Asia and the Pacific is one of the world’s most biodiverse regions, with 17 global biodiversity hotspots and diverse ecosystems, from mountains and deserts to wetlands, tropical forests, and coral reefs. This rich natural capital underpins the region’s food systems plus its economies, climate, health and wellbeing. However, the loss of nature has been extreme, and this loss now threatens 63% of the region’s GDP. Agricultural expansion and intensification have transformed landscapes, resulting in lost ecosystems, reduced biodiversity, depleted soils, and pollution of water bodies.

Climate change, with rising temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns, and extreme weather events, is further disrupting ecosystems and agriculture, potentially reducing productivity of some crops by up to 50% by 2050. This triple crisis—climate change, food insecurity, and biodiversity loss— disproportionately impacts the poor, affecting a region with 70% of the world’s malnourished children and over 300 million people already facing food insecurity. To address these challenges, it is crucial to recognize the true value of nature and transform food systems. Regenerative agriculture and nature-based solutions can preserve natural capital and improve food security amidst climate change.

This Training Workshop on Nature and Agriculture: Policies, Economic Valuation, and Nature-based Solutions aims to achieve the following learning outcomes for participants:

1. Understanding Agrifood Systems and Nature: Gain a deeper insight into the interconnectedness of food systems and the natural environment, including how agricultural production, food security, and nutrition depend on biodiversity and ecosystem health.

2. Incorporating Ecosystem Values: Develop an enhanced understanding of the importance of integrating ecosystem values into economic analysis, ensuring that investment decisions reflect the true value of nature.

3. Applying Nature-Based Solutions: Improve skills in identifying, evaluating, and selecting effective nature-based solutions for the agricultural sector. Learn about regenerative agricultural practices by drawing on global and regional best practices.

4. Utilizing Policies and Tools: Acquire knowledge on applying policies, systems, and tools—such as natural capital accounting and market-based instruments—to protect and restore nature while advancing sustainable agriculture and rural livelihoods.