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.
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Bioversity tests innovative approach with Save the Children UK
Introducing the new Household Economy Approach & Cost of the Diet website This exciting new web resource hosts over 200 Household Economy Approach (HEA) and 18 Cost of the Diet (CoD) reports produced by numerous organisations since 2005. These reports provide much needed information on aspects of food security, livelihoods and nutrition in over 30 countries that are not publicly available.
Side Event - Nutrition, Biodiversity and Sustainable Diets at CFGRA on 15 April 2013
CGRFA Side Event - Nutrition, Biodiversity and Sustainable Diets
UNSCN Meeting of the Minds
The United Nations System Standing Committee on Nutrition (UNSCN) Secretariat, in preparation for the International Conference on Nutrition (ICN2) and in close collaboration with WHO and FAO, held UNSCN Meeting of the Minds, a four-day meeting in Geneva on 25-28 March 2013.
Bioversity releases new title: Diversifying Food and Diets
The latest title in the Bioversity International/Earthscan series, Issues in Agricultural Biodiversity, has just been published. Diversifying Food and Diets edited by Jessica Fanzo, Danny Hunter, Teresa Borelli and Federico Mattei was published on the 22nd March 2013.
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.
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.
Introduction
Bioversity International is home to 3200 unique original field report documents. This collection is an invaluable history of plants that may have been lost from their fields and natural habitats, painstakingly recording information about more than 200,000 landrace and crop wild relative samples collected all over the world for almost forty years.
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.
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.
Medicinal and aromatic plants improve livelihoods in Yemen
A study to show the impact of a set of interventions related to conservation and use of neglected and underutilized species on livelihood's in Yemen based on a pilot study implemented by Bioversity International in Yemen between 2002 and 2005.
The history of Bioversity International collecting missions
From 1974 onwards, Bioversity International supported a series of expeditions worldwide. The objective was to systematically collect and conserve traditional varieties and landraces cultivated by farmers and their wild relatives which were being lost from fields and natural habitats.
Collecting Missions
Bioversity International is home to 3200 unique original field report documents now available in an online database.
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.
Nutrition and Marketing Diversity
Bioversity International's Nutrition and Marketing Diversity Research Programme addresses the lack of evidence-based guidance on the link between environment, food availability, livelihoods, prices, dietary quality and intake.
Forest Genetic Resources Programme
Bioversity International's Forest Genetic Resources Programme undertakes research on the diversity of tree species, and on how it can be used and conserved more effectively.
Commodity Systems and Genetic Resources
Bioversity International's Commodity Systems and Genetic Resources Programme contributes to the conservation and use of genetic resources, sustainable production, and value adding in the banana, cacao and coconut sectors.
Conservation and Availability
Bioversity International's Conservation and Availability Programme undertakes research and supports capacity building related to conserving agricultural biodiversity and ensuring its availability for use in research, breeding and on farm.
Agrobiodiversity and Ecosystem Services
Bioversity International's Agrobiodiversity and Ecosystem Services Programme aims to understand how biodiversity in agricultural landscapes contributes to the provision of ecosystem services that benefit the poor.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Evaluating the impact of the Vavilov-Frankel Fellowship Programme
The goal of the Vavilov-Frankel Fellowship Programme is to encourage the conservation and use of plant genetic resources by awarding Fellowships to outstanding young scientists from developing countries. This impact assessment brief evaluates if the Programme has met its goals of contributing to the scientific capacity of the Fellows and their home institutes, and of fostering the conservation and use of plant genetic resources.
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
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
Report examines the many effects of climate change on agriculture, urges action now
A new report from the CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security calls for the need to “recalibrate” food production in the developing world. Bioversity International’s scientific research is helping to identify not only the challenges but also potential solutions.
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
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.
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.
Improving Nutrition through Local Agrobiodiversity (INULA)
This project in Kenya aims at “improving nutritional health of women and children under two years through increased utilization of local agrobiodiversity”. With the main objective being “to increase the evidence base that agrobiodiversity is linked to dietary diversity and quality”, the project is consistent with the cross-cutting initiative on biodiversity for food and nutrition and contributes to the Bioversity Nutrition Strategy as well as CRP4 / A4NH.
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
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.
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
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.
Access to genetic resources and genebanks - where are we in the process?
Thanks to the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture the scene has been set for unprecedented levels of global co-operation for the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources. In practice, however, the situation is largely static. Bioversity Genetic Resources Policy Specialist Ronnie Vernooy reports.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Bioversity International Annual Report 2011
The Bioversity International 2011 Annual Report is now available. Throughout the report, you will find examples of our work to improve sustainability, nutrition, livelihoods and conservation. You will also find information about our Board of Trustees, supporters and 2011 publications. For more information or to share your comments, email us.
