Abstract:
Biodiversity is vital to the well-functioning of the food system while the reality is that the current food system is exacerbating biodiversity loss. Based on understanding the global trends in biodiversity loss, this study is dedicated to systematically elaborating on the negative impact of the food system on biodiversity by linking the food system and the five direct drivers of biodiversity loss identified by IPBES. This study argued that the underlying cause for the threat posed by the current food system to biodiversity was the absence of common goals among stakeholders and the lack of incentives and mechanisms to bring them together. In this regard, after a thorough examination of the global agenda on sustainable development, food system, and biodiversity governance, this study proposed the nature-positive transition goal and 12 action directions for food system transition. They were put forward in the hope of building consensus among governments, industries, businesses, and other sectors, and accelerating the making of relevant policies or strategies onwards. Finally, it was demonstrated that inputs of policy, funds, and technology were indispensable elements for every successful transition of the food system. In this way, this study summarized key points and opportunities for each element and advocates that all stakeholders should take actions timely and jointly to embrace a nature-positive food system.