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Posts Tagged ‘biodiversity’
Defining underutilized species included in the “nutrition indicators for biodiversity”
FAO and Bioversity International have developed two nutrition indicators for biodiversity useful to measure biodiversity-related food composition and food consumption of underutilized species (www.fao.org/infoods/biodiversity/index_en.stm).
More information can be found in the document “Specific definition of underutilized species for human consumption”
While reporting upon these indicators, difficulties were encountered in defining underutilized foods. Therefore, FAO and Crops for the Future have developed specific criteria in order to establish the reference list for underutilized foods counting for the nutritional indicators for biodiversity:
Of the following criteria, the first one is compulsory, and several of the others should be met for a species to be included in this list:
- The food was/is/could be used for human consumption.
- May have great potential for contributing to food security and nutrition.
- Mainly local and traditional crops/animals (including insects, amphibians and reptiles) whose distribution, biology, cultivation and uses are poorly documented.
- Receive little attention from research, farmers, policy and decision makers, technology providers and consumers.
- Have weak or no formal seed/animal germplasm supply systems.
- Farmed, reared, gathered or caught in small scale.
- The species must be grown/raised in the country/region where it is underutilized.
Species that are imported do not count as underutilized in that region.
Furthermore, information on country/region of origin should be given.
These criteria, only intended to be used to report on the two nutrition indicators for biodiversity, should not replace the broad criteria that has been defined for categorizing underutilized species as such (www.underutilized-species.org/spotlight/what_are_underutilized_species.asp).
The integration of these specific criteria and the reference list of underutilized foods counting for food biodiversity will be uploaded on the websites of the Global Facilitation Unit for Underutilized Species at www.underutilized-species.org/species/about_species.asp and of the INFOODS at www.fao.org/infoods/biodiversity/index_en.stm.
We would appreciate receiving your comments by email (email hidden; JavaScript is required) within the 20th March 2010 on both the criteria and the list before publishing them on the websites.
We look forward and thank you!
Crops for the Future Vacancy Announcement
Crops for the Future is a small international non-profit organization working to promote underutilized crops for the benefit of the poor and the environment. Its focus is the collection, synthesis and provision of information and knowledge about neglected and underutilized plant species and their current and potential roles in people’s livelihoods and the environment. For more information on Crops for the Future, please visit www.cropsforthefuture.org.
Crops for the Future evolved from the International Centre for Underutilised Crops (ICUC) and the Global Facilitation Unit for Underutilized Species (GFU) and is hosted by Bioversity International (www.bioversityinternational.org) at its Asia, Pacific and Oceania Regional Office in Serdang, Malaysia in a joint venture with the University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus (www.nottingham.edu.my).
Crops for the Future is now seeking a well qualified candidate for the position of:
Global Coordinator
Based in Serdang, Malaysia the Global Coordinator will lead the development of Crops for the Future with responsibility for implementing the organization’s strategy and overseeing the development and implementation of an agreed work programme. The coordinator will have day to day responsibility for management of the organization’s staff and finances and will oversee the implementation of Crops for the Future projects around the world. Working under the oversight of the Crops for the Future Board and in close collaboration with Bioversity International and University of Nottingham the Coordinator will lead a small Secretariat and have the following key responsibilities:
- Develop a resource mobilization strategy and actively engage in fund raising and donor contacts to further develop Crops for the Future’s work programme and resource base;
- Lead the development and implementation of an integrated monitoring impact and learning strategy for Crops for the Future;
- Support and oversee the implementation of specific Crops for the Future projects
- Actively engage in relevant professional fora (such as the International Society for Horticultural Sciences, the Global Horticulture Initiative, the Platform for Agrobiodiversity Research, the Global Forum for Agricultural Research and its regional and subregional organisations) and help coordinate underutilized crop-related matters, as appropriate;
- Continue where appropriate GFU’s and ICUC’s ongoing commitments, in particular the coordination of the project “Coalition to Diversify Income from Underused Plants (CoDI – www.codi-asia.net)
- Maintain and promote good collaborative relationships with the institutional partners of GFU and ICUC, and especially with Bioversity International and University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus, and further develop new partnerships as appropriate;
- Engage in policy advocacy through participation in relevant fora and contacts to relevant decision makers, such as the UN Commission for Trade and Development, FAO-Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources, European Commission;
- Commission and supervise studies to increase the global knowledge base on underutilized crops, especially on their role in nutrition & health, climate change and income generation, and ensure results are published in appropriate outlets (peer-reviewed journals, conferences, popular press, etc.);
- Oversee the work of and provide leadership to staff of the Secretariat and to other consultants and staff working for Crops for the Future;
- Oversee the financial management of Crops for the Future
- Serve as Secretary to the Crops for the Future Board.
