Agriculture and Biodiversity

Sustainability in food, farming and biodiversity will crucially determine the future of humanity. This concerns the sectors of food production, agriculture and forestry, energy crop cultivation, fisheries and aquaculture. Production in these sectors must find ways to preserve natural landscapes, conserve species diversity and maintain agrobiodiversity. Our researchers pursue cross-cutting approaches to develop viable solutions – these may involve regulatory schemes, economic incentives, consumer information or voluntary corporate responsibility.

We research innovative strategies for conserving biodiversity, making sustainable use of biogenic resources and promoting healthy nutrition. A notable example is the role of biomass use for climate change mitigation in the transport and energy sectors, and the impacts upon agriculture and biodiversity (to learn more: www.oeko.de/service/bio). We analyse the possible contributions made and risks engendered by agricultural genetic engineering. In all of our work we take account of legal, economic and social aspects beside the natural sciences.

Research priorities

• Agricultural genetic engineering
• Fisheries and aquaculture
• International biodiversity policy
• Agrobiodiversity
• Food