Environmental health and biodiversity
The world needs better management of water, soil, nutrients, and biodiversity in crop, livestock, and fisheries systems, coupled with higher-order landscape considerations as well as circular economy and agroecological approaches.
CIMMYT and CGIAR use modern digital tools to bring together state-of-the-art Earth system observation and big data analysis to inform co-design of global solutions and national policies.
Our maize and wheat genebanks preserve the legacy of biodiversity, while breeders and researchers look at ways to reduce the environmental footprint of agriculture.
Ultimately, our work helps stay within planetary boundaries and limit water use, nutrient use, pollution, undesirable land use change, and biodiversity loss.
Why Conserving Biodiversity Is Crucial to Prevent Future Pandemics
Climate adaptation and mitigation
Source: The Wire (14 Apr 2020)
Biodiversity loss creates new opportunities for pathogens to move from one species to another.
Arms Race Part 1: Ug99
Environmental health and biodiversity
Source: Plantopia (9 Apr 2020)
CIMMYT senior scientist Dave Hodson discusses striking parallels between wheat rust and global human epidemics on new podcast.
Safeguarding biodiversity is essential to prevent the next COVID-19
Environmental health and biodiversity
Experts share their insights on the link between biodiversity loss and emerging infectious diseases.
Systems thinking at work in South Asia’s food production
Environmental health and biodiversity
New blog published by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs argues that balancing food security, rural livelihoods, water for agriculture and air quality need not be a zero-sum game.
Why heirloom tortillas are an endangered species
Environmental health and biodiversity
Source: Maclean's (6 Mar 2020)
Preserving ancient maize landraces in Mexico is key for biodiversity, food security and future sustainability.
One-minute science: Trent Blare and blue maize products
Environmental health and biodiversity
Consumers near Mexico City perceived blue maize tortillas to taste better. They were willing to pay up to a third more to buy them for special family events or to consume them in restaurants.
Pests and diseases and climate change: Is there a connection?
Climate adaptation and mitigation
Although farmers have been battling pests and diseases since the dawn of agriculture, experts warn that climate change could accelerate or expand their spread.
‘Sharing’ or ‘sparing’ land?
Environmental health and biodiversity
How can we feed more people while protecting nature and biodiversity?
Growers issued yellow rust warning
Environmental health and biodiversity
Source: Dawn (6 Feb 2020)
CIMMYT warns wheat-growing farmers in Pakistan to watch for yellow rust disease.
A wake-up call for the fertilizer industry
Climate adaptation and mitigation
At international conference, plant nutrition experts highlight the important role of sustainability.
Policy brief highlights opportunities to promote balanced nutrient management in South Asia
Environmental health and biodiversity
CSISA publishes policy and research note on how to develop balanced nutrient management innovations in the region.
Nurture soil as our food and climate insurance
Climate adaptation and mitigation
Soil conservation means food security for farmers in Malawi.
Corn Fed: A Tortilla Revolution in Queens
Environmental health and biodiversity
Source: Culinary Backstreets (2 Dec 2019)
Food entrepreneur worked with CIMMYT researcher to create a fair market for farmers with surplus heirloom maize in Mexico.
New tools guide interventions against acid soils in Africa using lime
Capacity development
Experts are developing data and dashboards to advise policymakers about the cost and feasibility of liming to increase maize productivity.
Blue maize is all the rage, but are consumers willing to pay?
Environmental health and biodiversity
Study gives insight into Mexican consumers’ preferences and demand for blue maize tortillas.