The call for abstracts for the 2nd International Agrobiodiversity Congress – Agrobiodiversity for food system transformation, is now open. The Congress, scheduled for 15 to 18 November 2021, will focus on the role that agrobiodiversity can play in positively changing our food systems. The deadline for abstract submission is 7 July, 2021 at 12:00 (CET).

Despite widespread recognition of the urgent need to change the way we grow and consume our food we are far from reaching this goal. Food production remains the single largest driver of environmental degradation and biodiversity loss, including of nutrient-rich varieties of plants and animals. This is not only a conservation issue: it undermines the resilience of our food systems to pests, diseases, and climate change. It affects nutrition. In less than 60 years, diets worldwide have become more similar, dominated by a few staples rich in energy but poor in nutrients essential to human health.

Agrobiodiversity can help address these challenges and drive a positive food system transformation. The Congress will focus on:

providing evidence of agrobiodiversity’s role in this transformation and exploring the links between agrobiodiversity loss, malnutrition, climate change, and environmental degradation;

showcasing existing solutions and business opportunities to translate science into action and enhance multi-sectoral collaboration on sustainable use and conservation of agrobiodiversity;

informing the UN Food Systems Summit and UN Global Biodiversity Framework and other processes related to food system sustainability to advance global environmental protection and nutrition outcomes.

Conference objectives

The three-day program is designed to provide lively discussions and contributions from all sectors that impact agrobiodiversity conservation and use: agriculture, environment, nutrition/health, education, social development, the private sector. Oral presentations, posters and panel discussions will explore innovative research, actions and policies focused on expanding the role of agrobiodiversity in food systems.

We welcome cross-cutting submissions about agrobiodiversity (e.g. gender and youth; indigenous food systems and related knowledge; science innovation, infrastructure, digital technologies; human health and wellbeing; human rights and equity; green growth/job creation; new partnership models with the private sector).

Congress language: English

Key dates

18 January 2021: Abstract submission is opened

30 June 2021: Abstract submission deadline

1 July – 15 September 2021: Abstract review process

30 September 2021: Notification of acceptance

More info:https://alliancebioversityciat.org/call-abstracts-2nd-international-agro...

Website Congress: https://alliancebioversityciat.org/iac/