Agricultural biodiversity
A.
Cross-cutting initiative on biodiversity for food and nutrition
The Conference of the Parties
Recalling decision VII/32, paragraph 7, that requests the Executive
Secretary to undertake the necessary consultations and bring forward options
for a cross-cutting initiative on biodiversity for food and nutrition within
the existing programme of work on agricultural biodiversity of the Convention
on Biological Diversity, and to work together with relevant organizations in
order to strengthen existing initiatives on food and nutrition, enhance synergies
and fully integrate biodiversity concerns into relevant work, with a view to
the achievement of the Millennium Development Goal 1 and other relevant Millennium
Development Goals;
1. Welcomes with appreciation the progress made in enhancing synergies
and integrating biodiversity concerns into the work of other initiatives, and
on the development of options, as presented in the note by the Executive Secretary
on options for a cross-cutting initiative on biodiversity for food and nutrition
(UNEP/CBD/COP/8/26/Add.2);
2. Extends its appreciation to the Food and Agriculture Organization
of the United Nations (FAO), the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute
(IPGRI), the Government of the Federative Republic of Brazil and other contributors
to the process;
3. Adopt s the framework for a cross-cutting initiative on
biodiversity for food and nutrition, as contained in the annex to the present
decision, which builds upon existing national activities;
4. Decides to integrate the elements of the framework into the programme
of work on agricultural biodiversity at its in-depth review at the ninth meeting
of the Conference of the Parties;
5. Urges Parties and other Governments to integrate biodiversity,
food and nutrition considerations into their national biodiversity strategies
and action plans and other national plans and activities, including national
plans of action for nutrition and strategies for achievement of the Millennium
Development Goals;
6. Requests the Executive Secretary to continue to collaborate with
the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the International
Plant Genetic Resources Institute, the World Health Organization (WHO) , the
Standing Committee on Nutrition of the United Nations (SCN) and other stakeholders,
regarding the implementation of the cross-cutting initiative on biodiversity
for food and nutrition and to report on the progress with the view to contributing
to the in-depth review of the programme of work on agricultural biodiversity;
7. Requests the Executive Secretary and the Food and Agriculture Organization
of the United Nations to integrate the cross-cutting initiative on biodiversity
for food and nutrition into the Memorandum of Understanding between the Convention
and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, when the Memorandum
is next updated;
8. Requests the Executive Secretary to make available to Parties and
relevant international organizations the outcomes of the Conference on Health
and Biodiversity (COHAB) for consideration in the framework of the in-depth
review of the programme of work on agricultural biodiversity at the ninth meeting
of the Conference of the Parties;
9. Invites the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations,
the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute, the World Health Organization,
the Standing Committee on Nutrition of the United Nations, and other relevant
organizations and initiatives, taking into account ongoing work, to implement
the cross‑cutting initiative on biodiversity for food and nutrition;
10. Invites the governing body of the International Treaty on Plant
Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture to take note, at its first meeting,
of the cross-cutting initiative and to collaborate in its implementation ;
11. Recognizes that activities under this initiative should be implemented
taking into account the Voluntary Guidelines to Support the Progressive Realization
of the Right to Adequate Food in the Context of National Food Security adopted
by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in 2004.
Annex
PROPOSED FRAMEWORK FOR A CROSS-CUTTING INITIATIVE ON BIODIVERSITY FOR FOOD
AND NUTRITION
A. Rationale
1. Biodiversity is essential for food security and nutrition, and offers
key options for sustainable livelihoods. Environmental integrity is critical
for maintaining and building positive options for human well-being. Existing
knowledge warrants immediate action to promote the sustainable use of biodiversity
in food security and nutrition programmes, as a contribution to the achievement
of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Such action would counteract
the simplification of diets, agricultural systems and ecosystems, and the
erosion of food cultures. Considering the difficulty in precisely identifying
optimal diets, a diversity of foods from plants and animals remains the preferred
choice for human health. Traditional food systems provide positive synergies
between human and ecosystem health, and culture offers an essential context
for mediating positive dietary choices.
