In 2025, the Colombian Institute of Family Welfare (ICBF) and the University of Antioquia presented the Dietary Guide for the Colombian Population based on Biodiversity and Real Food. This document is not a single recipe or just another technical manual: it is the result of a participatory process with communities from the country’s 13 food-relatedContinue reading “The New Food Guide for Colombia: Biodiversity, identity, and health at the table”
Category Archives: Indigenous Knowledge
Somos restaurant: Ecuadorian born, globally inspired sustainable gastronomy
During my trip to Ecuador in late June, I dined at Somos Restaurant, in Quito, Ecuador. The theme of Somos restaurant is “Ecuadorian Born, Globally Inspired.” Somos restaurant specializes in preparing locally-available, indigenous foods and advocates for sustainable gastronomy. Here are some photos of the impressive restaurant, including the delicious dishes we sampled from theContinue reading “Somos restaurant: Ecuadorian born, globally inspired sustainable gastronomy”
The açaí berry: The journey from the Amazon rainforest to your table
The story of açaí begins in the depths of the Amazon rainforest, where local tribes regarded it as a precious source of energy and vitality. It’s no coincidence that the name “açaí” means “fruit that cries” in the Tupi language, referring to how the pulp flows from the fruit. For generations, Amazonian communities have harvested these smallContinue reading “The açaí berry: The journey from the Amazon rainforest to your table”
Biodiversity on our plate: The health and nutrition connection
“A diverse diet is a healthy diet. Research has shown that increasing the number of species and varieties we grow and consume can deliver a full range of nutrients and benefits to nourish human health. ” (Borelli and Hunter, 2024) “This is particularly urgent because our food systems fail to provide the nourishment we need. FoodContinue reading “Biodiversity on our plate: The health and nutrition connection”
Edible insects can contribute to sustainable food systems and global food security
Given the numerous positive attributes of edible insects, including a low environmental footprint, high food conversion ratio, rapid growth and nutritional values, a new review published in the journal Scientific Reports (2024) argues that consuming edible insects can play a vital role in promoting a more sustainable food system. Omuse et al. 2024 compiled andContinue reading “Edible insects can contribute to sustainable food systems and global food security”
May 22, 2024: International Day of Biodiversity (IDB): Be a Part of the Plan
“Be part of the Plan”, the theme of IDB 2024, is a call to action for all stakeholders to halt and reverse the loss of biodiversity by supporting the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, also referred to as the The Biodiversity Plan. International Day of Biodiversity (IDB) 2024: https://www.cbd.int/biodiversity-day The Biodiversity Plan offers opportunitiesContinue reading “May 22, 2024: International Day of Biodiversity (IDB): Be a Part of the Plan”
Pathways for Food Systems Transformation: New report
On the planet’s current trajectory, emissions from food systems alone will exceed 1.5°C between 2051-2063. A new report from the Food Systems Partnership – Pathways for food systems transformation – calls for food and agriculture to be central to global climate dialogue and negotiations. The report was launched on the fourth day of the Bonn Climate ChangeContinue reading “Pathways for Food Systems Transformation: New report”
International Day for Biological Diversity: Moving from Agreement to Action
May 22nd is the International Day for Biological Diversity. This year’s International Day for Biological Diversity is an especially significant one. “To Build Back Biodiversity, we must move from Agreement to Action.” We must implement the Framework and deliver on the promises for 2030 that are encapsulated in its 23 targets. Much must be done if weContinue reading “International Day for Biological Diversity: Moving from Agreement to Action”
Why beans? For people and the planet
“The possibilities for positive change in our food systems are endless! With focused and coordinated action we have the potential to create a more sustainable, resilient planet that provides good food for all.” See: Good Food for All – https://www.goodfood4all.org/ “Unfortunately, as cost, conflict, COVID, and climate continue to negatively impact the rates of hungerContinue reading “Why beans? For people and the planet”