By Prensa Latina,
United Nations : A high ranking UN official explained that the biological wealth of the planet is of prime importance to confront the worst food crisis in modern history.
In a declaration released at the UN headquarters in New York, the deputy director general of the UN for Agriculture and Food (FAO), Alexander Muller, referred to the importance of biodiversity for food security.
Muller added his concern over the loss last century of almost three quarters of genetic varieties of agricultural crops as well as the threat of extinction of 7,000 species of animals.
The FAO official called attention to the fact that only 12 crops and 14 animal species supply most of the planet’s food.
Muller added that decreased genetic diversity means a lower opportunity for growth and innovations necessary to increase agricultural production.
The declaration of the FAO official coincides with the inauguration in Bonn, Germany, of a world conference on the subject.