Biodiversity for Food and Nutrition Project Sri Lanka

International Symposium on Biodiversity and Dietary Diversity for Food & Nutrition Security - Sri Lanka

Micronutrient deficiencies in developing countries continue to be addressed largely through single‐nutrient based interventions without much success. On the other hand, rapid environmental changes are associated with the worsening global food, nutrition and health situation. Overpopulation, ecosystem destruction and loss of biodiversity, food production strategies that focus on few crops – maize, rice and wheat, resulting in reduced consumption of legumes, fruits and vegetables are associated with negative health impacts. Food based strategies are key to addressing global hunger and malnutrition, and maintaining biodiversity in the food systems is essential for ensuring food security, adequate nutrition and health.
International Symposium on Biodiversity and Dietary Diversity for Food & Nutrition Security held on the 8th December 2014, in Colombo Sri Lanka addressed the nutritional importance of the diverse foods available in our environment which has been neglected as technological options focus on few staple foods to address global food security and hunger. Despite attempts made in reducing global hunger, there remains a formidable health challenge posed by obesity and other non-communicable diseases and nutrient deficiencies.

However, success of these strategies requires aggressive promotion of indigenous foods with nutritional and health protecting properties. Re-introduction and effective utilization of biodiversity used in traditional and indigenous food systems into nutrition intervention strategies will maximize food security, better nutrition and health. The symposium addressed the linkages among agriculture, biodiversity, nutrition, food consumption and food security. The symposium enabled around 120 local participants from multiple disciplines to widen their knowledge and to plan future research activities by sharing the experience with international and local speakers. The multi diverse forum included international and national dignitaries, representing recognized institutions; Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nationals (FAO), Bioversity, Rome, São Pulo University, University of Peradeniya & Wayamba University of Sri Lanka.

International Symposium on Biodiversity and Dietary Diversity for Food & Nutrition Security - Book