“Lo que la tierra nos da” A photobook on efforts for the conservation of Bolivia’s agrobiodiversity

Corine Quinn I June 13, 2012

On Friday, June 15^th FAO will launch the new photobook “Lo que la tierra nos da.” The book documents and shares Bolivia’s rich diversity of biological systems and genetic resources, and their strong relationship with the rural people. The book is part of a broader effort to promote the conservation and use of agro-biological diversity for long-term food sustainibility. The diversity of plants and breeds has emerged as an irreplaceable resource for agriculture and food, and vital for all humankind.

The Government of Bolivia, the Italian Development Cooperation, and FAO have joined efforts to strengthen national policies and public management system of genetic resources in Bolivia. In the past ten years, their collaborative work has dramatically improved Bolivian capacity to store, conserve, characterize and use genetic resources, making Bolivia an example in the region.

CSDI’s implementation and support of communication strategies and tools in Bolivia have continued to play an important role in these efforts. Since 2009, the CSDI project has promoted community mobilization, access to information and dialogue for knowledge sharing between farming communities and technical institutions to preserve and promote Bolivia’s valuable agrobiodiversity and farming cultural heritage. The combined efforts of all constituents has secured the path for future generations to benefit from greater access to, and knowledge of, the diversity of species and varieties in the country.