultural biodiversity conservation project, in India, Nepal and Bolivia
Reconnecting Pearl Millet farmers with genebanks in Rajasthan, India
Curan Bonham, a Bioversity-Mickey Leland International Hunger Fellow, talks about his recently completed research project.
Users assess the impact of Bioversity's Banana Transit Centre
How well does Bioversity's International Transit Centre (ITC) serve its users? A recent impact assessment study aimed to find out.
Pre-breeding for Effective Use of Plant Genetic Resources – a new e-learning course
This course is designed primarily for plant breeders and germplasm curators.
The Arboreal Archeology Foundation launches fundraising campaign
The race is on to raise 250,000 euro by 31 July to save a collection of rare Umbrian fruit trees.
In search of biohappiness
Biohappiness is the sustainable and equitable use of resources to create jobs and incomes. That’s the vision of Professor M.S. Swaminathan, Father of the Green Revolution in Asia. He launched his new book In Search of Biohappiness at Bioversity International.
MAPFORGEN: An online atlas to support the conservation of forest genetic resources
The MAPFORGEN project will evaluate the conservation status of 100 socio-economically important woody species from different eco-regions of Latin America and the Caribbean.
How would you develop a genetic conservation strategy to safeguard an endangered tree species?
Module 1 of the new Forest Genetic Resources training guide is now available. It uses problem-based case studies to examine how genetic issues play a key part in conservation strategy planning.
Celebrating Forest Biodiversity
To mark the International Day of Biological Biodiversity on 22 May, Emile Frison, Director General of Bioversity, welcomes this year's theme - forest diversity - as we prepare to bring you a week of forest stories.
Sustainable forest management on the Niassa Reserve: A Bioversity Project Report
Read about a project in the Niassa Reserve, Mozambique to find sustainable conservation strategies to protect its woodlands and help local populations.
Plant Genetic Resources and Food Security - a new publication
The latest Earthscan book in the series 'Issues in Agricultural Biodiversity' takes a look at the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.
Fundraising for forgotten fruit trees - 24th May 2011, Milan, Italy
Isabella Dalla Ragione launches a fundraising drive to save a family collection of rare fruit trees in Umbria
Stemming the spread of cacao pests and diseases
Updated guidelines for the safe movement of cacao germplasm take into account increased risk of pests and diseases.
On the trail of the African Cherry Tree
A research project to improve livelihoods of small-scale farmers culminates on the humid slopes of Mount Cameroon.
Banking on Russian berries for improved nutrition
A Bioversity led project to promote the use of local berry fruits for a healthier diet in Russia shows how genebanks can play a pivotal role in improved nutrition.
Banking on Russian berries for improved nutrition
A Bioversity project to promote the use of local berry fruits for a healthier diet in Russia shows how genebanks can play a pivotal role in improved nutrition.
A common language for plant resources
A new impact assessment study looks at the effectiveness of Bioversity's Descriptor lists, a series of publications that aim to standardise the way plant resources are documented.
Spatial Analysis of Plant Diversity and Distribution – New training manual
A new training manual for practitioners who work with biodiversity data and want to develop spatial analysis skills using GIS tools.
Placing biodiversity in trust for the future: Bioversity Impact Assessment
The second of our impact assessment briefs describes the influence of 'In Trust Agreements' set up by Bioversity to protect CGIAR genebanks during a period of legislative uncertainty.
The challenge of impact assessment
Bioversity launches a series of impact assessment publications starting with a detailed look at our African Leafy Vegetables Programme in Kenya.
A tribute to Professor Gian Tommaso Scarascia-Mugnozza
Bioversity pays tribute to Professor Gian Tommaso Scarascia-Mugnozza who died this weekend, aged 85, after a long illness.
Vegetable Innovation in Malawi
Local farmer groups and agro-dealers work together to improve vegetable production in southeast Africa.
How we conduct Impact Assessment
Pathways that link the research process with the generation of outputs and their dissemination and uptake help the scientist analyse and plan for the likely changes caused by the intervention.
A diverse approach to manage agricultural pests and diseases
International scientists are meeting in Rabat to discuss a ground-breaking global project that offers new insights into how even the poorest farmers can protect their crops against pests and disease epidemics.
The Global Diversity of Taro: ethnobotany and conservation
Taro Leaf Blight is devastating crops in West Africa. A new Bioversity publication on taro diversity offers potential solutions.
Bioversity welcomes two new board members
Bioversity International is pleased to welcome two new members to its Board of Trustees.
Agricultural Biodiversity for Food and Nutrition security
A new paper from Bioversity reviews evidence that agricultural biodiversity is an essential component in the sustainable delivery of a more secure food supply.
We are what we eat - Selected Foods from West Africa
A new data table of food composition data for traditional West African foods.
Cocoa farmers full of beans for a brighter future
A new Bioversity report examines how a growing taste for quality chocolate can pay for smallholder rural families.
Crop wild relatives - their conservation and importance
A multimedia presentation explains what crop wild relatives are and why it is important to conserve them.
New online learning tool - International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture
A new learning module for plant genetic resource practitioners who need to understand the legal and policy environment is launched today.
Knowledge base for genebank managers – and others – launched
The CGIAR’s System-wide Genetic Resources Programme today unveiled a massive and growing repository of information useful to anyone with an interest in genebanks.
