Biodiversity in Action – #4

Abstract

Soil and water are essential for the proper functioning of agricultural ecosystems. As the source of nearly all our calories, soil health is intrinsically linked to food security. However, current agricultural practices in Europe and Central Asia, characterized by heavy reliance on water and intensive use of land and external inputs, pose a threat to both water availability and soil health, negatively impacting rural communities. This brochure elucidates the connection between soil biodiversity and food security, explores the threats that agrifood systems pose to soil biodiversity, and highlights policy actions undertaken at a global level to address these challenges. The role of the FAO and its Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia in tackling interconnected land, water, and biodiversity issues is also emphasized.