The feasibility, effectiveness and benefits of mitigation and adaptation actions are increased when multi-sectoral solutions are undertaken that cut across systems. When such options are combined with broader sustainable development objectives, they can yield greater benefits for human well-being, social equity and justice, and ecosystem and planetary health (IPCC, 2023).
Biodiversity plays a critical role in food systems as it underpins ecosystem functioning, as well as through the provisioning of ecosystem services and benefits that are critical for business operations and business models. For such operations to contribute to key biodiversity targets - such as the 23 global 2030 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework targets and the targets under the Global Framework on Chemicals - there is a need to align private sector sustainability goals with coherent and consistent reporting standards, outcome-based frameworks, and schemes related to biodiversity in agricultural landscapes at national and regional levels. Meanwhile, to ensure progress towards a nature-positive agricultural transformation, governments also require clearer methodologies for measuring impacts on, and dependencies from, biodiversity.
UNEP will draw on several current projects and active partnerships to advance the harmonization of integrated policies and provide scientific leadership through guidance on the assessment and measurement of agricultural systems. Through collaboration with relevant UN agencies and teams, the Food Systems Coordination Hub, and through engagement with business decision leaders; UNEP will play a leading role in working towards the creation of a sustainable and resilient food system that benefits people and the environment alike. A foundational premise of the approach is that food systems transformation will enable public and private sectors to support the achievement of multiple goals across the Multilateral Environment Agreements (MEAs), with specific focus on the Global Biodiversity Framework and Global Framework on Chemicals, as well as progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals and National Food Systems Pathways.
UNEP will leverage the existing body of work and track record in the development and application of assessment methodologies such as the TEEB Agrifood Framework and Life Cycle approaches and assessments to support decision makers in shaping policy and strategic interventions. Ensuring that UNEP’s interventions and technical support are supported by evidence-based assessment will contribute to the achievement of positive impacts across not only environmental but also socio-economic outcomes.
