Annual report 1997-1998

Biodiversity
Maintaining a Balance

"Biodiversity, the planet's most valuable resource, is on loan to us from our children."
Biodiversity II Understanding and Protecting Our Biological Resources

Using the Earth's biodiversity judiciously is vital for maintaining food security and reducing poverty. Global cooperation -- from farmers to governments -- is critical for maintaining the balance across the rice landscape.

Fifteen years ago, the term "biodiversity" had not even been coined. Today, it is a household word and a focus of concern for the general public. From the landscape to the species to the gene, biodiversity is the foundation of our planet's health and humanity's future food supply.

Agriculture, although sometimes seen as a foe of biodiversity, has its very roots in biological diversity and could not exist without it. In fact, agricultural landscapes teem with life and are complex, fascinating systems.

The permanency of the food base on which we depend, today and for generations to come, depends on caring for and wisely using the genetic diversity of rice and the natural resources of its landscape.

Simply stated, we must maintain the balance.

Biodiversity feature stories:

• Delivering Diversity to the Field
• Beyond Rice: Wide Crosses Broaden Gene Pool
• Using Biodiversity to Manage Pests
• Sharing the Seeds
• Teaching People to Save Seeds
• Cultural Diversity Through Genetic Diversity
• The Geometry of Rice
• Information about 1997-98 Biodiversity Corporate Report

Gold Award from ACE

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