Food awareness organization ProVeg International has been granted Observer Status to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), a global treaty that aims to conserve biodiversity and promote the sustainable use of biological resources. The organization will now be eligible to participate in CBD meetings, potentially influencing food policies worldwide.
The treaty has recognized ProVeg for its work in the field of conservation and biodiversity, which includes promoting evidence-based solutions to make agri-food systems healthier and less resource-intensive. For example, ProVeg supports farmers in cultivating protein-rich crops through the EU-funded Smart Protein Project, and is increasing the amount of plant-based food available in schools through the School Plates program.
ProVeg has previously gained Observer Status at the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Additionally, the organization is accredited at the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA) and holds special consultative status with the UN’s Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
“Plant-based foods play a vital role”
ProVeg’s recognition by the Convention on Biological Diversity highlights the growing awareness of the impact of the food system on biodiversity. A report published by GFI Europe last year found that widespread adoption of alternative proteins could free up a significant amount of agricultural land, boosting biodiversity and creating more habitats for wildlife. Meanwhile, another publication by Green Alliance concluded that reducing meat and dairy consumption by 45% would increase UK wildlife populations by more than 80% by 2050.
A recent report by the World Bank found that conventional agriculture contributes to soil degradation, deforestation, biodiversity loss, ocean acidification, and pollution. Additionally, a PETA study published in April indicates that vegan organic farming could slash land use from 14 million hectares to 5 million hectares, protecting biodiversity and reducing emissions.
“This is a fantastic achievement, allowing ProVeg to highlight how dietary choices are one of the most effective ways to protect Earth’s incredible biodiversity,” said Lana Weidgenant, Senior UN Policy Manager at ProVeg. “Plant-based foods play a vital role in reducing the destruction wrought by intensive animal agriculture on our forests, rivers, and seas. Our new Observer Status at the Convention on Biological Diversity meetings will allow us to highlight this with a view to influencing food policy around the world.”
