Agricultural diversity in coping with climate change

Agricultural biodiversity provides many benefits to humans including food security, nutrition and livelihoods. In addition, the genetic diversity of agro-biodiversity gives species the ability to adapt to the changing environment, as well as increase their resistance against certain diseases and pests. Maintenance of crop genetic resources, domesticated and in the wild is therefore essential to ensure sustainable production of food and other agricultural products, to enhance ecosystem services and to allow adaptation to the change, including climate change.