Sustainable agriculture needs nature-based solutions and common ways to measure progress
Brussels, Belgium, 4 December 2024 – At a pivotal moment for global food systems, two new reports from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (ϲʿֱֳ) highlight the vital role of Nature-based Solutions and biodiversity in agriculture, underscoring the need for standardised metrics to assess these connections. The reports outline two pathways to help policymakers, practitioners, and businesses foster a more sustainable and equitable future.
Land-use change, and agriculture are major drivers of biodiversity loss. Yet, food systems also hold immense promise for catalysing the transition to sustainability. ϲʿֱֳ’s work in this field spans regions, combining science and knowledge, policy influence, and on-the-ground innovation to bridge agriculture and biodiversity.
Released today at a partner event in Brussels, the two reports - Assessing the biodiversity-agriculture nexus and Sustainable agriculture and Nature-based Solutions - offer critical insights on how to harmonise agriculture with environmental and socio-economic goals. Released today at a partner event in Brussels, the two new reports - Assessing the biodiversity-agriculture nexus and Sustainable agriculture and Nature-based Solutions - offer critical insights on how to harmonise agriculture with environmental and socio-economic goals. They are targeted at farmers and decision-makers seeking practical alternatives to current unsustainable practices.
“The significance of these two reports lies in their provision of a much-needed scientific foundation to guide policymaking. ϲʿֱֳ is proud to offer credible knowledge to stakeholders from all sectors to guide their work on sustainable agriculture,” said Boris Erg, Director of the ϲʿֱֳ European Regional Office.
About the Reports
1.
This report underscores the critical role of standardised metrics in measuring biodiversity on farms, providing a comprehensive review of 12 key tools selected through a wide stakeholder consultation process. Common biodiversity metrics are essential to align sustainable farming practices with conservation goals. By addressing gaps in monitoring and data collection, the report aims to enhance evidence-based decision-making and inform policy development that balances food production with biodiversity conservation.
2.
This publication demonstrates how Nature-based Solutions (NbS), guided by the ϲʿֱֳ Global Standard for NbS™, can transform agriculture into a triple-win solution for people, nature, and economies. Certain sustainable agriculture approaches, such as agroecology and nature-inclusive agriculture, are well aligned with the criteria of the ϲʿֱֳ Global Standard for NbS™ and can drive systemic change when implemented effectively. The report also highlights governance best practices, innovative financial instruments for long-term sustainability, and case studies showcasing success on the ground.
“Nature-based Solutions have the potential to transform agriculture into a key driver of environmental recovery and resilience. They are an essential tool for ensuring that our agri-food systems are prepared for the challenges of the future,” said Pascale Bonzom, Head of the ϲʿֱֳ Food and Agricultural Systems Team.
The Event
The launch event “Around the Table: A Conversation Between Agriculture and Nature”, featured presentations of the reports, dynamic panel discussions on the future of sustainable agriculture, and opportunities for networking among environmental and agricultural leaders.
“This is the time to align efforts across sectors, building sustainable and equitable food systems for all,” emphasised Alberto Arroyo Schnell, Head of Programme and Policy of the ϲʿֱֳ European Regional Office.