Protecting biodiversity and securing our future: How IRRI champions diversity in rice systems 

By Bushra Humaira

As the world faces increasing climate challenges, biodiversity is emerging as one of most important components for future-proofing our planet. Biodiversity plays a critical role in sustaining life on Earth as it safeguards our ecosystem. On this International Day for Biological Diversity, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is working towards protecting and promoting biodiversity in rice-based agrifood systems to ensure global food security for half of the world’s population.

Why it matters

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth. This natural wealth forms the foundation of healthy ecosystems, resilient agriculture, and human well-being.

However, global biodiversity is under threat. Climate change, habitat destruction, pollution, monoculture farming, unsustainable practices, and industrial expansion are accelerating the loss of species and ecosystems. For agriculture, especially rice farming, it means that this loss can translate into lesser genetic resources, fewer crop options, increased vulnerability to pests and diseases, and degraded soil and water systems.

At the same time, global population growth continues to increase demand for food, making the resilience of our agricultural systems a top priority.

Biodiversity in agrifood system helps meet this challenge in several critical ways:

• Climate adaptation and mitigation: Genetic diversity enables the development of rice varieties that tolerate abiotic stresses (e.g., drought, flooding, salinity, cold and heat) and resist abiotic stresses (pest and disease). Sustainable and diversified cropping systems (e.g., optimal soil and water management, short duration rice, and rice-non rice cropping systems) reduce GHG emissions from agriculture.

• Food and nutrition security: Traditional and wild rice varieties often contain higher levels of nutrients and can contribute to more diverse diets and better health.

• Pest and disease resistance: Biodiverse systems are more robust natural protections against pest and disease outbreaks, reducing reliance on chemical pesticides.

• Soil and water health: Diverse cropping systems and sustainable practices contribute to healthier ecosystems and conservation of soil, land, water, and other natural resources

• Economic development. Agricultural diversification including the cultivation of traditional rice varieties supports income, employment, ecotourism, and ecosystem services thereby contributing to economic growth.