2. An interdisciplinary initiative on biodiversity for food and nutrition,
based on the ecosystem approach that makes the most of locally-available
biodiversity and initiative to address nutrition problems will assist countries
and stakeholders in achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Without
urgent action that directly engages the environmental, agricultural, nutrition
and health communities, biodiversity and the positive options offered by domesticated
and wild biodiversity for addressing food security, nutrient deficiencies,
and the emerging burden of non-communicable disease, will be lost.
B. Aim
3. The overall aim of the initiative is to promote and improve the sustainable
use of biodiversity in programmes contributing to food security and human
nutrition, as a contribution to the achievement of Millennium Development
Goal 1, Goal 7 and related goals and targets and, thereby, to raise awareness
of the importance of biodiversity, its conservation and sustainable use.
C. General considerations
4. The initiative is to be implemented as a cross-cutting initiative within
the existing programme of work on agricultural biodiversity, and should complement
relevant activities under this and other programmes of work and cross-cutting
initiatives of the Convention. In addition, the initiative should build upon
and strengthen other relevant existing initiatives, and avoid duplication
of effort.
5. The initiative will apply the ecosystem approach, using interdisciplinary
and inter-sectoral approaches in order to integrate health, education, agriculture
and environmental objectives. In examining potential solutions to food and
nutrition problems, activities under the initiative will look first to the
biodiversity resources of local ecosystems, including existing intra-species
diversity. As well, the social and cultural importance of food—as an inherent
aspect of human existence and community organization—should be recognized
as a positive motivating force for healthy diets and ecosystems.
6. A commitment to sustainability is essential to the success of the initiative
The initiative will explore the potential of local and national markets to
transact and deliver a greater diversity of plant food types to consumers,
and to return greater value to those producing biodiversity-based products.
7. Activities under the initiative should be responsive to community needs,
and developed with full community participation and engagement. Activities
should seek to increase participation of local and indigenous communities
in national and international institutions, programmes and processes, and
should seek to increase coordination between all levels. Activities should
contribute to ‘learning by doing’ and to adaptive management. Activities
should be implemented taking into account the Voluntary Guidelines to Support
the Progressive Realization of the Right to Adequate Food in the Context
of National Food Security (the “Right-to-Food Guidelines”) adopted by the
FAO in November 2004. Finally, existing activities should be scaled upwards
to address a more global, cross-sectoral agenda, without losing local and
cultural specificities.
D. Elements
Element 1. Developing and documenting knowledge
Operational objective 1
To substantiate the links between biodiversity, food and nutrition, in particular
clarifying the relationship between biodiversity, dietary diversity and food
preferences, and the relevant links between human health and ecosystem health.
Rationale
Current evidence on the links between biodiversity, food and nutrition is
sufficient to warrant immediate action, but more work is needed. Developing
and documenting knowledge of these links will provide a sound scientific basis
for the initiative, allowing for the better design of activities, and the development
of comprehensive public awareness-raising initiatives on the importance of
biodiversity to human diets and health, and the link between human health and
ecosystem health.
Activities
1.1 Compilation, review and analysis of:
(a) Existing scientific information, indigenous and traditional knowledge
on the links between biodiversity, food and nutrition (in a manner consistent
with Article 8(j) and related provisions of the Convention) according to national
legislation ;
(b) Case-studies on the links between biodiversity, food and nutrition;
(c) The value of biodiversity for food and nutrition.
1.2 Stimulating further research and the generation and systematic compilation
of new data.
1.3 Development of an indicator (or indicators) on biodiversity in use for
food, consistent with decision VII/30.
Ways and means
FAO and IPGRI will take the lead on developing the evidence base for the
initiative. IPGRI will work with FAO to increase the usability, for the initiative,
of existing FAO databases and information resources. The first report of the
State of the World’s Animal Genetic Resources and the second report of the
State of the World’s Plant Genetic Resources, among other resources, will contribute
to building the evidence base for the initiative. In addition, FAO, through
its Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, could support
countries in generating, compiling and disseminating new cultivar-specific
nutrient‑composition data, as could the CGIAR International Agricultural Research
Centres, through the HarvestPlus initiative. An examination of available data
will serve to identify where in-depth case studies would be most useful. On
the basis of knowledge gathered, FAO, IPGRI and the Secretariat could support,
in collaboration with relevant partners, development of the indicator(s) and
related activities as outlined under other elements of the initiative (e.g.,
development of a communication strategy). Noting the role of Parties, other
Governments and relevant national and regional organizations as the primary
source of data, there is a need to identify mechanisms to strengthen local
infrastructure and human resources for the generation of such data.
