NATURE+ CONSERVE: Advancing agrobiodiversity conservation. Work package highlights 2022-2024

CGIAR’s NATURE+ Initiative’s work package CONSERVE made notable progress over three years in promoting nature-positive solutions through research and community action for agrobiodiversity, water, and soil conservation. Active in five countries—Burkina Faso, Colombia, India, Kenya, and Vietnam—the program integrates cutting-edge research with local engagement and digital tools to support sustainable agricultural practices.

Among many highlights, the CONSERVE partnered with local Indigenous communities to research and conserve neglected and underutilized crop landraces using digital tools, combining citizen science with traditional knowledge. Students and smallholders played a pivotal role, demonstrating the effectiveness of grassroots participation in agrobiodiversity conservation. The Initiative and partners expanded the reach of digital tools, documenting hundreds of crop varieties while fostering awareness of climate challenges and sustainable farming practices.

As CONSERVE transitions into the CGIAR Research Portfolio 2025-2030, it aims to build on these successes by scaling its initiatives and expanding into new countries. With its focus on collaboration and innovation, CONSERVE continues to shape resilient, sustainable agricultural systems in several additional countries.

Please read our CONSERVE work package report here: NATURE+ CONSERVE 2022-2024