Dietary biodiversity and crop-fish systems

1. Dietary biodiversity and crop-fish systems Dietary biodiversity and crop-fish systems Barbara Burlingame, ESNA Matthias Halwart, FIRI Barbara Burlingame, ESNA Matthias Halwart, FIRI

2. Issues • Dietary energy supply can be satisfied without diversity • Micronutrient supply (including essential fatty acids and amino acids) cannot • Wild and domesticated species and intraspecies biodiversity play key roles in global food security • Different species or varieties have significantly different nutrient contents

3. Traditional use and availability of aquatic biodiversity in rice-based ecosystems Source: Balzer, Balzer, Pon, 2002; Luo, in press; Xaypladeth, in press

4. Fish nutrients (per 100 g fresh wt)

5. Biodiversity and Nutrient Content - variations in essential fatty acid content of selected aquatic species:

6. Rice Cultivar Differences in Nutrient Content Source: Kennedy, G.; Burlingame, B. (2003). Analysis of food composition data on rice from a plant genetic resources perspective. Food Chemistry 80:589-596.

7. International Rice Commission The Commission recommended that: • Existing biodiversity of rice varieties and their nutritional composition need to be explored before engaging in transgenics. • Nutrient content needs to be among the criteria in cultivar promotion. • Cultivar-specific nutrient analysis and data dissemination should be systematically undertaken. • Biodiversity questions and/or prompts should be included in food consumption surveys • Acquiring nutrient data and intake data for varieties is essential in order to understand the impact of biodiversity on food security FAO (2002). Report of the International Rice Commission 20th Session (23-26 July 2002, Bangkok). FAO, Rome.

8. International Rice Commission The Commission recommended that: • Member countries should promote the sustainable development of aquatic biodiversity in rice-based ecosystems and policy decisions and management measures should enhance the living aquatic resource base. • In areas where wild fish are depleted, rice-fish farming should be considered as a means of enhancing food security and securing sustainable rural development. • Attention should be given to the nutritional contribution of aquatic organisms in the diet of rural people who produce or depend on rice. FAO (2002). Report of the International Rice Commission 20th Session (23-26 July 2002, Bangkok). FAO, Rome.

9. Recommendations for Action IRC recommendations serve as model • Locally • Nationally • Regionally • Internationally (CGRFA)

10. Thank you Thank you