Element 2. Integration of biodiversity, food and nutrition issues into research
and policy instruments
Operational objective 2
To mainstream the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity into agendas,
programmes and policies related to nutrition, health, agriculture and hunger
and poverty reduction.
Rationale
Existing research and policy instruments often overlook the importance of
biodiversity and associated knowledge in addressing local problems of hunger
and malnutrition. In nutrition studies, the most commonly used research instruments
aggregate food data into broad categories, obscuring the contribution of individual
species or cultivars to human nutrition and health. Under prevailing regulatory
frameworks, food quality standards that are not adapted to local foods may
also inadvertently constrain food producers, limiting their ability to provide
an array of species and varieties to markets. Policies, programmes and projects
aimed at addressing poverty reduction and food security sometimes emphasize
the provision of staple food sources and dietary supplements while overlooking
the value of locally available diverse food sources. In these cases, the value
of biodiversity for food and nutrition, especially to poor and disadvantaged
groups, is not fully realized. A proactive focus on biodiversity will be needed
in order to encourage practitioners and researchers to modify current approaches,
and to shift research and policy emphasis towards examining issues of food
quality, and not simply food quantity.
Activities
2.1 As appropriate, i ntegrate biodiversity concerns into nutrition instruments, inter
alia:
(a) Food-based dietary guidelines;
(b) Food composition analysis and dietary assessments;
(c) National policies and plans of action for nutrition;
(d) Relevant regulatory frameworks and legislation at national and international
levels.
2.2 Integrate biodiversity for food and nutrition concerns into food security
and poverty reduction strategies, inter alia:
(a) National Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers;
(b) The right to food;
(c) Food security projects and programmes, including: household food security
projects, school feeding programmes, home gardens; and
(d) Emergency response and preparedness.
Ways and means
FAO, IPGRI, WHO, SCN and the Secretariat, as appropriate, will work with
relevant partners (including those identified in section E, below) to advance
activities under this element, including through their work on the development
of standards, and provision of support to member countries, their agencies
responsible for nutrition, universities, and extension services, acknowledging
them as the primary beneficiaries of the initiative.
Element 3. Conserving and promoting wider use of biodiversity for food and
nutrition
Operational objective 3
To counter the loss of diversity in human diets, and in ecosystems, by conserving
and promoting the wider use of biodiversity for food and nutrition.
Rationale
Diversity is being replaced by uniformity in the agricultural market place,
and in human diets more generally. Yet a diverse resource base remains critical
to human survival, well-being, the elimination of hunger and providing the
basis for adaptation to changing conditions (including environmental change).
Promoting the broader use of biodiversity promises to contribute to improved
human health and nutrition, while also providing opportunities for livelihood
diversification and income generation. Indigenous and local communities, and
the preservation of their local socio‑cultural traditions and knowledge, play
a critical role, as do women, for the maintenance of diverse food systems.
These combined outcomes can serve to reduce poverty, providing important contributions
to maintain and enhance biodiversity conservation efforts at multiple scales.
Activities
3.1 Conservation and sustainable use of crop and livestock genetic diversity,
including wild relatives of domesticated animals and plants.
3.2 Identification and promotion of species currently underutilized or of
potential value to human food and nutrition, including those important in times
of crisis, and their conservation and sustainable use.
3.3 Promotion of genetically diverse and species-rich home gardens, agroforest
ry and other production systems that contribute to the in situ conservation
of genetic resources and food security .
3.4 Conservation and sustainable use of wild resources, including those that
support bushmeat and fisheries, including maintaining viable stocks of wild
species for sustainable consumption by local and indigenous communities.
