Biodiversity and nutrition: a common path

Abstract

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is actively promoting the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity for food and nutrition. Biodiversity on three levels—genetic diversity, species diversity and ecosystem diversity—contributes to improved nutrition. Nutrition and biodiversity converge as one common path leading to food and nutrition security and sustainable development. They feature directly in the Millennium Development Goals, to halve the proportion of p eople who suffer from hunger (Goal 1) and to ensure environmental sustainability (Goal 7). In combination, nutrition and biodiversity will provide the foundation for achieving these Goals.