From numbers to policy in Asia: How the Agrobiodiversity Index unveils opportunities to achieve sustainable development

China is well positioned to conserve underutilized crops, according to the findings of the Agrobiodiversity Index. Significant progress has been made throughout the years that involve supporting local seed systems, in-situ conservation, and access and benefit sharing – providing evidence to create robust policies and strategies.

Balancing development while conserving rich biodiversity resources is a challenge faced by many countries around the world, particularly in areas of accelerated urban development such as China. Growing urban populations require more housing and improved transportation. This is pushing governments to give up important agriculture and forest land to accommodate these demands and other needs.  This development causes a rapid decline in natural resources available to sustain and improve agroecosystem health.