3.5 Promotion, conservation and sustainable use of important biodiversity
, at all levels associated with agricultural, forestry and aquaculture systems.
3.6 Conservation and sustainable use of medicinal species relevant for food
and nutrition.
3.7 Support al l forms of food production of indigenous and local communities,
in accordance with Article 8(j) and related provisions of the Convention.
3.8 Identifying and promoting crop diversification for biodiverse food crops
to be used for food and nutrition.
3.9 Protection and promotion of biodiversity friendly markets by addressing
regulatory issues;
3.10 Promotion of technology transfer to improve technical capacities of
developing countries and countries with economies in transition, for the conservation
and sustainable use of important species, wild relatives, neglected and under-utilized
species .
3.11 Research and conservation of native plants or animals, local races,
wild relatives of cultivated or domesticated species in order to improve the
knowledge on their genetic variability, regarding important traits for agriculture
such as: biotic/abiotic resistance, yield and nutritional value.
3.12 Use of biodiversity to broaden the genetic base of cultivated crops
to, increase food production and improve the nutritional value of food while
taking into account the environmental impact of agriculture.
3.13 Support to the study and development of production and commercialization
of non-conventional biodiversity-based products, including processing of non
conventional biodiversity-based food.
3.14 Strengthening of local infrastructure and human resources training in
order to establish standards of identification and quality of dai l y admissible
ingestion.
3.15 Transforming and/or treating residues of processed raw materials.
3.16 Integration of benefit-sharing objectives into national and international
frameworks dealing with biodiversity for food and nutrition , as appropriate,
taking into account existing benefit sharing systems.
Ways and means
Most of the activities outlined under this element will be pursued under
the Convention’s existing programme of work on agricultural biodiversity, and
the FAO Global Plan of Action for the Conservation and Sustainable Utilization
of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. In particular, activities
2, 4, 11 and 12 of the Global Plan of Action could advance activities under
the initiative for the conservation and diversification of plant genetic resources.
Action under the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation (in particular, under
target 9) will also contribute to the conservation of plant genetic diversity.
In considering the role of animal products in relation to nutrition, the Global
Strategy for the Management of Farm Animal Genetic Resources provides an important
technical and operational framework for guiding activities on conserving animal
genetic diversity. In terms of market-related activities, activity 14 of the
Global Plan of Action will support the development of markets for biologically
diverse food products. In addition, there are opportunities for cooperation
with the BioTrade Initiative of the United Nations Conference on Trade and
Development (UNCTAD) to, inter alia, provide technical assistance and
create an enabling policy environment. Planned activities could be tested through
pilot projects in selected countries, in order to evaluate effectiveness and
develop approaches.
Element 4 – Public awareness
Operational objective 4
To raise awareness of the links between biodiversity, food and nutrition,
and the importance of biodiversity conservation to meeting health and development
objectives, including the elimination of hunger.
Rationale
Biodiversity programmes and policies can be made more relevant to policymakers
and stakeholders, and more effective on the ground, by making clear the crucial
links between biodiversity and human well-being. When rural people perceive
that biodiversity has greater value through positive impacts on both income
and health, they are more likely to maintain and protect it. In addition, issues
of food production as they relate to nutrition and health can serve to mobilize
both urban and rural consumers who may not otherwise be motivated by environmental
or ethical arguments to support agricultural sustainability. Food security
issues can then serve as a way to re-establish links between local production
and global consumption, and between the rich and poor.
Activities
4.1 Development of a communication strategy, and associated publications
and other materials to address the general public, decision makers, local communities,
and the nutrition, agriculture, health and environment communities.
4.2 Convening of regional and national workshops to raise awareness of the
links between biodiversity, food and nutrition, and of activities supporting
these links.
Ways and means
Awareness-raising activities would be integrated under the Convention’s programme
of work on communication, education and public awareness, and related activities
by FAO, IPGRI, WHO and other relevant organizations. Activities under target
14 of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation would further support implementation
of this element.
