The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity for Agriculture and Food (TEEBAgriFood) assesses today's intricate eco-agri-food systems. These systems, vital for growing our food and supporting countless jobs, intertwine with natural processes and are influenced by economic, social, technological, and cultural factors. However, much scientific research narrows on individual components without adequately connecting them to form a holistic understanding. This oversight leads to policies that may address specific issues in isolation but fail to consider broader social and environmental impacts, often with unintended consequences.
TEEBAgriFood advocates for a systemic approach to overcome the limitations of siloed research and policy-making. Acknowledging the interconnectedness of various sectors, it aims to foster beneficial policies on a larger scale. The initiative emphasizes the importance of integrating knowledge across disciplines and considering all aspects of food systems — including those not easily quantified in monetary terms — to guide better decision-making.
With its comprehensive evaluation framework, TEEBAgriFood seeks to better understand the complexities of eco-agri-food systems. This approach highlights the value of considering both monetary and non-monetary factors and stresses the need for resilience and cross-sectoral cooperation. Ultimately, TEEBAgriFood's goal is to improve the sustainability and resilience of our food systems for the benefit of current and future generations by promoting informed and integrated decision-making.
