CIHEAM Zaragoza promotes legume biodiverstiy at COP29
CIHEAM hosts side event in the Mediterranean Pavilion at COP29, highlighting climate solutions rooted in Mediterranean food traditions
19 November 2024.- CIHEAM Zaragoza took part in the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29), held in Baku (Azerbaijan), to address the importance of local legume varieties in achieving biodiversity and promoting market scalability in Mediterranean agriculture.
This involvement was part of a side event organised by CIHEAM Secretariat General in the Mediterranean Pavilion, an initiative dedicated to fostering dialogue on climate challenges affecting the Mediterranean region.
The event, titled “Harnessing the power of legumes: Climate solutions rooted in Mediterranean food tradition”, was held online on 19 November. It highlighted the environmental and economic benefits of legumes, emphasizing their potential to mitigate climate change and support sustainable food systems.
“Local legume varieties have been cultivated for centuries in the Mediterranean region, making them uniquely adapted to specific climatic conditions such as drought tolerance, heat resistance, and resilience to pests and diseases”, noted Joaquín Balduque, Project Manager at CIHEAM Zaragoza, during the webinar. “These characteristics make them ideal for low-input farming systems, reducing farmers’ reliance on chemical inputs and conserving natural resources, which in turn positively impacts biodiversity.”
The BELIS project: Advancing genetic progress for legume crops
The discussion further spotlighted the BELIS project, a Horizon Europe initiative in which CIHEAM Zaragoza is a key international partner. BELIS focuses on enhancing the scalability and competitiveness of Mediterranean agriculture through advancements in legume breeding.
This multi-actor consortium includes research and technical institutes, plant breeders, seed companies, and other stakeholders from 18 countries, including Mediterranean nations such as Spain, France, Italy, and Lebanon.
The aim of BELIS is to improve breeding methodologies and governance structures, and to establish conditions that ensure the efficient transfer of genetic advancements to breeders, the seed industry, farmers, and related sectors.
“In essence, BELIS creates the framework to drive significant genetic progress in legume crops, ensuring that improved varieties are readily available to meet cultivation demands”, stressed Balduque.
