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.
International conferences and meetings
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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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.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).
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
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'.
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.
Why the world needs sustainable diets, and research about them
With the Convention on Biological Diversity well underway and the Committee on World Food Security meeting progressing this week, the relevance of agricultural biodiversity remains an important topic of discussion with regards to diet and nutrition. Landscapes Blog for People, Food and Nature asked Dr Bruce Cogill, Programme Leader, Nutrition and Marketing of Diversity at Bioversity International to explore the concept of a Sustainable Diet and to share a recent publication.
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.
Press Release: Hunger Run 2012 and Crescita SMS Campaign
Rome, October 17th 2012: As part of celebrations for World Food Week, Hunger Run 2012 will take place on Sunday 21 October 2012 starting at 10:00 am - a race and an SMS campaign to help those affected by drought and poor harvests in Kenya.
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.
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.
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.
Media Advisory
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.
UN Meeting on Biodiversity: 8-19 October, Hyderabad, India
Bioversity International is participating in sessions at the XI Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity. Check out the latest reports here.
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.
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.
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.
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'.
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.
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.
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.
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 last fork in the road to Rio
The last of our farmer stories as part of our Rio+20 series: '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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
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.
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.
A fork in the road to Rio: Nepal
Meet Surya Adhikari – a progressive smallholder Nepalese farmer, agricultural scientist and ambassador for agricultural biodiversity. This is the first in a series of stories meeting farmers along the road to Rio.
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 International - On the Road to Rio+20
Join our campaign trail for Rio+20 stopping to meet farmers on the way in our new series: 'A fork in the road' and check out our Rio blog.
Earth Day Research Reading
An Earth Day 2012 reading list featuring recent Bioversity International publications.
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).
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
Reporting back from the 11th European Nutrition Conference
Bioversity took part at the 11th European Nutrition Conference held last week in Madrid and collaborated with FAO in organizing ‘Sustainable Diets and Biodiversity’ side event.
International Conference for Improving Agriculture-based Livelihoods in Central Africa: Oct 24-27, Rwanda
4 day conference starts in Rwanda - challenges and opportunities for agricultural intensification of the humid highland systems of Sub-saharan Africa. Follow on Twitter #CIALCA
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
Agrobiodiversity in Mesoamerica: from genes to landscapes - conference report
A report from the sixth Henry Wallace/CATIE Conference recently held in Costa Rica.
Press Release: Dietary diversity the best approach to diet-related diseases
Dr Emile Frison, Director General of Bioversity International, calls for a new approach to fight hunger and malnutrition at the Crawford Fund’s 2010 international conference in Canberra, Australia.
Brazil holds successful genetic resources meeting
The First Brazilian Congress on Genetic Resources provided an opportunity for genebank curators and plant breeders to share the latest developments in descriptors and informatics with Bioversity staff.
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 International is a member of the CGIAR consortium |
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This work by Bioversity International is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. |
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