Essential qualifications and competencies:
- PhD degree in a relevant field or equivalent professional qualification; education and experience in international affairs relevant to underutilized crops (e.g., agriculture, post-harvest, economics/marketing, policy, development);
- At least 10 years of progressive experience in research and programme management; including professional experience in several developing countries through long-term engagements;
- Demonstrated competency in communication and interpersonal skills, including extensive ability to motivate, inspire and promote team-work through negotiation and consensus-building and experience in diverse teams and in cross-cultural settings;
- Demonstrated competency in managing people in multiple locations,
- Highly organized, good people manager who provides leadership and direction;
- Demonstrates a proactive, flexible and creative approach and good judgment in making strategic and management decisions;
- Demonstrates originality, innovation and tenacity in problem solving;
- Demonstrated track record of raising funds for large international programmes.
- Excellent English, both written and spoken and working knowledge of another international language; knowledge of other international languages is desirable
- Willing to engage in extensive foreign travel (30-40% time);
Terms and conditions: The appointee will be a staff member of Bioversity International. Bioversity International offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive salary, non-contributory retirement plan, housing allowance, medical insurance and leave provisions. All benefits are denominated and paid in US Dollars. The initial contract will be for a period of three years subject to a probationary period of one year. Secondment arrangements would be acceptable.
Applications: A letter of application (responding to the required qualifications and competencies) and curriculum vitae in English, including date of birth, gender and nationality, with names and full contact details of at least three referees, including telephone, fax and email address, and two writing samples (maximum of five pages each) should be sent to Human Resources Office, Bioversity International, Via dei Tre Denari 472/a, 00057 Maccarese, Rome, fax (39) 06 6118341; or preferably online through the following link: Bioversity Employment Opportunities Webpage
Closing date for applications: 18 October 2009
Please quote source of advertisement.
We are an equal opportunity employer and strive for staff diversity in gender and nationality.
All applications will be acknowledged, but only short listed candidates will be contacted
International DAAD-Alumni-Summer School “Recording, Monitoring and Managing Biodiversity – Implementation oriented Research”
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is providing financial support to organize the international DAAD-Alumni Seminar “Recording, Monitoring and Managing Biodiversity”. It will take place at Kassel University from 28th September to 05th October 2009 in Witzenhausen, Germany.
The main topic of this Summer School is the demonstration and discussion of classical morphological-systematic field methods and of molecular methods for recording and characterization of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (PGRFA). The role of ex situ and in situ agrobiodiversity conservation concepts will be discussed as well as conservation measures in governmental and non-governmental organizations and institutions. The seminar will address the question how recording and documentation of biodiversity in the home countries of the applicants can contribute to the international concepts.
Please visit the Website http://www.agrar.uni-kassel.de/ink/?c=164 for more information on the Summer School and on how to apply. If there are any further question write to email hidden; JavaScript is required.
Crop diversity strengthens livelihoods in periurban Hyderabad
In periurban Hyderabad, India, leafy vegetables are increasingly grown along the Musi River and sold in urban markets. This agricultural biodiversity can significantly help urban and periurban farmers become more resilient to the impacts of such changes. Read this article (pdf 5.5 MB) in the latest issue of Urban Agriculture Magazine.
Prestigious Prize for Agrobiodiversity Researcher
Dr Andy Jarvis, a researcher with CIAT and Bioversity International has been awarded the Ebbe-Nielsen Prize for his achievement in agrobiodiversity research. Andy has produced groundbreaking studies on the importance of conserving underutilized crops and crop wild relatives, and has used geographic modeling to predict the impact of climate change on agriculture. Using this novel technology, Andy and his team also mapped the distribution of hundreds of important underutilized species, evaluated their state of conservation, and provided practical suggestions for their long-term conservation. The studies resulted in some unsettling predictions of what climate change will do to these wild species, many of which have valuable genetic traits that can be used to improve domesticated crops and enhance global food production.
Congratulations, Andy, from the team at Crops for the Future!
Read more in CIAT’s Newsletter.
European Seed Research – request for information
From Dave Aplin:
I am carrying out some work for the European Native Seed Conservation Network (ENSCONET), specifically researching the future research requirements in Europe (and elsewhere) for well-documented samples of wild-collected, native European seed. We are keen to identify research that could be encouraged or enhanced by access to such high-quality seed samples.
Furthermore, (a) would this research need material collected from across the continent or just from specific regions, (b) what data (other than standard date, location, general ecology and sampling) would need to be recorded, and (c) what quantities of seed would be required?
In the past, collection of native seeds in Europe by seed banks in botanic gardens and universities has been carried out primarily with conservation in mind. Consequently, researchers have had to make do with the material on offer rather than that tailored to their needs. We would like to turn this around and develop a dialogue with both state and private research to explore needs and thereby create opportunities for research that might otherwise be expensive or impossible to carry out.
