Mexico

Mexico celebrated the International Day for Biological Diversity 2008 with an event organized by the Secretary of Urban Planning and Environment, the Forestry Commission of the State of Michoacán and the National Commission for the Knowledge and Use of Biodiversity (CONABIO).

The event involved a panel discussion on the issue of "agro-biodiversity". The panel was composed of specialists in the field and officials representing government agencies. Participants discussed the background, the current situation, future trends and the need to create a culture and awareness of natural resources as a source of food for human consumption. Other topics addressed were on genetic modified food and the importance of the support from government agencies for agriculture, and different research projects.

The event was open to the general public and attended by approximately 100 people. Among those attending were officials from the Secretary of Rural Development, the Secretary of Agriculture and Livestock, Secretary of Fisheries and Food, professors, researchers and students from the University of Michoacán of San Nicolas de Hidalgo, the Regional Centre of the University of Chapingo West Center and the Agricultural Institute of Technology NO.7 of Morelia.