The Third International Agrobiodiversity Congress (IAC), convened over 800 participants from more than 60 countries. Under the theme “Agrobiodiversity for People and Planet,” the Congress aimed to address global challenges such as food insecurity, climate change, and biodiversity loss by promoting the conservation and sustainable use of agricultural biodiversity.
Through over 40 thematic reports, 15 side events and an exhibition featuring 16 case studies, the conference addressed the challenges in agricultural biodiversity protection. It also fostered a global consensus and exchange of new knowledge, technologies and experiences to enhance international cooperation.
Key Outcomes and Conclusions
1. Adoption of the 2025 Kunming Manifesto
The Congress culminated in the release of the 2025 Kunming Manifesto, a strategic document emphasizing the critical role of agrobiodiversity in tackling food crises and climate change. It provides guidance for future research, conservation, and utilization efforts, aligning with the Kunming Declaration and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
2. Emphasis on International Cooperation
Delegates highlighted the necessity of global collaboration to enhance the conservation and sustainable use of agrobiodiversity. China showcased its commitment through initiatives like integrating biodiversity conservation into national development plans and supporting rural income growth.
3. Thematic Focus Areas
The Congress addressed six critical topics:
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Economic Growth: Exploring how agrobiodiversity can drive livelihoods and support small and medium-sized enterprises.
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Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation: Discussing the role of diverse agricultural systems in enhancing resilience and reducing emissions.
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Environmental Health and Biodiversity: Examining the benefits of agrobiodiversity for ecosystem services and land restoration.
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Healthy Diets: Promoting diverse diets to combat malnutrition and improve health outcomes.
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Gender and Social Inclusion: Recognizing the contributions of women and youth in managing agrobiodiversity.
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Conservation and Management Strategies: Developing effective approaches for preserving genetic resources.
4. China's Leadership in Agrobiodiversity
China was acknowledged for its significant efforts in agrobiodiversity conservation, including maintaining 25 Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems. The country's integration of traditional practices with modern innovations serves as a model for sustainable agriculture.
5. Proposal of a New Fiscal Mechanism
A new financial mechanism was proposed to support cross-border cooperation, facilitating the exchange of germplasm resources, technology transfer, and capacity building.
The Congress reinforced the importance of agrobiodiversity in achieving sustainable development goals and called for continued international collaboration to build resilient and inclusive food systems.
"At present, the world is confronted with challenges such as climate change and food security, and the significance of agrobiodiversity has become increasingly prominent. I was pleased to see the progress that China has made in protecting its nature, " Marcela Quintero, associate director general for the Alliance of Bioversity International and International Center for Tropical Agriculture.
"Agrobiodiversity also plays a key role in public health I hope that hope we will reach a consensus, respond actively to global challenges, and work toward a win-win situation for the protection of agricultural biodiversity and food security" Lynnette Neufeld, director of the Food and Nutrition Division at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
"There are very big efforts made by the Chinese government to promote biodiversity inorder to have a more sustainable agriculture, decreasing the use of chemicals. This is the main goal while continuing to feed people," Elisabeth Fournier , a scientist at the French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment
"Agrobiodiversity is important for us as agriculture is the backbone of the Lao economy." Chanthakhone Boualaphanh, vice minister of Agriculture and Forestry of Laos
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