Photo

Links

Research units

Plant Communities and Biological Invaders in Tropical Environments Agroecological Functioning and Performances of Horticultural Cropping Systems

Contact

Philippe Feldmann
Biodiversity Coordinator
Montpellier, France
E-mail

Tackling agricultural issues using the resources offered by biodiversity

12/01/2010 - Article

To mark the launch of the International Year of Biodiversity, CIRAD has released a video showing some of its operations aimed at using the resources offered by biodiversity to respond to the changing requirements of agricultural production and development in the South. In Réunion and the French West Indies, CIRAD works to manage collections, promote agricultural diversification and share its agro-ecological expertise.

Most of the world's biodiversity is found in the tropics. In developing countries, it is thus vital to ensure sustainable, equitable agricultural development while preserving and promoting biodiversity. However, just twelve plant species and fourteen animal species account for the major share of the food consumed worldwide, and three quarters of the genetic diversity of cultivated plants have been lost as a result of the simplification of cropping practices.
To maintain and promote the wealth found in nature, we need to know more about it. This involves setting up genetic resource collections, of which CIRAD now manages more than a hundred. It also means studying the links and interactions between species.
The aim is thus to help developing countries to satisfy their requirements and adapt to new constraints, such as global warming or population growth, while taking account of the multitude of uses and of interests linked to the management of biodiversity. This is the challenge that CIRAD and its partners have taken up.

Production and editing: Vincent Bonneaud, Elsa Bru
Editing: Vincent Bonneaud
Length: 4 mins 52

See also