E. Key partners and initiatives
8. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the
World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Standing Committee on
Nutrition ( SCN), the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research
(CGIAR), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the
World Food Programme (WFP), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF),
the United Nations University (UNU) and other intergovernmental organizations
are encouraged to include biodiversity-related considerations in the implementation
of their programmes and strategies, including but not limited to:
- The Global Plan of Action to Achieve the Millennium Development Goals
(prepared through the Secretary-General’s Millennium Project) and in
particular its action plan on hunger;
- The Global Plan of Action for the Conservation and Sustainable Utilization
of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture;
- The FAO World Food Summit Plan of Action;
- The WHO Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health; and
- The International Assessment of Agricultural Science and Technology for
Development.
9. Similarly, Governments and other international and national institutions;
the International Union of Nutritional Sciences (IUNS), the International
Council for Science (ICSU) and other research and academic associations;
civil-society organizations and movements, including the Slow Food Movement,
indigenous and local community organizations; and the private sector, are
encouraged to contribute to the initiative.
B. International Initiative for
the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Soil Biodiversity
The Conference of the Parties
1. Welcomeswith appreciation the progress made by the Food
and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) other collaborators
and stakeholders, with the International Initiative for the Conservation and
Sustainable Use of Soil Biodiversity, and the report of the International Technical
Workshop on Biological Management of Soil Ecosystems for Sustainable Agriculture,
organized by the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA) and
the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in Londrina, Brazil,
from 24 to 27 June 2002;
2. Notes that the conservation and sustainable use of soil biodiversity
is an important issue beyond agricultural biodiversity and is relevant to most
terrestrial ecosystems;
3. Further notes that soil biodiversity is impacted by human activities
beyond agriculture as well as natural influences;
4. Endorses the framework for action contained in the annex to the
present decision as a basis for the further implementation of the International
Initiative for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Soil Biodiversity Initiative;
5. Calls upon Parties and other Governments to integrate soil biodiversity
conservation and sustainable use into their national strategies and action
plans and to put in place multisectoral programmes and initiatives for the
conservation and sustainable use of soil biodiversity, at both national and
subnational levels;
6. Decides to integrate the framework for action into the programme
of work on agricultural biodiversity at its in-depth review at the ninth meeting
of the Conference of the Parties;
7. Invites Parties, other Governments, international organizations,
non-governmental organizations and other interested stakeholders to:
(a) Support and, where appropriate, implement the International Soil Biodiversity
Initiative;
(b) Supply further case‑studies on soil biodiversity to the International
Soil Biodiversity Initiative in order to further strengthen the Initiative;
and
8. Urges Parties and relevant organizations to identify research activities
to address knowledge gaps on soil biodiversity and their implications for land
use practices.
Annex
INTERNATIONAL INITIATIVE FOR THE CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE USE OF SOIL
BIODIVERSITY: FRAMEWORK FOR ACTION
A. Strategic principles
1. The strategy for the implementation of the International Initiative for
the Conservation
and Sustainable Use of Soil Biodiversity should adhere to the following
principles, many of which have already been emphasized through other processes
and/or forums:
(a) Focus on the improvement of farmers’ livelihoods in relation to food
security, soil biodiversity and other relevant land‑use activities;
(b) Build on previous experience and knowledge, combining the skills and
wisdom of farmers with modern scientific knowledge;
(c) Focus on integrated holistic solutions and technical adaptation to local
contexts within a clear framework that builds on the principles for application
of the ecosystem approach;
(d) Use participatory technology development and adaptive approaches to develop
agricultural systems and land resource management practices for specific situations
and farmer typologies that are technically and environmentally appropriate,
economically viable, and socially and culturally acceptable;
(e) Develop partnerships and alliances that demonstrate multidisciplinarity
and foster synergies and ensure multi-stakeholder participation;
(f) Promote cross-sectoral and interdisciplinary approaches to address different
perspectives (social, political, economic, environmental - including soil ecosystem
services);
(g) Prioritize actions on the basis of country goals and the needs of direct
beneficiaries and locally validate such actions through the full participation
of all actors;
(h) Promote innovative and flexible solutions, that are adapted to local
conditions, to the problems caused by the unsustainable use of soil biodiversity;
(i) Promote dissemination and exchange of information and data, inline with
Articles 8(j) and 8(h) of the Convention on Biological Diversity;
(j) Promote entrepreneurship and marketing strategies for agro-production,
especially for household agriculture and food security.
