Zim advances agro-biodiversity conservation efforts
Zim advances agro-biodiversity conservation efforts The Herald
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Government and FAO Collaborate to Combat Biodiversity Loss in Zimbabwe
Monalisa Chikwengo
Strides have been made by the Government, with technical support from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), in combating biodiversity loss.
Biodiversity loss, also called loss of biodiversity, is a decrease in biodiversity within a species, an ecosystem, a given geographic area, or earth as a whole.
Agro-biodiversity Policy Framework Validation Workshop
Speaking during an Agro-biodiversity Policy Framework validation workshop held in Harare recently, Agricultural Research, Innovation and Development chief director, Dr Dumisani Kutywayo, said the workshop was a step towards creating policies and regulatory frameworks that safeguard, manage and restore agro-biodiversity and its relation to agro-ecosystem services in the agriculture sector.
“Most smallholder farmers who produce the bulk of the food for the country depend on agrobiodiversity adaptable to the adverse climatic conditions that prevail in their communities. “Preserving and using genetic resources for food and agriculture, which are dependent on agro-biodiversity, is critical not only for the sustainability of the local food system, but also for global food security,” he said.
Impact of Biodiversity Loss on Agriculture
The effects of biodiversity loss in Zimbabwe are becoming more visible, posing significant risks to agricultural productivity.
Government recognises agriculture as a priority sector in achieving sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction.
But the unprecedented loss of biodiversity poses serious risks to the main economic sectors such as agriculture, resulting in food and nutrition insecurity, high poverty levels and over-exploitation of the environment.
Partnerships for Agro-biodiversity Conservation
Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development acting Deputy director, Mr Thabani Siziba, said partnerships were key for effectively implementing the framework and would help accelerate and strengthen agro-biodiversity conservation and sustainable use for food security.
“Government, United Nations agencies, civil society, the private sector, communities and farmers, were encouraged to work together as one team and desist from working in silos,” he said.
FAO’s Commitment to Support Zimbabwe
FAO policy and programmes specialist, Mr Kudzai Kusena, speaking on behalf of FAO representative in Zimbabwe, Mr Patrice Talla, emphasised FAO’s commitment to support the Government to meet its multi agreements in facilitating conservation, sustainable use and restoration of agricultural biodiversity, landscapes and watersheds.
“FAO is dedicated to aiding the Government in reinforcing its agricultural policies to promote sustainable and resilient agri-food systems by preserving, maintaining, and recovering agrobiodiversity and associated agro-ecosystems. “This approach aims to achieve four significant objectives of better production, nutrition, environment, and health,” said Mr Talla.
Integration of Biodiversity and Chemical Management in Agriculture
The meeting agreed that biodiversity policies, governance and management should not violate human rights and that those implementing such policies should actively seek ways to support and promote human rights in their design and implementation.
Results of the validation will be incorporated to come with the final agro-biodiversity policy for approval with its launch imminent.
FAO’s Project for Sustainable Agricultural Management
The workshop was hosted by FAO with the aim of strengthening the sustainable management of agricultural production and productivity towards the attainment of food and nutrition security.
The European Union (EU) funded project seeks to integrate biodiversity and effective management of chemicals in agriculture.
The project aims to achieve this by creating a policy environment that supports these goals, enhancing policy implementation and encouraging changes in agricultural practices.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger
- SDG 15: Life on Land
The article discusses the importance of biodiversity in the agriculture sector and its impact on food security and poverty reduction. These issues are directly connected to SDG 2, which aims to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. Additionally, the article highlights the loss of biodiversity and its risks to agricultural productivity, which aligns with SDG 15 that focuses on protecting, restoring, and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 2.5: By 2030, maintain the genetic diversity of seeds, cultivated plants and farmed and domesticated animals and their related wild species, including through soundly managed and diversified seed and plant banks at the national, regional and international levels.
- SDG 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species.
The article emphasizes the importance of preserving genetic resources for food and agriculture, which relates to SDG 2.5. It highlights the need to maintain agro-biodiversity to ensure the sustainability of local food systems and global food security. Additionally, the article mentions the significant risks posed by biodiversity loss to agricultural productivity, aligning with SDG 15.5 that aims to halt biodiversity loss and protect threatened species.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator for SDG 2.5: Number of accessions and coverage of genetic resources for food and agriculture secured in medium or long-term conservation facilities.
- Indicator for SDG 15.5: Proportion of important sites for terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity that are covered by protected areas, by ecosystem type.
The article does not explicitly mention specific indicators. However, to measure progress towards SDG 2.5, the number of accessions (samples) and the coverage of genetic resources for food and agriculture secured in conservation facilities can be used as indicators. For SDG 15.5, the proportion of important sites for terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity covered by protected areas can serve as an indicator to track progress in halting biodiversity loss.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 2: Zero Hunger | SDG 2.5: By 2030, maintain the genetic diversity of seeds, cultivated plants and farmed and domesticated animals and their related wild species, including through soundly managed and diversified seed and plant banks at the national, regional and international levels. | Number of accessions and coverage of genetic resources for food and agriculture secured in medium or long-term conservation facilities. |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | SDG 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species. | Proportion of important sites for terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity that are covered by protected areas, by ecosystem type. |
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Source: herald.co.zw
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