Harvesting Solutions: How Food Systems Can Unlock Progress on Climate and Biodiversity
The challenges of biodiversity loss, climate change, and global food security are deeply interconnected, and addressing them requires integrated solutions. Aligning international frameworks like National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) with sustainable food systems is essential. This approach was the focus of the “Harvesting Solutions” event at COP16 in Cali.
Joao Campari, WWF’s Food Practice Global Lead, highlighted that current food systems are the primary threat to nature and people, generating $20 trillion in environmental, social, and human costs annually. These systems contribute one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions, 90% of deforestation, and 70% of freshwater biodiversity loss. Additionally, they are responsible for an 86% decline in wildlife populations between 1970 and 2020, while paradoxically allowing 10% of the global population to go hungry as 40% of food is wasted.
Haseeb Bakhtary from Climate Focus called for transitioning to nature-positive, inclusive food systems that could regenerate ecosystems, reduce waste, and provide sustainable diets. However, WWF studies reveal that while most countries address food system transformation in their NBSAPs, critical areas like food loss and farmer organization are often neglected. Similarly, only 12% of NDCs include comprehensive measures across seven key innovation categories for agriculture and food systems.
The year 2024 presents a unique opportunity for synergy, with three COPs (Climate, Biodiversity, and Desertification) occurring. To leverage this, agriculture ministers need to engage environment and foreign affairs ministries to emphasize integrating food systems into climate strategies, noted Lasse Bruun of the UN Foundation.
Agroecology emerged as a promising pathway for simultaneously addressing biodiversity, climate, and food security goals. Moritz Fegert of Biovision Foundation suggested reducing synthetic inputs and encouraging farmer-led seed systems as effective entry points. Kenya’s upcoming National Agroecology Strategy exemplifies how governments can integrate agroecological practices into NDCs. To support such efforts, organizations including WWF and Biovision launched a guidance tool at COP16, outlining 14 agroecological interventions.
Financial limitations remain a major obstacle to scaling agroecology. However, Anna Lappé of the Global Alliance for the Future of Food urged redirecting the $7 trillion in harmful agricultural subsidies towards nature-positive practices. Combining NBSAP and NDC goals could also reduce costs and persuade finance ministries to allocate funds, suggested Fegert.
Indigenous communities, with their extensive traditional knowledge, must play a central role in drafting and implementing climate and biodiversity strategies, emphasized Ceiça Pitagruary from Brazil’s Ministry of Indigenous Peoples. Ensuring equity and human rights in these processes is vital.
Collaboration among multiple stakeholders is crucial to addressing the interconnected challenges of climate, biodiversity, and food security. As Deissy Martinez-Baron from Alliance Bioversity and CIAT concluded, success depends on partnerships, shared knowledge, and coordinated actions taken today.
