The CGIAR Nature-Positive Solutions Initiative’s groundbreaking work was a big draw at the recent biodiversity conference in Colombia, COP16. From research and community engagement to apps and artworks, the Initiative underscored its relevance to global biodiversity action. But agrobiodiversity still needs greater prioritization under the Convention on Biological Diversity. Top image: One of 24 artworks by The Lexicon presented at
An innovative initiative in Loumbila, Burkina Faso, places neglected and underutilized species (NUS) at the heart of agroecological practices. Led by the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT and Mani Tese ONG, the project empowers women by equipping them with skills in food processing, quality standards and sustainable practices. By revitalizing local women’s groups and upgrading processing facilities, this initiative
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
CGIAR’s NATURE+ Initiative’s work package MANAGE initiative demonstrated impactful results through 2024 by integrating research and community collaboration to promote nature-positive agriculture. Operating in five countries—Burkina Faso, Colombia, India, Kenya, and Vietnam—MANAGE emphasizes sustainable practices to conserve agrobiodiversity, restore landscapes, and enhance food security through innovative technologies, local engagement and construction of agrobiodiversity-based value chains. Among many other highlights, In
CGIAR’s NATURE+ Initiative work package RESTORE made significant progress in farm- and landscape-level restoration, integrating research with innovative tools to address degraded rural ecosystems. Operating in five countries—Burkina Faso, Colombia, India, Kenya, and Vietnam—the program employs tools like Diversity for Restoration (D4R) and My Farm Trees to align local restoration efforts with broader biodiversity and ecosystem goals. One of RESTORE’s
CGIAR’s NATURE+ Initiative’s work package RECYCLE pioneered research-based circular bioeconomy (CBE) practices to transform agricultural and food waste into sustainable solutions. Operating in five countries—Burkina Faso, Colombia, India, Kenya, and Vietnam—the program combines scientific innovation with local engagement to promote nature-positive farming and sustainable livelihoods. Key achievements include the incentivizing and training of Black Soldier Fly farming for organic fertilizer
CGIAR’s NATURE+ Initiative’s work package ENGAGE made significant progress in policy and community engagement to promote nature-positive solutions. Operating in five countries—Burkina Faso, Colombia, India, Kenya, and Vietnam— ENGAGE combines research on food systems, gender dynamics, and community governance to support sustainable development and agrobiodiversity conservation. Among several highlights, a ENGAGE research revealed the hidden social and environmental costs of
Converting organic waste into fertilizer and animal protein with Black Soldier Flies (BSF) is one key component of the CGIAR Nature-Positive Solutions Initiative’s RECYCLE work package. This low-cost solution requires minimal labor and land and simultaneously addresses multiple environmental, productivity and financial challenges faced by smallholders. Composting organic waste reduces its environmental impact by converting it into material suitable for