B. Implementation
2. The Initiative is to be implemented as a cross-cutting initiative within
the programme of work on agricultural biodiversity, through the coordination,
and with the technical and policy support of the Food and Agriculture Organization
of the United Nations (FAO), with appropriate links to other thematic programmes
of work of the Convention, particularly those on the biodiversity of dry and
sub-humid lands, mountain and forest biological diversity, and with relevant
cross-cutting issues, particularly the Global Taxonomy Initiative and work
on technology transfer and cooperation. The Initiative provides an opportunity
to apply the ecosystem approach and the Addis Ababa Principles and Guidelines
for Sustainable Use. The Initiative will liaise closely with the United Nations
Convention to Combat Desertification and its advisory bodies and processes
in order to enhance cooperation between the conventions and avoid the duplication
of effort.
3. Progress in implementation could be made through focusing, inter alia,
on the following strategic areas of action:
(a) Increasing recognition of the essential services provided by soil biodiversity
across all production systems and its relation to land management, through:
(i) Research, information management and dissemination, data collection and
processing, transfer of technologies and networking;
(ii) Public awareness, education and capacity‑building;
(iii) Adoption of integrated, ecosystem-level approaches for the conservation
and sustainable use of soil biodiversity and enhancement of agro-ecosystem
functions; in particular in the FAO context focusing on three categories of
outputs: assessment , adaptive management and advocacy and training;
(b) Partnerships and cooperation through mainstreaming and cooperative programmes
and actions.
C. Goals
1. Promote awareness-raising, knowledge and understanding of key roles, environmental
services, functional groups and impacts of diverse soil management practices,
including those performed by indigenous and local communities, in different
farming systems and agro-ecological and socio-economic contexts.
2. Increase understanding of the role of soil biodiversity in agricultural
production, traditionally applied land management practices and ecosystem and
environmental health.
3. Promote the understanding of the impacts, ownership, and adaptation of
all land use and soil‑management practices as an integral part of agricultural
and sustainable livelihood strategies.
4. Promote the mainstreaming of soil biodiversity conservation into land
and soil‑management practices.
Objective 1 – Sharing of knowledge and information and awareness-raising
Activity 1.1 : Within a common framework that recognizes the importance
of determining processes affecting soil biodiversity, compile, synthesize,
and evaluate case studies for practical advice and active dissemination, through, inter
alia, the clearing‑house mechanism, for use in awareness‑raising, capacity‑building
and informing research. Where research gaps are identified, work with Parties
and other Governments to facilitate new knowledge acquisition and dissemination.
Activity 1.2 : Create and strengthen networking arrangements for sharing
of information, experiences and expertise with a focus on supporting local
initiatives on the ground.
Activity 1.3 : Enhance public awareness, education and knowledge on
integrated soil management and agro-ecological approaches.
Activity 1.4 : Develop information systems and databases.
Objective 2 – Capacity‑building for the development and transfer of knowledge
of soil biodiversity and ecosystem management into land use and soil management
practices
Activity 2.1 : Evaluate capacity‑building needs of stakeholders, including
farmers, extension and/or advisory services and development programmes for
integrated soil biological and ecosystems management.
Activity 2.2 : Develop, apply and adapt indicators and tools for assessment
and monitoring of soil health and ecosystem functioning for global, regional,
and national use and in line with the framework contained in decision VII/30.
Activity 2.3 : Promote adaptive management approaches for the development
and uptake of improved soil biological management practices, technologies and
policies that enhance soil health and ecosystem function, and that contribute
to sustainable land use.
Activity 2.4 : Mobilize targeted participatory research and development
in order to enhance understanding of soil biodiversity functions and ecosystem
resilience in relation to land use and sustainable agriculture.
Activity 2.5 : Identify and develop datasets on soil biodiversity
at national level that are important for agriculture.