Interview on Seeds for Needs in Ethiopia
A video interview with Project Leader Ehsan Dulloo, about Seeds for Needs in Ethiopia.
Biodiversity and Sustainable Diet symposium agrees draft outputs
The three-day symposium on Biodiversity and Sustainable Diets, organized jointly by Bioversity and FAO, concluded with a commitment to promote sustainable diets to benefit the rural poor.
Bringing biodiversity to the plate: Nutrition education a vital ingredient
Day two of the Biodiversity and Sustainable Diets Symposium challenges some perceptions of what constitutes a tasty snack
Linking agriculture, nutrition and health: Biodiversity as the key to reaching Millennium Development Goal 1
As the three-day Symposium "Biodiversity and Sustainable Diets" starts in Rome, we report on the first day’s events.
The Nagoya Protocol for the rest of us
It will take time for the true worth of the newly agreed Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing to become known. In the meantime, the head of Bioversity’s Policy & Law Unit offers some thoughts.
Bioversity welcomes Nagoya Protocol
A new Protocol on access and benefit sharing under the Convention on Biological Diversity was agreed at the last minute during marathon negotiations at COP 10 in Nagoya, Japan. Bioversity International broadly welcomes the new protocol.
Biodiversity & Sustainable Diets: United Against Hunger
The programme for the International Scientific Symposium - Biodiversity and Sustainable Diets - to be held next week in Rome, is now available.
Future of Italian fruit tree collection in doubt
A rare collection of figs, sour cherries, pears and apples faces an uncertain future in southern Italy.
Agrobiodiversity in Mesoamerica: from genes to landscapes - conference report
A report from the sixth Henry Wallace/CATIE Conference recently held in Costa Rica.
Convention on Biological Diversity, Nagoya, Japan
The 10th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity opened this week in Nagoya, Japan, on 18 October 2010.
Unlocking the potential of minor millets
Newly published research papers reveal the potential of minor millets to improve people’s lives in southern India.
Farmers have a field day in Rajasthan
90 farmers, 12 scientists, 21 pearl millet landraces and a borrowed bus celebrate agrobiodiversity in India.
Regenerating Andean Crop Collections
Bioversity scientist, Jesús María Salcedo, reports on work to keep genebank accessions viable in the Americas.
1 billion hungry people
Bioversity International is proud to support the One Billion Hungry Campaign launched by FAO.
Safeguarding traditional foodways
Bioversity is partnering with UNESCO to identify and safeguard threatened foodways in two Kenyan communities.
Steps towards implementing the International Treaty in Peru
A new study examines the exchange and use of plant genetic resources in Peru.
Access and Benefit Sharing - An update on the protocol negotiations
Latest developments on access and benefit sharing as the October deadline for concluding negotiations at COP10 gets closer.
Last seeds of hope for Pavlovsk
Bioversity International and UNEP have jointly appealed to both the Russian Minister of Agriculture and the Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment urging them to help save the genebank at Pavlovsk Experimental Station.
Managing Biodiversity in Agricultural Ecosystems now in paperback
“[T]he single most authoritative source to date on issues of agrobiodiversity”, has recently been published in paperback.
Pop goes the cereal
Bioversity projects in Africa and South America are taking advantage of an increasing market for snack food by turning traditional grains into tasty treats.
Russia will "scrutinize" Pavlovsk decision
President Medvedev announces Pavlovsk Experiment Station land transfer "to be scrutinised".
The role of international genebanks
Listen to a radio interview with David Williams about the role of international genebanks
Vavilov-Frankel Fellowship 2013
Bioversity International is pleased to announce the 2013 Call for Research Proposals for the Vavilov-Frankel Fellowship.
Bioversity Director General intensifies campaign to save Russian berries
As the 11 August deadline looms for the court ruling on the future of the Pavlovsk Research Centre, activity to save its vast field collection of fruits and berries has intensified.
Traditional African Leafy Vegetables more popular than ever
The resurgence of traditional leafy vegetables in east Africa is raising interst around the world -- even in China.
Biodiversity & Sustainable Diets: An International Scientific Symposium
This international scientific symposium on biodiversity and sustainable diets will take place on 3-5 November 2010 in Rome and is organized by Bioversity and FAO.
Bioversity Scientist Receives Honorary Award
Dr. Agustin B. Molina, one of Bioversity International's senior scientists has been honoured with a prestigious award from the University of the Philippines Alumni Association (UPAA).
Cowpea descriptor list
New descriptor list for cowpea (Vigna unguiculata). This minimum list consists of an initial set of characterization and evaluation descriptors for cowpea.
Peru moves to mainstream agricultural biodiversity
A recent meeting in Lima, Peru, ended with a joint commitment by the Ministries of Agriculture and Environment to collaborate on the greater use of Peru's agricultural biodiversity to enhance its economic and social development.
Bioversity International agrees to join CGIAR Consortium
At the 35th Meeting of the Bioversity International Board of Trustees in Montpellier, France, the Board Chair and Director General issued a statement welcoming the CGIAR Change Process.
Google gives access to CGIAR publications
When the custodians of years of research team up with the most popular Internet search engine in the world, you can expect something extraordinary to happen.
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