biodiversity

Multimedia Publication: Towards food sovereignty: Reclaiming autonomous food systems

Towards Food Sovereignty is an online book with linked video and audio files. The first 6 chapters, available here, begin to describe the ecological basis of food and agriculture, the social and environmental costs of modern food systems, and the policy reversals needed to democratize food systems. The video and audio clips show farmers, indigenous peoples and consumers all working to promote food sovereignty, it highlights the importance of locally controlled food systems to sustain both people and nature.
 

Protecting community rights over traditional knowledge

News: Protecting Community Rights over Traditional Knowledge: Key findings, recommendations and case studies, 2005-09 Project Folder: Now available

Peasant Seeds: the foundation of food sovereignty in Africa

A multimedia publication released in Bamako today, 11th December 2008, captures the deep concern among West African farmers about the privatisation of seeds and knowledge.

Policy that works for biodiversity and poverty reduction

Community-based initiatives for biodiversity and poverty reduction, where biodiversity is sustainably managed by communities for nutrition, health, cultural and other needs, receive little official support and recognition. Their wider adoption is often hampered by unsupportive policy environments.

Sustaining local food systems, agricultural biodiversity and livelihoods

Update: Read the Open Letter of the Peoples of Cusco (PDF) to the FAO Director General, Feb. 10.

On 26 February 2010, Peruvian indigenous organizations, local government bodies and civil society organizations in Cusco, Peru, held a meeting to formulate a strategic response to a FAO ABCD10 starting on 1 March that will push for greater use of genetically modified organisms. A demonstration through the ancient Inca streets followed up this multi-stakeholder gathering. The meeting produced a Declaration which underlines that the FAO agenda does not represent the best approach for tackling agricultural challenges, including those brought by climate change.

2010 International Year of Biodiversity

The United Nations has declared 2010 the International Year of Biodiversity. It’s a key reminder of how fundamental biodiversity is to the health of planetary systems as well as human prosperity and wellbeing — and a chance for all of us to learn more.

Biodiversity events calendar

Calendar of biodiversity events for 2010, the International Year of Biodiversity. We will be updating and added new events as the year progresses.

World Forestry Congress

The World Forestry Congress, held every six years, is the largest and most significant gathering of the world's forestry sector. Here are some articles on the most important issues for 2009.

Farmers and scientists from Ethiopia and Peru demand indigenous approach to conservation

Submitted by Mike on Thu, 01/10/2009 - 15:42

Farmers and scientists from Ethiopia and Peru urges policymakers to establish indigenous bio-cultural territories as areas for conserving agricultural biodiversity.

Seed industry ignores farmers' rights to adapt to climate change

Submitted by Mike on Mon, 07/09/2009 - 08:11

Growing corporate control of seed diversity will limit the ability of farms to adapt to climate change, say researchers.

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