Objective 3 – Strengthening collaboration among actors and institutions
and mainstreaming soil biodiversity and biological management into agricultural
and land management and rehabilitation programmes
Activity 3.1 : Mainstream soil biodiversity and ecosystem management
in agricultural and land management programmes and policies.
Activity 3.2 : Develop partnerships and collaborative activities for
the development and implementation of the International Initiative for the
Conservation and Sustainable Use of Soil Biodiversity Initiative as a partnership
between the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the
Convention on Biological Diversity, taking into account the need for coordination
with the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification and its ongoing
work in order to enhance synergies and avoid duplication of effort and utilizing
other existing knowledge from initiatives connected with soil biodiversity
in all terrestrial ecosystems.
Activity 3.3 : Promote the participation of indigenous and local communities
in both the elaboration and implementation of management plans that relate
to soil biodiversity.
Activity 3.4 : Promote collaboration with respect to soil erosion
and water management as it impacts upon soil biodiversity.
C. Genetic use restriction
technologies
The Conference of the Parties
1. Reaffirms decision V/5, section III (Genetic use restriction technologies);
2. Encourages Parties, other Governments, relevant organizations,
and interested stakeholders to:
(a) Respect traditional knowledge and Farmers’ Rights to the preservation
of seeds under traditional cultivation;
(b) Continue to undertake further research, within the mandate of decision
V/5 section III, on the impacts of genetic use restriction technologies, including
their ecological, social, economic and cultural impacts, particularly on indigenous
and local communities; and
(c) Continue to disseminate the results of studies on the potential environmental
(e.g., risk assessment), socio-economic and cultural impacts of genetic use
restriction technologies on smallholder farmers, indigenous and local communities,
and make these studies available in a transparent manner through, inter
alia, the clearing‑house mechanism;
3. Invites the governing body of the International Treaty on Plant
Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture to examine, within the context of
its work, priorities and available resources, the potential impacts of genetic
use restriction technologies with special consideration to the impacts on indigenous
and local communities and associated traditional knowledge, smallholder farmers
and breeders and Farmers’ Rights;
4. Notes that there is a strong demand for capacity-building and technology
transfer, particularly for developing countries and countries with economies
in transition, and that adequate resources need to be provided, particularly
relating to the assessment of, and decision-making, on genetic use restriction
technologies, regarding cultural and socio-economic aspects, in accordance
with Articles 12, 16, 17, 18 and 20 of the Convention on Biological Diversity,
and urges Parties to strengthen capacity‑building initiatives covering
environmental, cultural and socio‑economic aspects to enable Parties to make
informed decisions and actions on genetic use restriction technologies with
the participation of indigenous and local communities and other stakeholders;
and
5. Notes that the issues related to genetic use restriction technologies
should be disseminated in appropriate language and simplified form, through
the clearing-house mechanism and other means.
The Conference of the Parties,
Noting that the in-depth review of the implementation of the programme
of work will take place at the ninth meeting of the Conference of the Parties
(decision VII/31, annex),
Welcoming with appreciation the progress by the Food and Agriculture
Organization of the United Nations in the inter-sessional period (UNEP/CBD/COP/8/26
and UNEP/CBD/COP/8/INF/24), in particular, in the preparation of the first
report on the State of the World’s Animal Genetic Resources, and noting that
these activities provide timely and valuable inputs for the in-depth review
of the programme of work,
1. Extends its gratitude to the Government of Switzerland for the
offer to host the first FAO International Technical Conference on Animal
Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture in 2007;
2. Welcomes the recommendation of the FAO Commission on Genetic
Resources for Food and Agriculture, at its tenth session, “that FAO work
closely with the Executive Secretary of the Convention, and play a leading
role in the in-depth review of the Convention’s programme of work on agricultural
biological diversity”;
3. Decides that the process of the in-depth review shall take into
account the guidelines for the review of programmes of work (decision VIII/15,
annex III); and
4. Requests the Executive Secretary, in partnership with the Food
and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and in consultation with
other relevant international organizations, to prepare the full review of the
programme of work on agricultural biodiversity for consideration by the Conference
of the Parties at its ninth meeting.