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).
Bioversity International Annual Report 2011
Throughout the Bioversity International 2011 Annual Report, you will find examples of our work to improve sustainability, nutrition, livelihoods and conservation. You will also find information about our Board of Trustees, supporters and 2011 publications. For more information or to share your comments, email us.
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.
Tropical fruit tree growers respond to climate change
When it comes to climate change and agriculture, almost all you hear about is the impact on short-lived crops, arable and horticultural. What about perennial tree crops? A new literature review shows that farmers are already feeling, and responding to,the effects of climate change on tropical trees.
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.
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.
Using crop diversity to tackle climate change - Meet Bhutanese farmer Pema
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. She has been selected by the local Agricultural Extension Centre to try cultivating vegetables in the greenhouse because of her innovative and collaborative spirit.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A fork in the road to Rio: Kenya (part two)
Miriam Musyoka, a smallholder farmer, talks about how she has seen an increase in her income from selling local and traditional foods after a campaign to promote their value.
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: 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.
A fork in the road to Rio: India
Dattatreya Hegde cultivates local varieties of mango and half a dozen types of Garcinia indica in the remote village of Salkani. Although arecanut is his main cash crop, selling local fruit varieties is bringing 20% of his family income.
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.
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.
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.
A fork in the road to Rio: Kenya (part one)
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.
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".
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.
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.
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.
New Agricultural Biodiversity Project to Improve Nutrition and Food Security Worldwide
Placing renewed emphasis on sustaining the natural variety of crops and animals contributing to agriculture, including neglected yet nutritious traditional foods, can improve food security and address growing global concerns over poor nutrition and its negative health effects, officials said at the launch of a new international project at the World Nutrition Rio Congress 2012.
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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.
Mainstreaming Biodiversity for Food and Nutrition
A global project of Global Environment Facility (GEF) will 'mainstream biodiversity conservation and sustainable use for improved human nutrition and wellbeing' into national and global policies and programs. .
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.
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.
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
PhD Fellowship for a national of Benin: Food Security and Nutrition
fellowship opportunity in food security and nutrition for the nationals coming from Benin
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)
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.
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)
Science to tackle the illegal timber trade
It has been estimated that illegal logging is worth more than US$10 billion a year. The problem is that timber is difficult to identify, while documents are easy to falsify. A new Bioversity-led project, part of the CGIAR Research Programme on Forests, Trees and Agroforesty, aims to find scientific processes to pinpoint the species and geographic origin of timber.
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.
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.
CGIAR Research Programs
As part of its reorganisation, the Consortium of International Research Centers(CGIAR)adopted a new vision, of reducing poverty and hunger, improving human health and nutrition, and enhancing sustainable management of natural resources in the developing world. This vision will be delivered through four strategic system outcomes.
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.
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?
Is cryopreservation a viable method for long-term conservation of coffee biodiversity?
Coffee is difficult to conserve using conventional methods and as a result is often conserved in field genebanks - which is costly and has a number of disadvantages. This impact study examines the viability of cryopreservation techniques as an alternative approach.
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.
Atlas of Guatemalan Crop Wild Relatives (full article)
A new interactive online resource for genetic resources conservation and use
The impact of diversity field forums: improving farmer management of millet and sorghum in Mali
An impact assessment of work on Mail to improve crop management practices working with smallholder farmers
International Landscapes for People, Food and Nature – An international effort to scale up sustainable rural development
A new 3 year initiative – International Landscapes for People, Food and Nature - will support new scaled-up sustainable landscape management approaches in over 60 biodiversity hotspots around the world.
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.
Un concurso competitivo para conservar variedades amenazadas de quinua en Bolivia y Perú
38 comunidades en Bolivia y Perú compiten por conservar variedades nativas identificadas en estado de riesgo
PACS factsheets, technical notes and policy briefs
A set of factsheets and policy briefs about Bioversity's work on PACS available in English and Spanish.
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.
Objective 4: To mainstream the role of agricultural biodiversity into public health and nutrition policy and practice by sharing evidence and providing local solutions
Through Bioversity International's research programme, we will contribute to international efforts to address global food concerns such as the response to soaring food prices across the globe, food sovereignty, the effect of globalization of diets on health and the need to promote the effective conservation and utilization of this globally significant resource.
