The global biodiversity crisis poses one of the most significant risks to our ecosystems and food supply chains. According to the 2019 report by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), over 75% of Earth’s land areas are significantly altered by human activities, resulting in widespread biodiversity loss. Addressing this crisis requires urgent and collective action, a theme central to the upcoming “Biodiversity in Food Supply Chains” conference organized by Food for Biodiversity in Berlin.
The Imperative of Biodiversity in Food Supply Chains
The conference, which will feature keynote speeches by German Environment Minister Steffi Lemke and Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir, aims to explore practical solutions for integrating biodiversity protection into food supply chains. With around 150 experts from the food industry expected to attend, the discussions will focus on procurement challenges and supply chain strategies to halt biodiversity loss.
The Stakes: Biodiversity Loss and Its Impact
The 2019 IPBES report highlighted that approximately one million animal and plant species are at risk of extinction within this century. Biodiversity loss, coupled with the degradation of ecosystems, jeopardizes essential ecosystem services such as water regulation, soil fertility, pollination, and climate regulation. The World Economic Forum’s 2023 risk report underscores biodiversity loss as one of the top global risks over the next decade, emphasizing the critical role of ecosystems in supporting human life and economic activities.
Initiatives and Collaborative Efforts
Peter Zens, Chairman of Food for Biodiversity, emphasizes the dual importance of biodiversity conservation: “Protecting biodiversity is not only about taking responsibility for our global ecosystem but also about preserving the economic foundations of agriculture and the food industry.” The conference is part of the “Companies for Biological Diversity – UBi” project, supported by the Federal Program for Biological Diversity.
A Unified Approach to Sustainable Food Systems
Founded in March 2021, the nonprofit organization Food for Biodiversity seeks to enhance biodiversity protection across the food sector. By uniting industry players, the organization aims to transform food systems into sustainable and future-proof models. Members include companies, standard organizations, organic and environmental associations, agricultural and food associations, and research institutions. They are implementing pilot projects, developing incentive programs for farmers, conducting employee training, and creating tools such as a set of biodiversity criteria for food production.
Key Discussion Points
During the conference, participants will address various challenges, including:
- Risks posed by biodiversity loss
- Stricter regulatory requirements
- Scaling pilot projects to global implementation
- Raising consumer awareness about biodiversity
These topics will be explored through presentations, working groups, and panel discussions, with representatives from food companies, suppliers, standard organizations, environmental groups, and government bodies in attendance
The “Biodiversity in Food Supply Chains” conference represents a critical step towards integrating biodiversity conservation into the heart of the food industry. By fostering collaboration and innovative solutions, the event aims to create a sustainable future where food systems coexist harmoniously with our planet’s biodiversity.
