The Declining Ecosystem and its Impact on Global Food Systems

The air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat all rely on biodiversity – but the demands of a growing population and the practices of unsustainable agriculture are compromising access to humanity’s most basic needs. This was the message from two recent reports launched by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations' (FAO) publications: Biodiversity for Sustainable Agriculture and The State of the World’s Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture.

The reports detailed the impact of environmental degradation and the impact diminishing biodiversity has on vulnerable ecosystems and food systems, including agriculture and health. Once biodiversity is lost, we cannot recover it. What is driving these changes in nature and how will it impact daily life? What policies and practices need to be put in place to save our planet and our food security?

Join us to hear from experts on the linkages between biodiversity loss and its impact on the global food system. The distinguished panel will reflect on the importance of safeguarding biodiversity for food and agriculture. Sustainable agriculture is key to reversing trends that lead to biodiversity loss, damaged ecosystems, deforestation, and the overall deterioration of our natural resources. The event will include an in-depth, multidisciplinary discussion as well as a nuanced conversation on the two reports.

Welcoming remarks by:

• Vimlendra Sharan, Director, Liaison Office for North America, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

Featuring a keynote address by:

• Ann Tutwiler, Former Director General, Bioversity International & Senior Fellow, Meridian Institute

Followed by a panel discussion with:

• Nik Sekhran, Chief Conservation Officer, World Wildlife Foundation (WWF)
• Mohamed Bakarr (Invited) Lead Environmental Specialist, Global Environment Facility (GEF)
• Tom Pesek, Senior Liaison Officer, Liaison Office for North America, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
• Kimberly Flowers (Moderator) Director, Humanitarian Agenda and Global Food Security Project, CSIS