Objective 3: To determine best practices and delivery systems of agricultural biodiversity in nutrition and health development programmes
This objective seeks to understand how to integrate and implement the tools and methodologies of agricultural biodiversity to positively impact nutrition development programmes and food assistance on the ground.
Objective 2: To ensure that the production of more nutritious foods through commercial pathways reflects agricultural biodiverse practices and cultural and consumer preferences
The links between what is produced on the farm, the consumer who buys that food, and the income received by the producer does not stop at what is produced.
Objective 1: To strengthen the empirical evidence of agricultural biodiversity’s role for nutrition and health
The major objective of this research will be to generate a better understanding of the links among agricultural biodiversity, diet quality, and nutrition and health, as well as the overall role of nutrition within agricultural systems.
Scientific Advisory Council Members
Bioversity works with an external Scientific Advisory Council to monitor and evaluate our nutrition research programme
Our tools
Agricultural biodiversity is the basis of the food and nutrition value chain with under-exploited potential for contributing to food security, health, income generation, and ecosystem services.
Bioversity's nutrition strategy
Bioversity’s Nutrition Strategy for 2011-2021 centres on using food and nutrition system approaches to improve human nutrition and health.
Our beneficiaries
At least half of the world’s food-insecure people are smallholder farmers living in poverty. Yet smallholder farms produce around one third of the world's food and play a vital role in maintaining biodiversity.
Global malnutrition - the context
An estimated 925 million people are hungry and many more are malnourished. Modern food systems do not deliver dietary diversity concentrating on just three staple crops.
Nutrition
Resilient food and nutrition systems - Analyzing the role of agricultural biodiversity in enhancing human nutrition and health and a look at Bioversity's nutrition research programme.
11 Priority African Food Tree Species - New Booklet Series
A new series of booklets gathers together existing information and makes recommendations for the conservation and sustainable use of 11 threatened species.
Pioneering study shows how traditional seed systems may cope with climate change (full article)
A pioneering study throws light on the ways that smallholder farmers will be able to obtain seeds to cope with climate change.
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.
African Food Tree Species - Leaflet series
A series of leaflets that look at 11 priority African food tree species containing recommendations for the conservation and use of their genetic resources
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.
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.
Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES)
PES schemes provide incentives to farmers and landowners to provide ecosystem services that benefit wider society.
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.
A competitive tender to conserve threatened quinoa varieties in Bolivia and Peru
38 communities in Bolivia and Peru compete to conserve endangered landraces.
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.
Payments for Agrobiodiversity Conservation Services
The application of Payment for Ecosystem Services(PES) specifically for agricultural biodiversity conservation (PACS) is a new idea and Bioversity is at its forefront.
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
On-farm conservation, neglected and underutilised species, and the challenge of climate change - a new Bioversity project
Bioversity and partners in India, Nepal and Bolivia, launch a new on farm conservation project in response to an unprecedented loss of species, varieties and traditional knowledge.
The Musa International Transit Centre - Bioversity Impact Assessment
User feedback on the impact of Bioversity's International Transit Centre
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.
Musa International Transit Centre
Bioversity's International Transit Centre (ITC), hosted at the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven in Belgium, is home to the world’s largest collection of banana and plantain germplasm.
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.
MAPFORGEN: An online atlas for the conservation of forest genetic resources (full article)
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.
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.
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.
Sustainable forest resources in the Niassa National Reserve, Mozambique: A Bioversity Project Report
A project to work with people living in the Reserve to find sustainable conservation strategies to protects its woodlands.
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
An African journey - Mapping the genetic diversity of Prunus africana
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.
Capturing and sharing information on genetic resources
A look at the usefulness of Bioversity's Descriptor Lists to a range of users and their value in promoting collaboration and plant genetic resources information exchange.
Placing biodiversity 'in trust' for the future: Bioversity impact assessment
The second in our series of impact assessment publications examines the influence of ‘In Trust’ agreements set up by Bioversity in 1994 in response to changes in the legislative environment.
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.
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 the results of a ground-breaking global project that is offering new insights into how even the poorest farmers can protect their crops against epidemics of pests and diseases, now and in the future.
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.
Scientific and technical challenges
Outputs coming from Bioversity's research are diverse as are the pathways which connect these outputs to disseminated outcomes that subsequently make a change.
Operational challenges
The way Bioversity operates contributes challenges for impact assessment, particulalry in terms of accountability and attribution
African Leafy Vegetables Programme: Bioversity Impact Assessment
Assessing the impact of a project in Kenya to increase production, consumption and marketing of African Leafy Vegetables.