I look forward to hearing from you,
Dr. Dave Aplin
ENSCONET
Ethnobotany of Pohnpei
Ethnobotany of Pohnpei examines the relationship between plants, people, and traditional culture on Pohnpei, one of the four island members of the Federated States of Micronesia. Traditional culture is still very strong on Pohnpei and is biodiversity-dependent, relying on both its pristine habitats and managed landscapes; native and introduced plants and animals; and extraordinary marine life. This book is the result of a decade of research by a team of local people and international specialists carried out under the direction of the Mwoalen Wahu Ileilehn Pohnpei (Pohnpei Council of Traditional Leaders). It discusses the uses of the native and introduced plant species that have sustained human life on the island and its outlying atolls for generations, including Piper methysticum (locally known as sakau and recognized throughout the Pacific as kava), which is essential in defining cultural identity for Pohnpeians. The work also focuses on ethnomedicine, the traditional medical system used to address health conditions, and its associated beliefs.
Published in association with The New York Botanical Garden March 2009
ISBN 978-0-8248-3293-3 / $28.00 (PAPER)
Here the University of Hawaii Press link to the book’s webpage: www.uhpress.hawaii.edu
Here the link to a notice on the University of Hawaii Press blog: uhpress.wordpress.com
Geneflow 2007
Geneflow is an annual magazine that contributes to promoting awareness of the importance of the Earth’s agricultural biodiversity and the role it plays in improving people’s lives and livelihoods. It is produced by Bioversity International, but carries stories from all around the globe, from a wide range of sources including national, regional and international development agencies, non-governmental organizations and research workers.
Download the publication (3 MB) from bioversityinternational.org
Now Geneflow is looking for contributions to “Geneflow 2009″
Dear Colleagues:
We are gathering story ideas for the 2009 Geneflow. I would be grateful for any story ideas you might have.
Please send in your story ideas by June 30th at the very latest.
This year the feature section will focus on Guardians of Diversity- individuals who have dedicated their lives to conserving agricultural biodiversity. However, don’t feel you have to limit yourselves–we’ve got an extensive news section as well. I would especially appreciate stories that highlight the work of your partners.
Please remember that your stories must be accompanied with high quality digital images.
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
All the best
Ruth (email hidden; JavaScript is required)
International Doctoral Scholarships in Agrobiodiversity
The PhD Programme in Agrobiodiversity of the “Scuola Superiore Sant’ Anna” is aimed at the enhancement of human resource capacities in the use and management of genetic variation in agricultural and natural systems, in order to improve the sustainability of agricultural systems and the conservation of genetic resources for the well-being of present and future generations.
The Programme is structured in the following curricula:
Curriculum A – Plant genetic resources: teaching and research activities take place in ENEA Research Center at “La Casaccia”, a few kilometres from Rome;
Curriculum B – Functional biodiversity in agroecosystems : teaching and research activities take place in Pisa, at Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies.
Admission Requirements
- possession of a Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree or equivalent title in Experimental Sciences, at an Italian or foreign university and ssession of a Degree awarded after, at least, a four-year course in Experimental Sciences;
- to be younger than 35 years (date of birth after 15 July 1974), older than 35 may be exceptionally admitted by the Admission Committee.
Positions and grants
6 positions with 6 fellowships (the net amount is € 12.500, all inclusive):
the first 4 (four) eligible candidates of Curriculum A and the first 2 (two) eligible candidates of Curriculum B will be awarded a scholarship. The School may also admit eligible candidates up to a maximum number of 2 positions.
Deadlines
applications must be submitted on line by July 15, 2009, 12 pm GMT at www.sssup.it/phdapplicationonline
a hardcopy of the application (signed by the candidate), together with the enclosures requested, must reach by July 30, 2009:
Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna
Divisione Formazione Universitaria e alla Ricerca
Piazza Martiri della Libertà 33
56127 PISA, Italy
More information: www.sssup.it/ …
Promoting value chains of neglected and underutilized species for pro-poor growth and biodiversity conservation
Margret Will; 2008; Global Facilitation Unit for Underutilized Species (GFU), Rome, Italy 2008This publication has been commissioned by the Global Facilitation Unit for Underutilized Species (GFU), created to ease and increase information and knowledge exchange in the field of neglected and underutilized species (NUS).
GFU’s mission is to promote and facilitate the sustainable deployment of underutilized plant species to increase food security and alleviate poverty among the rural and urban poor. Its objective is to support and strengthen organizations and networks working on different aspects of underutilized species through:
- providing improved access to information and financial resources;
- increasing public awareness on the role of underutilized species for improving livelihoods; and
- giving advice to policy-makers on how to create an enabling policy environment for the deployment of underutilized species.
By doing so, GFU aims to attract an increasing number of assistance agencies, research institutions, extension services, policy- and decision-makers to include neglected and underutilized species in their development programmes.
Download document here. Further information about GFU’s marketing studies is available from here.