Leaders Gather in Nepal for International Conference on Agrobiodiversity

Kathmandu, Nepal – A global gathering on agrobiodiversity concluded in Pokhara, Nepal. The International Conference on Agrobiodiversity 2024, which ran from April 9th to 12th, aimed to foster knowledge exchange and collaboration for a more sustainable future.

Over 150 participants from more than 30 countries attended the conference. These representatives included government officials, experts, academics, NGOs, and private sector leaders. The diverse group formed a platform for sharing both traditional and scientific knowledge on agroecological practices, biodiverse planting materials, and climate-smart business models.

Representing Pacific Farmer Organisations at the event was Father Petero Matairatu of TUTU RURAL Trainining Center, adding valuable insights from the Pacific context.

Focus on Sustainability and Resilience

The conference emphasized the importance of agrobiodiversity in maintaining healthy ecosystems and food systems.

• Nawal Kishor Sah Sudi, Nepal’s Minister for Forests and Environment, highlighted the nation’s commitment to tackling biodiversity issues, particularly those related to conservation and habitat preservation.
• Ken Shimizu, FAO Representative for Bhutan and Nepal, emphasized the conference’s contribution to FAO’s priorities: biodiversity conservation, rural development, resilient food systems, and climate action. He also underscored the crucial role of traditional farming practices in preserving agrobiodiversity and building resilience against climate change.

Knowledge Exchange and Collaborative Solutions

The conference featured various sessions on key topics:

• Understanding Agrobiodiversity: This session explored its significance for ecosystems and food systems.
• Policy and Agroecology: This session examined the impact of policies on protecting and managing agrobiodiversity.
• Preserving Traditional Knowledge: This session discussed traditional agroforestry systems and knowledge exchange practices that maintain biodiversity.
• Seed and Farm Management Innovations: This session focused on innovative techniques for sustainable agrobiodiversity management.
• Encouraging Diversification: This session explored enterprise innovations that promoted planting a wider variety of crops, fostering both biodiversity and economic resilience.
• Nature Finance: This session highlighted strategies to improve financial support for Forest and Farm Producer Organizations (FFPOs) and Indigenous Peoples and Local Community Groups (IPLCs), enabling them to implement innovative practices for biodiversity management, conservation, and livelihood enhancement.

Strong Partnerships for a Sustainable Future

The conference was a collaborative effort between various organizations. Key players included the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Nepal’s Ministry of Forests and Environment, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, and several NGOs. This collaboration signified a unified front, bringing together diverse stakeholders to find solutions for advancing agrobiodiversity, promoting sustainable agriculture, and fostering inclusive development.

This international conference served as a valuable platform for knowledge exchange and collaborative action towards a more sustainable and biodiverse future.