Impact Assessment
Assessing the impact of our research is an essential part of Bioversity International's work. It ensures we are delivering on our commitments and enables us to plan our future research effectively. It also allows us to engage and inform development agencies and policymakers, and be accountable to our donors and partners. The very nature
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.
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.
The sub-Saharan African Forest Genetic Resources Programme
SAFORGEN seeks to enable people and institutions in sub-Saharan Africa to both maintain and fully utilize existing forest biodiversity through the development of an effective networking platform.
Valuing the African Cherry Tree
Development of conservation and sustainable use strategies for Prunus africana to improve the livelihood of small-scale farmers in Africa.
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.
Award for banana research
Collaboration between Honduras and Tanzania to improve banana production has been recognized by the UN’s Global South-South Development Expo
Interview on Seeds for Needs in Ethiopia
A video interview with Project Leader Ehsan Dulloo, about Seeds for Needs in Ethiopia.
Bioversity Project - Conservation and management guidelines for Dipterocarp trees
This project will analyse current forest management and genetic conservation strategies and guidelines in South East Asis to identify gaps and threats to the long-term viability of populations of Dipterocarp species.
Descriptor lists and derived standards
Descriptors are the basis of major information platforms such as GENESYS and EURISCO, and also the FAO World Information and Early Warning System.
Sharing information
Gathering and sharing information about our agricultural biodiversity is vital to its conservation and use, for farmers, scientists, conservationists and breeders.
On farm conservation
On farm conservation involves the protection of threatened species in their natural habitats and takes into account social and cultural factors such as farmer's indigenous knowledge about local crops.
The conservation and management of tree species
Bioversity aims to understand the threats to tree species and especially to valuable populations of trees of species that have economic or social importance for people.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Home Gardens: Neglected hotspots of agricultural and cultural diversity
More attention should be given to conserving agro-biodiversity in home gardens and farmers' fields according to a recently published article from Bioversity scientists.
Cacao as charismatic species
Conservationists have their Siberian Tigers, Blue Whales and Coral Reefs. But where is the charismatic agricultural biodiversity?
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.
Heavy metal snacks - A Bioversity project report
Small-scale producers in Peru are implementing better quality control in their food handling practices after finding an unexpected ingredient in their snack products.
Why pop just corn? A Bioversity project report
Work to develop markets for traditional grains and seeds in Africa focused on creating 'pop-cereal' snacks to tempt local taste buds.
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.
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.
A History of the Abdou-Salam Ouédraogo Fellowship
Bioversity's Abdou-Salam Ouédraogo Fellowship offers support for research on conservation and use of forest genetic resources.
A History of the Vavilov-Frankel Fellowship
The aim of the Vavilov-Frankel Fellowship Fund is to encourage the conservation and use of plant genetic resources by enabling outstanding young scientists to carry out relevant, innovative research outside their own countries.
Climate Change
It is predicted that by 2055 more than half of the 23 crops studied by Bioversity scientists will lose land suitable for their cultivation
Genebanks
Genebanks provide safe storage to ensure that varieties and landraces of crops and their wild relatives are secure but also that they are made easily available for use by farmers, plant breeders and researchers.
Neglected & Underutilized Species
Global food security has become increasingly dependent on only a handful of crops which has resulted in thousands of species with local relevance becoming neglected and underutilized.
Crop Wild Relatives
Crop Wild Relatives (CWR) can be defined as wild plant species that are more or less genetically related to crops.CWR have been used to improve yields and the nutritional quality of crops since the beginnings of agriculture.
Karnataka Farmers lead Millet Revival in Southern India
The cultivation of declining traditional millet crops in Karnataka’s dryland tracts has been given a boost with the opening of the southern state's first seedbank specialising in millet strains.
Seeds for Needs
A race to protect future food security by pre-selecting and testing crop varieties naturally adapted to expected climate conditions.
About Bioversity
Bioversity International is a research-for-development organization working with partners worldwide to use & conserve agricultural & forest biodiversity for improved livelihoods, nutrition, sustainability and productive & resilient ecosystems [Read More]
Conservation
One of Bioversity’s key research priorities is to use agricultural biodiversity to promote the conservation, exchange and sustainable use of plant resources
Sustainable agriculture
Sustainable agriculture has to be cohesive at environmental, economic and socio-cultural levels. The work of Bioversity International supports all three aspects.
Research
Bioversity International is a recognized leader in agricultural biodiversity research working with more than 700 partners around the world to improve the lives of smallholder farmers and rural communities. Here you can find information about our research programmes.
Around the World
Bioversity operates in more than 100 countries in five regions around the world. Click on the map to find out about Bioversity's work
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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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