Nature-based solutions for biodiversity, food security and health

13 October 2022. Nature-based solutions for biodiversity, food security and health

• Organized by: International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
• This webinar was a side event of the FAO Science and Innovation Forum 2022

By 2050, the world’s 9 billion people will require 60% more food, and 30% more water to ensure sustainable livelihoods. The natural resources to meet this demand are threatened by climate change and unsustainable crop, land and water management practices. Climate-resilient crop habitat managements; use of biological control, attractants and repellents to control pests and vector-borne diseases; and insect-based frass fertilizers are nature-based solutions. 

These conserve biodiversity, harnesses ecosystem services such as pollination, and contribute to crop productivity, soil health, food security and better livelihoods. Opportunities and challenges in scaling nature-based solutions for sustainable development were presented and discussed.

• Introduction to the topic and agenda - Dr Subramanian Sevgan, Head, Environmental health theme, icipe
• Harnessing ecosystem services for management and conservation of harmful and useful arthropods - Dr Sunday Ekesi, Head of Capacity building and Integrated Sciences, icipe
• Biodiversity, food security and livelihood impact of pollinator and pollination-service conservation in Africa and beyond - Prof Christina M. Grozinger, Director, Center for Pollinator Research, Insect Biodiversity Center, PennState College of Agricultural Sciences, USA
• Empowering smallholder farmers to scale nature based solutions - Dr Anne-Sophie Poisot, Policy and Markets Adviser, FAO
• Role of development partners in fostering innovations and partnerships for scaling nature-based solutions - Dr Loredana Sorg, Co-Head of Development Projects, Biovision – Foundation for ecological development
• Role of private sector in scaling nature-based solutions - Dr Peter Brändle, CEO, Éléphant Vert Group
• Moderation by Dr Julius Ecuru, Head, Bioinnovate Africa, icipe
• Closing remarks - Dr Thomas Dubois, Head, Plant Health Theme, icipe

Shared resource:

Hungry caterpillars threaten Kenya's crops. Can plants provide a natural pest control solution?