3rd International Agrobiodiversity Congress
With the theme “Agrobiodiversity for People and Planet”, this conference - hosted by the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) and the Alliance - provides a platform for exchange and cooperation among policymakers, scientists, producers, entrepreneurs, and farmers related to the conservation and sustainable use of agrobiodiversity around the world.
Congress theme and topics
The Congress will be articulated around the theme of “Agrobiodiversity for People and Planet”, and will be elaborated through six topics:
Topic 1: Agrobiodiversity for economic growth
This topic includes elements of crop selection and their potential for livelihood, farmer-led seed systems, processing of a diverse array of crop products, challenges and opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing countries. It will explore the impact of and possible solutions for trade policies, land tenure, and other regulations that may hinder the effective use of biodiversity. The topic will also examine the circular economy and associated business models contributing to poverty reduction, livelihoods, and jobs.
Topic 2: Agrobiodiversity for climate change adaptation and mitigation
This topic will discuss the restoration of ecosystem with agrobiodiversity for carbon sinks, the adaptability of species, varieties, traits, or genes to climate change, the role of integrated farming system in reducing carbon emissions, and the significance of carbon or climate finance in advancing the biodiversity and climate agenda.
Topic 3: Agrobiodiversity for improved environmental health and biodiversity
This topic will delve into implications of diverse production systems for land degradation and biodiversity, management of agroforestry and other multifunctional farming systems, soil biodiversity and integrated soil fertility management, pollination and other ecosystem services, as well as investment in biodiversity credits and other environmental integrity- related investment.
Topic 4: Agrobiodiversity for healthy diets
This topic will explore the consumption aspects of agrobiodiversity, including the implications of the triple burden of malnutrition and the benefits of incorporating a wider range of agrobiodiversity into our diets. It will also investigate the role of nutritious and healthy diets, the functional components of underutilized species, and the value of local food markets in providing access to a wide range of food products for food and nutrition security.
Topic 5: Agrobiodiversity for gender and social inclusion
This topic will emphasize the roles of farmers, particularly women and youth, in managing and using agrobiodiversity and associated traditional knowledge. It will also examine community and smallholder farmer practices in on-farm management of agrobiodiversity, supporting the farmers’ capacity to apply agrobiodiversity for sustainable livelihoods in an inclusive manner, and the perspective for community seedbanks.
Topic 6: Agrobiodiversity conservation and management strategies
This topic will discuss how diversity of species and varieties are conserved for options at present and future, including in situ and ex situ methodologies; identification of useful traits and materials for improving productivity and nutrition, resisting to pests and diseases and adapting to changing environments and participatory approaches to on-farm management of landraces. This topic will also elaborate the management of accessions conserved in international and national gene banks by promoting the access and benefit sharing of these resources under regulations of national and international policies and legal frameworks.
